A Christian Response to the Global Fertility Crisis
The Guardian recently shared an interesting article: “The global fertility crisis: are fewer babies a good or a bad thing? Experts are divided.” Indeed, some people think even an issue like climate change is so important that no one should bring children into the world because of it. According to the Harvard Gazette, “Some activists and scholars adopt an ‘anti-natalist’ philosophy when thinking about the climate,” citing “groups like the Voluntary Human Extinction Movement among those who believe that ending human reproduction is the kindest thing for the planet.”
The reality is that while the world population is slowly growing, the fertility rate of the United States continues to shrink. According to the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School researchers, replacement level for any population is a total fertility rate (TFR) of 2.1, meaning an average of 2.1 children born to every 1,000 women of child bearing age in any population will keep that demographic at a stable level for that population group. Higher rates result in substantial population growth, and lower rates bring population demise. The United States TFR in 2023 was 1.7. This low TFR means the U.S. population will dramatically shrink to irreplaceable levels in the next three generations. These levels have been in steady decline since 2007. America is very likely in demographic demise, and most certainly in population decline.
Population decline is a serious threat to many nations. Japan’s birth rate, for example, fell to a record low of 1.2, and the UK birth rate is below the U.S. at 1.57. Population decline can have economic consequences, such as fewer workers contributing to the national economy, higher costs for pensions and health care, and pressure on public finances. It also affects education, culture, and politics.
Also, incentives are altered without the influence of a Christian worldview. Dual-income couples with no kids — or DINKs — are interested in financial stability, flexibility, and building wealth, rather than building a family. Millennials also present a paradox. While they are not in a rush to marry, most unmarried Millennials say they would like to marry. Among unmarried individuals, one child, generally, is the norm for those who choose to parent — again bringing down the TFR.
Simultaneously, the Biden administration has allowed nearly eight million undocumented immigrants into the United States since 2021. Some argue that immigration is one way to prop up the economy, but it also has brought serious negative consequences, burdening federal-government and state spending. Recently, the city of Denver had to cut spending and reallocate funding for the illegal-immigration crisis. Immigration is clearly not the way to solve America’s declining population for this and a host of other reasons.
What should the Christian response be to population demise? Christians in the United States have more children on average than religiously unaffiliated people, as research reveals that Christian women have a TFR of 1.9 versus 1.6 for women that do not claim faith in Christ. But what does this really mean for someone with a Christian worldview? Is there still a mandate to Christians to be fruitful and replenish the earth?
Genesis 1:28 (NIV) says, “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground’.”
God’s Word still matters to serious Christians today. While the church tends to operate at a macro level, considering member numbers, family numbers, and societal contributions, individuals operate on a micro level. They tend to consider the implications of having a large family in terms of economics, and their ability to care for many children.
While Christians can lead the way away from population demise, we can also agree that a wise response to family planning and the dominion mandate is not one of mindless reproduction. Rather, women, men, and families all benefit from better work conditions in the 21st century, remote working allowing for a family focus, and increased household income. Indeed, the parenting team concept is critical to the health of the individuals in the family and the family itself.
So, should a Christian family have more children because the TFR in American is too low? The quick answer is “No.” A Christian family should not have more children simply for the sake of raising America’s TFR or just to have more children. Instead, Christians should have more children if they can do so responsibly to honor God and raise those children to love and serve Him for generations to come.
What are the potential positive implications if Christians lead the way in reproduction and raising their children in the faith? Fertility rates can rise to healthy levels by transferring faith values intentionally to the next generation. A few more Christian families having two children, rather than one — or three children, rather than two — and raising them with a solid Christian worldview, can make a tremendous difference. That difference could happen through adoption, as well — becoming a family for a child who needs one.
Love and natural affection are the roots of a solid family. Economists might call this parental altruism, but C.S. Lewis in his The Four Loves refers to this family love — or storge — as the natural affection between parents and children, as well as siblings with each other. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! … For there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore” (Psalm 133:1, 4).
Christian couples understand that, when their love for each other is manifested in a child, it is a miracle from God. The blessing of children can never be overstated, and yes, it does fulfill the Genesis 1:28 mandate, as God leads for each particular family. This is amazing love. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).
