Anne, you were an inspiration for me as I drifted somewhat aimlessly through a mainline Divinity School in my mid-20s. I didn’t know there were Protestant women who cared about having lots of children and suddenly I had a vision for pouring myself into a different kind of life that wasn’t mainly about my own goals and desires, a life that seemed so fundamentally sane compared to everything around me. It hasn’t worked out so far for me to have any children, though I do have a wonderful godly husband. Even though I’ve had plenty of heartache and confusion about that, the longing for a truly meaningful life is still there and I’m still grateful for the influence of Christian mothers like you.
Good thoughts as always, though I would differ about the new Baby Gospel! Speaking as a lifelong single will no doubt affect my opinion, but still I don't see a clear mandate in Scripture for Christians to have as many kids as possible, hoping to contribute to the spread of the Gospel somehow? Now the RCC has been notorious for being pro-big families, but I don't think it wise for Evans. in their efforts to Fight the Culture War to promote marriage and children at any cost!
What I see in both the OT and esp. the NT is the main focus on building the church, not through physical births, but through spiritual births. No doubt, a happy Christian family is a nice thing, but I don't see each believer in that Day being judged on how much they contributed to the Baby Cause! Actually, it can become a distraction and dodge for the real work of the Kingdom!
Number 4 is the big one, particularly since we live in an age in which happiness is tethered to the idolization of individualism. Most of my friends are 1 and dones, so my wife and I are the weirdos with 3 children. I’ve come a long way from that youthful thought of myself as a hapless romantic, doomed to tragic relationship after tragic relationship (I guess that’s why I still read Graham Greene novels).
Wholesome. You have prepared a nourishing meal of sanity for a world largely ignorant that it starves for the fare offered. Well done, Anne.
Anne, you were an inspiration for me as I drifted somewhat aimlessly through a mainline Divinity School in my mid-20s. I didn’t know there were Protestant women who cared about having lots of children and suddenly I had a vision for pouring myself into a different kind of life that wasn’t mainly about my own goals and desires, a life that seemed so fundamentally sane compared to everything around me. It hasn’t worked out so far for me to have any children, though I do have a wonderful godly husband. Even though I’ve had plenty of heartache and confusion about that, the longing for a truly meaningful life is still there and I’m still grateful for the influence of Christian mothers like you.
Good thoughts as always, though I would differ about the new Baby Gospel! Speaking as a lifelong single will no doubt affect my opinion, but still I don't see a clear mandate in Scripture for Christians to have as many kids as possible, hoping to contribute to the spread of the Gospel somehow? Now the RCC has been notorious for being pro-big families, but I don't think it wise for Evans. in their efforts to Fight the Culture War to promote marriage and children at any cost!
What I see in both the OT and esp. the NT is the main focus on building the church, not through physical births, but through spiritual births. No doubt, a happy Christian family is a nice thing, but I don't see each believer in that Day being judged on how much they contributed to the Baby Cause! Actually, it can become a distraction and dodge for the real work of the Kingdom!
Great list, Anne. From your keyboard to God's ears!!
Solid list, Anne! Well said!
Number 4 is the big one, particularly since we live in an age in which happiness is tethered to the idolization of individualism. Most of my friends are 1 and dones, so my wife and I are the weirdos with 3 children. I’ve come a long way from that youthful thought of myself as a hapless romantic, doomed to tragic relationship after tragic relationship (I guess that’s why I still read Graham Greene novels).