Quiverfull family expecting 18th child: Is this crazy?

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Quiverfull family expecting 18th child: Is this crazy?

by Dropped_Shopper Posted December 04, 2008 20:51:45

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+21 raves

There are many ways to interpret the Bible, which leads to the formation of many different sects and movements. Quiverfull (sometimes spelled "quiverful") is a growing movement of Protestants who have latched onto this passage from Psalm 127:

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them.

Quiverful parents say that since children are blessings from God, we should receive as many as God will give. Therefore, Quiverful parents do not believe in using birth control or planning their family sizes. It is up to God to decide how many children to give the family. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are a quiverfull family who is expecting their 18th child in January 2009. Quiverful is not about having as large families, but about letting God decide how large the family will be. There are QF families with just a few children.

Now personally, I'm not sure how to tell the difference between a husband who wants sex and God saying that it's time to put another bun in the oven. I don't know how you can just completely disregard finances, house size, and the mother's quality of life (can't do many activities if you're pregnant all the time, right?) and just keep popping out baby after baby. I cannot understand a movement like Quiverfull, but I would like to hear your thoughts on it.

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+8 raves SparkleyPie *Mojo is my hom... December 04, 2008 21:13:29

Answered: I think that Quiverful...
As long as they make enough money to support all of them... whatever. It's not for me, though. I reached my limit at two.
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+1 raves
Laura March 30, 2009 14:43:54 (edited)

Answered: I think that Quiverful...
If a family has the resources to provide for a large family and the desire and strength of will to raise a bunch of kids, go for it, God says in the "quiverful" passage that Children are a blessing. The problem comes when you turn a statement of fact (Children are a blessing) and make it a command (You must have lots of kids to be blessed by God). The passage is a Psalm expressing the joy of a home full of children, not a command. If a family has the money needed to provide for 10 kids and the mother is a able to stay home and care for her house, their lifestyle is very happy or blessed. It should not be interpreted "have lots of kids then God will bless you"
Also, scripture must always be interpreted in light of other Scripture. Throughout Scripture we see God commanding us to care for the orphans, the widows. In the books of the Prophets God constantly is condemning Israel for having no concern for the oppressed. Honestly if you have 10 children of you own how can you adopt additonal children?(From what I've seen of quiverful they don't seem to encourage adoption, unless you are unable to have natural children) How can you support oppressed and starving people around the world, if you are paying for 10-20 children you brought into this world?
That all being said, I do think ...

If a family has the resources to provide for a large family and the desire and strength of will to raise a bunch of kids, go for it, God says in the "quiverful" passage that Children are a blessing. The problem comes when you turn a statement of fact (Children are a blessing) and make it a command (You must have lots of kids to be blessed by God). The passage is a Psalm expressing the joy of a home full of children, not a command. If a family has the money needed to provide for 10 kids and the mother is a able to stay home and care for her house, their lifestyle is very happy or blessed. It should not be interpreted "have lots of kids then God will bless you"
Also, scripture must always be interpreted in light of other Scripture. Throughout Scripture we see God commanding us to care for the orphans, the widows. In the books of the Prophets God constantly is condemning Israel for having no concern for the oppressed. Honestly if you have 10 children of you own how can you adopt additonal children?(From what I've seen of quiverful they don't seem to encourage adoption, unless you are unable to have natural children) How can you support oppressed and starving people around the world, if you are paying for 10-20 children you brought into this world?
That all being said, I do think most the time people don't have children for selfish reasons and if people lowered their standard of living, they would be able to have more natural children, adopt children, and help out our suffering brothers and sisters around the world. Worldwide equality of all people is the key (I Cor 8:1-15)
(more)
+1 raves
Beetlejuice (MCRmy) March 25, 2009 20:41:50

Answered: Quiverful is irresponsible and crazy!
I just lost alot of respect for the Duggar family. I always wondered why they dressed like (polygamist sects, not the normal) Mormons.
+1 raves
Backpacc March 25, 2009 16:40:04

Answered: Quiverful is irresponsible and crazy!
I am very scared....very scared....why they are having all those children is very scary
+1 raves
Rebecca December 30, 2008 17:09:38

Answered: Quiverful is irresponsible and crazy!
They will be putting so much more strain on the finite resources of the planet as it is. Gah! Eighteen kids....ick.
+1 raves
Shane - oldschoolelf December 30, 2008 17:06:29

Answered: I think that Quiverful...
If they feel they can pull it off, great. Their life, their choice. Right now I only have 3. Maybe one more later on, IDK
+1 raves
Cookielane December 29, 2008 16:10:40

Answered: Quiverful parents know what it means to follow the Bible and God's will.
I don't subscribe to this way of thinking, but I also don't like to criticize other Christians whose beliefs may differ from mine. The Duggars have a beautiful, happy family and I envy them that. As long as the state isn't paying for it, whose place is it to criticize?
+1 raves
DemonKiTTiE ♥ In MUSE I Tru... December 28, 2008 01:54:27

Answered: Quiverful is irresponsible and crazy!
I think anyone that goes beyond a dozen kids should be certifiable. Heck anyone that goes past half a dozen should at least be looked at. It's a little mind boggling to me.
+1 raves
TokioHotelherfan December 16, 2008 22:18:07

Answered: Quiverful is irresponsible and crazy!
A big family is a big clew!
+1 raves
Ed December 16, 2008 21:41:38

Answered: I think that Quiverful...
times have changed . But , it's not my place to judge whats best for them and there familys. If it works for them and is not a burden on us , go for it.
+1 raves
DrDave December 15, 2008 23:54:59

Answered: I think that Quiverful...
There is an assumption of being able to afford the children you produce. The patriarchs of the bible were rather well off according to scriptural accounts. Many of the patriarchs didn't start families until they had amassed possessions.

