In part one of this article series about Quiverfull ideology, I examined a few of the movement’s teachings, including the belief that married couples must have as many children as possible and that a woman’s purpose and value are tied to being a wife and mother.
When compared to Scripture, the ideology moves beyond the teachings of the Bible and adds manmade commands to God’s Word. This article will examine other significant teachings within the Quiverfull movement and compare these with Scripture.
Is Having Children a Missionary Activity?
Those within the Quiverfull movement believe that having children is a missionary activity. Since they focus on raising children in the Lord, they believe they will produce many Christians through the act of reproduction.
In a movement that prioritizes large families, one can understand how they come to the belief that their many children will continue the legacy of faith for the glory of God.
Christian parents should teach their children about the Lord. The Bible includes multiple instructions to parents about raising a child in the truth of God’s Word (Deuteronomy 6:7; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4).
We see a wonderful example of the impact grandparents and parents can have on their children through the faithful example of Lois and Eunice, who taught Timothy about Scripture from a young age (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15).
Thus, as believers in Jesus, we should approach the training of children seriously and provide them with a biblical foundation. In this way, they will have the opportunity to hear the gospel and place faith in Christ.
However, we should not assume that just because children are born into a Christian family, they will trust in Christ. All people must make the personal decision to trust in Jesus’ death and resurrection for salvation (John 3:18; Romans 10:9).
Parents can try their best to prepare the way for their child’s salvation, but they cannot force the child to be a Christian.
People are not born into the Kingdom of God by natural birth. Instead, according to the Bible, a person can only enter the Kingdom of God by being born again (John 3:3, 5-8).
Individuals cannot claim to be members of the Kingdom of God by family identity, but only if they have experienced the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, which comes by faith in Jesus Christ (Titus 3:5).
Christian parents need to remember the biblical truth about being born again and give their children opportunities to respond to the gospel while also giving children time and freedom to make their decision.
Quiverfull and Viewing Other People Groups as Threats
All the points I included previously in this article series involved members of the Quiverfull movement taking the Bible out of context or going beyond what Scripture teaches. Regarding this present point, though, the problem stems from the influence of an unbiblical view of others.
Some who follow the Quiverfull ideology believe that the lack of larger families among Christians in the West, specifically white people, has caused the gap in the population to be filled by other ethnic and cultural groups, especially those from Muslim backgrounds.
Certain members of the Quiverfull movement would point to the migration of Muslims to Europe and America as support for their view. Thus, the Quiverfull movement has similarities to White Christian Nationalism, which has its own dangerous and unbiblical teachings.
Based on the Bible, there are multiple problems with viewing people of other cultures or backgrounds as a threat. Nowhere does the Bible support racism or the belief that Christianity belongs to one culture, nation, or color.
Salvation is offered to all people, regardless of what they look like or where they are from (Titus 2:11). In fact, in heaven, there will be many people of various nations and people groups who worship Christ together (Revelation 7:9).
Also, viewing Muslims or any other people as a threat misses the heart of the Christian message. Many people from Muslim-majority nations are migrating to other countries, including areas where there is access to the gospel.
Instead of perceiving these individuals as a threat, believers should recognize the wonderful ministry opportunity to share the gospel with these individuals and show the love of Christ to them.
When those who identify as Christians demonize people of other cultures and ethnic groups and treat them as an enemy, they falsely represent Christ. The heart of Christianity is love, not hate (John 3:16; 1 John 4:8).
Christians and Birth Control
Connected to the Quiverfull belief that Christian couples should have as many children as possible and that raising children is a missionary activity is the belief that believers should not use birth control.
Married couples who follow this movement strongly believe that using birth control of any form is sinful and undermines God’s divine providence. Also common among those who follow Quiverfull teachings is the idea that birth control is equal to abortion.
Believers hold differing views about the use of birth control. Although some Christians, such as Roman Catholics, have official stances about contraceptive use, most Christians believe that this issue is a matter of personal conscience since the Bible does not specifically address modern birth control.
However, Scripture does give us examples of other issues that are a matter of conscience that we can apply to this issue.
Romans 14 presents the question of eating certain foods or observing certain days and shows us that we have the freedom to participate or abstain, to the glory of God.
Likewise, married couples should pray about their decision to use or abstain from using birth control while also knowing that the Bible gives them freedom in this area. In either choice, they should not force their decision on others, making it a requirement for other believers.
Instead, in a believer’s interaction with others, a Christian should “make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Romans 14:19).
In addition to recognizing that the use of birth control comes down to personal convictions as a matter of conscience, we also need to understand that birth control is not the same as abortion.
As an article from WebMD states, “Birth control and an abortion are different. Birth control prevents pregnancy from happening in the first place.”
If a couple decides to use birth control methods, they are not destroying life. While there is debate over whether certain hormonal contraceptives have abortive qualities, there are well-known birth control options that are not abortifacients.
Believers should consider the range of birth control options available and make an informed decision.
Finally, as Christian couples prayerfully consider whether to use birth control or not, they should not condemn other couples for their decisions based on conscience.
Followers of the Quiverfull movement step beyond the teachings of the Bible by claiming that birth control is sinful. Scripture is silent about this issue, which means the use of birth control is neither commanded nor condemned.
Final Thoughts
Those who follow the Quiverfull ideology believe they are living in obedience to God’s Word and strongly hold to their convictions about giving God control of family planning and staying within their perceived roles.
Seeking to follow the Bible is what all Christians should strive to do. However, the Quiverfull movement goes beyond the teaching of Scripture, often taking verses out of context and requiring obedience to certain rules that God has not commanded.
Since the movement adds to God’s Word and places requirements on believers, individuals could get caught in a legalistic mindset and develop unbiblical views.
Forcing others to comply with their convictions ignores the freedom that believers have in Christ when addressing matters of conscience, such as the use of birth control.
Furthermore, some within the movement express views that have similarities to Christian Nationalism, which encourages racism and an “us versus them” mentality.
Christianity is not a rule-based religion but a relationship with the living Lord Jesus. He gives us forgiveness, a new life, and freedom. Instead of following a human-made teaching, such as the Quiverfull ideology, we should follow Jesus and test everything against the truth of Scripture.
For further reading:
How Should Christians View the Quiverfull Movement? Part 1
What Should Christians Know about IBLP and Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets?
Jill Duggar Dillard Talks Controversial Religious Upbringing, Sex Abuse in New Docuseries
Photo Credit: ©Amazon Prime Video, used with permission
Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry, which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, and an MFA in creative writing. You can follow her blog about her story, faith, and creativity at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page.