What is this a chart of? Do you have a guess? National Debt? Number of widgets produced in the USA? Dollars in your bank account?
No, it is the rate of children being born in the USA. Why is it that we have seen this trend over the past four years?
Here is the reason suggested by this recent article where I encountered the chart:
“U.S. births fell for the fourth year in a row, the government reported Wednesday, with experts calling it more proof that the weak economy has continued to dampen enthusiasm for having children.â€
I must admit that I think it is quite sad that rate of child birth can be so easily predicted by looking at economic reports. Is it not telling that the main variable that influences people decisions regarding childbirth is simple economics? Should the state of the economy really and truly drive each family’s enthusiasm about having children?
I know some reading this will say, “Are you serious? Shouldn’t one consider whether they can afford a child before having one? That is common sense.†After all, it is true that this trend can be seen in other tough times like the depression (although the birth rate was 10% higher even then that now). But I ask, should this sense really be so common especially among the children of God?
It is easy to end up there in a day and age where yearly we are given some super inflated “cost of having a child†number in the news. But it was not always so among the people of God.
If the Israelites had proceeded this way, how different would the story be. They multiplied greatly even under abject slavery. They had children because they valued each person regardless of their economic cost. They understood every child to be a blessing given to them by the Father above. Yes, they decided other thing based on economics, but they entrusted this area of their life into the hands of God.
I think it is sad that we have become too smart to even consider doing the same. Will not God provide for the children he gives?
Well said! I’d like to apply some further Lutheran law and gospel directly to your point. here’s the law:
Genesis 30:2 “Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel, and he said: ‘Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?'”
Luther’s commentary:
“Although it is very easy to marry a wife, it is very difficult to support her along with the children and the household. Accordingly, no one notices this faith of Jacob. Indeed, many hate fertility in a wife for the sole reason that the offspring must be supported and brought up. For this is what they commonly say: ‘Why should I marry a wife when I am a pauper and a beggar? I would rather bear the burden of poverty alone and not load myself with misery and want.’ But this blame is unjustly fastened on marriage and fruitfulness. Indeed, you are indicting your unbelief by distrusting God’s goodness, and you are bringing greater misery upon yourself by disparaging God’s blessing. For if you had trust in God’s grace and promises, you would undoubtedly be supported. But because you do not hope in the Lord, you will never prosper. [5 Luther’s Works, vol. 5, page 332]
And here is the Gospel:
http://lutheransandcontraception.blogspot.com/2011/04/rest-from-this-world-during-holy.html?m=1
Phil,
This is hardly confined to our own times. Every civilization since the Bronze Age has endured decreased rates of childbirth with economic declines. It’s completely understandable. I wouldn’t get all upset about it, but this does have many other implications beside the issue of trusting in God. From a purely economic viewpoint, this is, though, a bonafide example of Bastiat’s “Seen and unseen.” The effects that are “seen” from having no or fewer children in times of economic stagnation are fewer burdens on already diminished resources and, thus, seen as good. However, the effects that are “unseen” are not only a replacement for lives that are lost but also a grave loss of a pool of minds from which spring innovation, creativity, etc. Also, you increase the tax base for the point when the economy recovers. Again, I am speaking in purely economic analysis.
Unfortunately, you’re not going to be able to use economic or religious arguments to win the day.