Christianity Is Not Anti-Natalist

Segments of our culture oppose procreation. I mentioned this in last week’s sermon. Some people (Christians included) believe that it is best not to have children. This philosophy is called anti-natalism. Anti-natalism is the belief that the world would be better off if humans did not reproduce. Here’s an example of this thinking. This is from New York Magazine:

“The decision to have children has always struck me as an essentially selfish one. You chose, out of a desire for fulfillment or self-betterment or curiosity or boredom or baby-mania or peer pressure, to bring a new human into this world. And it has never seemed more selfish than today.”

How should Christians think about it and respond to anti-natalism?

First, anti-natalism is rooted in atheistic, godless philosophy. For example, many anti-natalists are radical environmentalists and vegetarians. They treat the earth and animals as gods, while hating the crown of God’s creation, mankind. Second, Scripture presents us a pro-natalist outlook. The Bible says, “Children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb, a reward.” Children are always a blessing, never a curse. And, third, Christians need to point out that great benefit comes to the world through procreation. Jonathan V. Last writes in his book, What to Expect When No One's Expecting: America's Coming Demographic Disaster, about the tremendous advantages—financial, political, social—that result from people having babies.

In sum, God loves children. We should, too.

Pastor Chance