So have 'em if you can afford 'em.
+1 raves
Biochemist December 14, 2008 19:24:13

Answered: Quiverful is irresponsible and crazy!
How do they survive with such huge families? ARE THEY CRAZY!?!?!
+1 raves
socallocal December 12, 2008 01:28:53

Answered: I think that Quiverful...
...may fit some people and their lifestyle yet at the same time would only be considered an option if you could adequately raise children. The Dugger family apparently has the funds and the time to raise 18 children however I am infuriated that i as a taxpayer have to fund welfare families with too many children because they feel it's fine to have kids and force them to live a life of poverty. Just my .02
+1 raves
SurferJoe December 11, 2008 15:32:42

Answered: I think that Quiverful...
You should have as many wives as will love you, as many children as you can support.
+2 raves
Rebecca to SurferJoe December 30, 2008 17:08:28

As long as the women can vice-versa have as many husbands as will love them!
+1 raves
Extremist Dunderhead December 09, 2008 06:29:30

Answered: Quiverful parents know what it means to follow the Bible and God's will.
it's a spiritual thing ... to try to rationalize the irrational is .... is irrational! Westerners want the unexplainable explained ... take the Duggers ... they are who they are and aren't asking anyone to rationalize their (God's) choices. They are there for us to witness just like everything else God creates. It doesn't have to be explained, just observed ... is not God the author of creation? Think about this ... is he the author of your marriage? If so, you have nothing to worry about.
Incidentally, we have ten kids and couldn't imagine a better life. It's not about the money, clothes or the size of the house ... it's about seeing God provide in ways you can't even imagine. We didn't plan on ten, but we believe God is all about creation so we just let it happen ... and God provides the love and the grace and whatever else. Looking back (25 years now), it's been an incredibly interesting process, particularly in view of living in this self absorbed culture, in which we do.
And to think that's where I started out ... as a rational corporate exec ... you never know once God invades your life ... wow, what a ride! You should try it!
+1 raves
xLacyx December 09, 2008 02:22:38

Answered: I think that Quiverful...
If they can handle all of them and give ALL of their children the care needed then I see no promblem
+1 raves
YesWeCAn December 08, 2008 22:32:20

Answered: I think that Quiverful...
I think that Quiverful as a religion has a right to what they believe. If a big enormous family is something they accept then more power to them. If they are loving parents, then they will build a loving family. Abuse is not associated with size, but temperment, so that does not apply here. Children often learn good values from large families. Because they are not spoiled into a life of believing they are entitled to every whim, children from large families tend to be less selfish, more patient, and understanding of others. Children from large families tend to be self sufficient and learn the lost art of "pitching in" to help out their siblings and parents. Large families usually have many relatives that help too. Zero population growth will never happen. If you don't wish to birth a child, do not and let no one tell you that you are wrong, likewise for this family-if it is their journey to have a huge happy family let it be.
+1 raves
CMK December 07, 2008 23:56:13

Answered: I think that Quiverful...
I think it can be taken too far. My grandparents did not have access to birth control and they were Catholic. They had 10 children. At some point the parents are so busy providing for the family that SEX becomes something you don't do as often. I also think she's doing damage to her body and they are handling this like a contest for Ripley's or something. They have taken this too far clearly.
+1 raves
Alicia December 07, 2008 05:35:38

Answered: I think that Quiverful...
I think this is not in the best interests of the children. I have two sons, my husband made a very good living and I was a stay at home mom but it was especially difficult when they were both in college together. Finances apart I don't think parents could possibly spend a decent amount of time with each child which is what children need more than anything else, this situation has to be stressful on the parents and that has to carry over to the children.
+1 raves
twilightfan55 December 07, 2008 05:18:19

Answered: Quiverful parents know what it means to follow the Bible and God's will.
they can have as many kids as they want leave them alone
+2 raves
tibetsun December 06, 2008 21:39:57

Answered: Quiverful is irresponsible and crazy!
This is nuts! How can anyone afford to feed and clothe 18 children? Is this fair to the kids?
+1 raves
twiligh... to tibetsun December 07, 2008 05:17:36

they get help from the government duh!!!!!!
+1 raves
DemonKi... to twiligh... December 28, 2008 01:54:03

And they shouldn't be getting help from the government just because they want to keep having kids. Why should the tax payers be paying for their kids?
+3 raves
Sally to tibetsun July 26, 2009 23:47:42

