Know What You Believe with Michael Horton How the Church Can Face a New Global Crisis: Childlessness with Matthew Lee Anderson
Jun 17, 2025
Join Matthew Lee Anderson, Professor of Ethics and Theology at Baylor University, as he tackles the pressing issue of childlessness in contemporary society. He explores how declining birth rates impact cultural and spiritual perspectives on procreation. Anderson urges the church to offer support and understanding to those facing infertility, addressing the stigma and glorification attached to biological parenthood. The discussion also highlights the importance of honoring the human body and embracing its fragility, ultimately connecting these themes to deeper faith and community.
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Pastor's Wife Baby Pressure Anecdote
- Matthew Lee Anderson recalls a woman humorously noting one doesn’t have another baby just to please the pastor’s wife.
- This illustrates the complex personal and social dynamics involved in decisions about having more children.
Rule of One More Child
- Consider having one more child than you think you can support to challenge your comforts and commitments.
- This encourages reflecting on what we value and pushing beyond material comfort in family planning.
Whole Counsel on Procreation
- Christians should preach the whole counsel of God regarding procreation without distorting it to fit social situations.
- The church must support procreation without cheapening it or falling into politicized or nationalistic reasons for having children.