Lutherans & Contraception: Economics, Babes, and a Bedside Ethos
In the continued discussion on contraception (you might not think it continued but this topic continues to muddle about in my mind, consuming discussions on campus and elsewhere). Pr. Rufner discusses a recent article from Christianity Today which makes the following point:
The August 2006 issue of 'Christianity Today' just hit the newsstands. In it there is an article by Leslie Leyland Fields entitled 'The Case for Kids: A defense of the large family by a six-time breeder.'' (Unfortunately, as of this moment this article is not yet available on the web.)
Towards the end of her article she takes up the child-bearing and child-rearing issue that I fear rules in the hearts of many a Christian married-couple, keeping them from having children more than once, yet, or at all. And what is the issue? The cost of children. Economics.
The author of the article writes, "It no longer makes economic sense to have a child at all. Books, articles, and internet calculators coolly estimate the financial liability of raising a child to adulthood and arrive at staggering figures, ranging from $700,000 to $1.5 million per child. By these calculations, Americans should stop having children altogether."
This is a simple matter of lack of faith and trust in God's providence. You are given no burden you cannot stand. Children are a burden in some many way, financial, discipline, education, etc. They are a great joy as well (and you a parents know this.) We are to act responsibly... but restricting childbearing for economic reasons is a pretty silly reason. Its a selfish reason. Even those in the most poor economic distress are given a way to support the child with what they need for this life and usually through the self-sacrificial giving of the parent.
Caspar posted a Dr. Luther quote which sums topic up nicely. I urge you to join the fray as spectator or participant over at the "Lutherans and Contraception" blog.
Martin Luther on this very issue:
"Although it is very easy to marry a wife, it is very difficult to support her along with the children and the household. Accordingly, no one notices this faith of Jacob. Indeed, many hate fertility in a wife for the sole reason that the offspring must be supported and brought up. For this is what they commonly say: “Why should I marry a wife when I am a pauper and a beggar? I would rather bear the burden of poverty alone and not load myself with misery and want.†But this blame is unjustly fastened on marriage and fruitfulness. Indeed, you are indicting your unbelief by distrusting God’s goodness, and you are bringing greater misery upon yourself by disparaging God’s blessing. For if you had trust in God’s grace and promises, you would undoubtedly be supported. But because you do not hope in the Lord, you will never prosper.
[Luther's works, vol. 5: Lectures on Genesis, page 332]
