You thought octuplets were scary?
Quiverfull women accept as many children as God gives them as a demonstration of their radical faith and obedience as well as a means to advance his kingdom: winning the country for Christ by having more children than their adversaries. This self-proclaimed “patriarchy” movement, which likely numbers in the tens of thousands but which is growing exponentially, bases its arguments on Psalm 127: “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They shall not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.” Quiverfull women commonly give birth to families of eight, 10 and 12 children, or more.
Imagine the Duggars as the model family for evangelical Christians, inspiring families to have as many children as possible so that the future is that much more Christian than it is now. It’s nice to know some women are leaving the movement and denouncing it… but not nearly enough to counteract the Christian baby boom.
(Meanwhile, atheists continue — for the most part, anyway, in my experience — to procreate responsibly, use birth control, and not overpopulate the planet.)
The author of that article, Kathryn Joyce, has written a new book about the movement: Quiverfull: Inside the Christian Patriarchy Movement. Just based on the description, this may be the most frightening book I’ll ever read.
I’ve managed to get an interview with the author.
What questions would you like me to ask her about the Quiverfull movement?