If you knew more about what you are talking about it would help. They own and rent out several peices of property, they buy in bulk, they seldom buy new, their home, vehicles, everything in the home is paid for. They owe nothing or anyone. they built their own home together. How many of you with your little tiny families of one or two and both of you have to work to pay the bills can say the same??? I wish I was debt free. The people believe in keeping their kids away from the degrading, imoral ways of the rest of us. They marry within the Quiverfull groups, they simply believe in the old ways of living and following Gods plan. Either you are jealous or sorry you aren't one of them. This post is for all of you who don't know what you are talking about.
+1 raves
Petpeve December 06, 2008 17:43:12

Answered: I think that Quiverful...
I don't see any problem with quiverful parent's having as many children as the lord provides. From what I've seen of this particular family, they are very loving & caring. They also don't seem to have any problem with finances. If the mother is willing to continue to mother, and is happy with her choice, then who am I to tell her any different. It's very easy to judge what you might think will be best for someone other than yourself, but that isn't my choice.
+3 raves
metalmike13- Trust No One December 06, 2008 11:37:01

Answered: Quiverful is irresponsible and crazy!
Mix in a damn condom once in a while eh?
+2 raves
_Rebekah's Shadow_ December 06, 2008 07:05:31

Answered: I think that Quiverful...
Have the right to do as they wish But I think they are insane!
+2 raves
ray December 06, 2008 03:00:50

Answered: Quiverful is irresponsible and crazy!
moderation people. it isn't necessary for american citizens to have this many children in their biological family. if they really want to bring true "Christian" values into the world then they should look into foster care or adoption, instead of producing more.
+2 raves
lynny December 06, 2008 02:43:27

Answered: I think that Quiverful...
Is for horney men and stupid women period!
+1 raves
curlysue -"In God We Trust" December 06, 2008 00:06:40

Answered: I think that Quiverful...
If that is what they want to do is keep adding to their family then good for them. I see no problem with it as long as the children are well taken care of.
+2 raves
sjhorner December 05, 2008 23:27:42

Answered: Quiverful is irresponsible and crazy!
The Earth isa already overpopulated, even if the family can affort to take care of the children can Mother Earth take the abuse
+1 raves
hunter 44 to sjhorner December 06, 2008 01:09:20

2% is overpopulated?
Dropped... to hunter 44 December 08, 2008 21:20:08

2% of what? The number of people needed to cover every square inch of land on the planet?
+1 raves
hunter 44 to Dropped... December 08, 2008 21:37:31

2% is the estimated land area occupied by humans on this planet. Some put it nearer 3%. Definetly not overpopulating this planet by a long shot.
Dropped... to hunter 44 December 08, 2008 21:48:06

It's a misleading statistic, I think. You're including land that humans will probably never habitate, such as Antarctica, deserts, and mountainous regions. Are you counting land that humans don't live in, but use, such as farms? All you have to do is live in a major city, experience traffic, and you'll see that there are a lot of people and not a lot of space.

Finally, overpopulation is not purely about the ratio of humans to land. What about resources? All the land in the universe can't sustain humankind if there is no clean water, food, fuel, etc.
+1 raves
hunter 44 to Dropped... December 08, 2008 22:30:37

It's a very truthful statistic. Using a city to judge human population is just as misleading as using farms however there are more farm acres then city. Be glad there are or we would be starving.
Yes, the statistic takes into account the poles, mountains, deserts and oceans all of which support life just not human life.

"What about resources? "

Over consumption of resources can and does occur irregardless of human population.
Dropped... to hunter 44 December 09, 2008 01:57:43

>> Yes, the statistic takes into account the poles, mountains, deserts and oceans all of which support life just not human life.

Well there you go. We take up 2% of the space, but we definitely don't represent 2% of the species on earth or 2% of the number of animals on the planet.

>> Over consumption of resources can and does occur irregardless of human population.

I don't see how you can argue that there is no correlation between resource consumption and human population. Finite resources will go down, human population will grow more exponentially than linearly. You don't see a problem?
+1 raves
hunter 44 to Dropped... December 09, 2008 02:06:45

"but we definitely don't represent 2% of the species on earth or 2% of the number of animals on the planet. "

Didn't post we did. Insects alone out number humans even pound for pound.

" I don't see how you can argue that there is no correlation between resource consumption and human population."

Because it's not a set number. One person can consume more resources then 100 along with the vice versa.Defining overpopulation on resources consumed has an infinite amount of varibles so it must be taken along with other data.
+2 raves
Zah December 05, 2008 23:19:56

Answered: Quiverful is irresponsible and crazy!
OMG poor kids! I wish parents would realize how badly they are depriving their children of a NORMAL life. This practice is wrong! WRONG!WRONG!WRONG!WRONG!
+1 raves
Sally to Zah July 26, 2009 23:42:03

What would you call a normal life? Drugs? Drinking? shooting up schools? or any of the other "normal" things kids do now/ If all kids were as well taught and well behaved and loved as these kids are we would have a much different world.