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2010-08-02 issue:

How many children?

by Ruth L. Burkholder, Harrisonburg, Va.

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Regarding "Announcing a New Baby" (June): The question of how many children a Christian (Mennonite) family should have comes up every few years. In a July 1995 Gospel Herald, an article appeared proposing that because of the world’s increasing population, Christian families should limit children to two. I responded then and repeat now: Statistics can be used to make any point and are not to be entirely trusted.

Do we want to limit the salt and light in the world? Where will Menno­nite institutions get enough personnel to spread the good news of the gospel to the increasing populations of the world? Or to be teachers, pastors, executives, song leaders at home? It is often the third, fourth or even eighth child (as in the case of King David) who make the greatest contribution to society.

My view is that people who want and can responsibly care for and raise large families should not be made to feel guilty. The church needs every one to help spread the good news to the increasing population of the world. And God loves every one.


Associated Issue: Free to serve - June 2010

Associated Article: Announcing a new baby

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