In this episode of the Current Reality Podcast, hosts Michael Clary and Wade Thomas from Christ the King Church discuss a listener-requested topic on opting out of childbearing. The hosts examine why married couples, particularly Christians, should not deliberately avoid having children. They explore historical Christian teachings, biblical directives, and practical arguments, dismantling the narrative that children are merely financial burdens. Furthermore, they stress the importance of prioritizing family over material comforts and discuss the broader societal impacts of declining birth rates. They provide hope grounded in God's goodwill, the gospel's assurance, and the church's role, encouraging listeners to re-evaluate their views on parenthood within the light of Scripture.

00:00 Introduction to the Current Reality Podcast

00:20 Transition to Fort Thomas, Kentucky

01:24 Today's Topic: Opting Out of Childbearing

03:05 Historical and Biblical Perspectives on Childbearing

04:53 Modern Contraception and Moral Considerations

07:18 The Decline in Birth Rates and Its Implications

13:26 Cultural Narratives on Childbearing

26:55 Biblical Teachings on Marriage and Childbearing

47:24 The Cost of Raising Children: Myth vs. Reality

51:25 Personal Experiences and Family Dynamics

54:05 Cultural Expectations and Comfort

56:07 Financial Decisions and Moral Agency

57:13 Biblical Perspective on Family and Comfort

01:03:42 Economic Realities and Leisure Time

01:07:32 Childcare Costs and Family Structure

01:10:51 Historical and Cultural Comparisons

01:13:46 The Value of Children and Family

01:26:46 Biblical and Theological Insights

01:34:21 Encouragement and Personal Testimonies

01:41:22 Final Thoughts and Reasons for Hope

For questions or comments, send us an email at currentrealitypodcast@gmail.com.

Our church is Christ the King Church in Fort Thomas, KY.

The Current Reality Podcast is a resource of King's Domain, Fort Thomas, KY.

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Parents Magazine Article on People Opting Out of Having Kids

• 24/7 Wall Street on Home Sizes by Decade

• Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis on American Leisure Time

• Christianity Today Article on Married Couples Opting Out of Childbearing

• Christianity.com article on Married Couples Opting Out of Childbearing

  
  

 Follow us on Twitter

https://twitter.com/dmichaelclary

https://twitter.com/wadethomasjr

Michael's Book "God's Good Design" is now available everywhere

• God's Good Design: A Biblical, Theological, and Practical Guide to Human Sexuality