Stephen's Kid Question...

Stephen wrote -

"Can someone explain to me the multiply and subdue the earth thing. I think my generation has a problem with that. We've plugged the womb with the cork of self-centeredness and hedonism. I'm convinced a paradigm shift in parenting needs to occur in order for me to be passionate about more children (although we have been trying for some time). I understand the sons and the quiver thing, but I'm so far removed from that culture that I really want to "see" it. Any historical recommendations? "

First, great description of the problem.

I agree the problem is a paradigm problem. When God told Adam and Eve to subdue the Earth He was commanding them to spread the Kingdom of God (His orderly rule and reign) throughout the Earth. The Earth was an untamed wilderness. Eden was an orderly garden where the presence of God moved freely. Adam and Eve were to make the world like Eden by extending its boundaries to encompass the entire Earth. Having children is obviously important part of doing this because the job will take thousands of years and millions of workers.

The same is true today as we try and extend the Kingdom of God throughout the Earth via the church. We need children because we need they're help. This would be easier to see if we all lived 900+ years.

Our problem is we're long-term planners if we have a 5-year plan - Adam had a 500+ year plan and so did Abraham. We don't think that way. In a 5-year plan children are a major liability but in a 500 year plan they are, by far, your biggest asset.

Almost all of God's promises to Abraham related to things that were going to happen 500-2000 year later and that was the motivation of Abraham's life. Hebrews 12 says Abraham was not living for his generation alone, his eyes were on a city whose architect and builder is God. He wanted to produce a line of descendants that would bless the Earth and ultimately bless God.

Once you've accepted this paradigm everything changes. Lots of kids, family assets, multi-generational education, symbolic heirlooms, even family monuments become your most important tools.

This way of thinking is so counter-cultural in America where most of us don't even know our descendants beyond 3 or 4 generations that you have to unlearn everything you thought you knew about family planning.

What do you think Abraham would have thought of Planned Parenthood?