User:Gameking69/Quiverfull

Quiverfull is a Christian theological position that sees large families as a blessing from God. It encourages procreation and abstaining from all forms of birth control and natural family planning in the pursuit of expanding the family. The position takes its name from Psalm 127:3–5, where children are likened to a gift and described as valuable, comparable to arrows in the hands of a warrior.

Labeling

Julia Denson contends that while Quiverfull is often labeled as a "movement," and its debate about whether it should be characterized as such. Additionally, Denson uses the term "Quiverfull-minded" to describe those who identify with the Quiverfull movement, a phrase she borrowed from the Jeub family, appearing on TLC's special "Kids by the Dozen" as they introduced this term.

Megan Taylor of Texas Christian University proposed "Quiverfull" to be renamed "Biblical Family Reformation", according to the primary material she collected and read.

Historical background

Human history

See also: History of birth control

Fertility control has been a concern throughout human history, with various societies employing methods such as infanticide and abortion to manage population growth. Primitive women, recognizing the advantages of conception control, attempted to use contraception where possible. In the 4th century B.C., philosophers like Plato and Aristotle advocated for smaller families, reflecting early considerations of family planning. Greek medical literature from that time reported unconventional contraceptive methods, including a hollow tube inserted through the cervix into the uterus and contraceptive potions. This indicates an early understanding of fertility control. In the early modern period, the condom emerged primarily for disease prevention, such as protecting against bilharzia in Egypt and syphilis in Europe. The 19th and 20th centuries saw the advent of various contraceptives and spermicides, including the cervical cap, diaphragm, and later, the intrauterine device.

Christian stances

See also: Christian views on birth control and Natural family planning

Early figures in the Christian church opposed contraception based on biblical principles and natural law, citing passages like Genesis 38:9–10 and Deuteronomy 23:1. They believed sexual intercourse's inherent purpose was procreation, viewing intentional interference as contrary to the natural order. The Roman Catholic Church staunchly prohibits contraception, while the Lutheran Church exhibits varying stances. The Anglican Church allows birth control spending on the parent's circumstances. Baptist churches show a vast aray of stances, and the United Methodist Church emphasizes couples' right to manage conception responsibly. The Reformed Church generally permits contraception within marriage, with variations among denominations. The Assemblies of God consider contraception matters of personal conscience. Overall, Christian perspectives on contraception range from strict prohibitions to more flexible and individualized approaches.

Origins and doctrine development

Various influences

According to Kathryn Joyce, a journalist and critic of Quiverfull theology, characterizes the lifestyle to have been broadly influenced by various practices, including those observed among the Amish[15], pre–Vatican II Catholicism, Agrarianism, Reformed tradition and the ultra-Orthodox Jews (Haredi Judaism) in Israel. These religious groups generally adhere to a literal interpretation of the Bible, maintain significantly large families, uphold strict gender roles, embrace a traditionalist outlook, and espouse a more conservative theological stance. However, it is crucial to recognize that variations in adherence may be influenced by factors such as culture, social dynamics, historical context, theological perspectives, and other contributing influences.

Christian Fundamentalism

According to Juliana Denson, an academic of Claremont Graduate University, Denson labels the movement as neo-fundamentalist. Denson describes it as a movement within Christian fundamentalism. According to Denson, the idea of fundamentalism originated in the 1920s and is a subset of evangelicalism distinguished by its militant opposition to "modernist" theology and secular cultural trends, especially those associated with "secular humanism." Fundamentalists believe in a stark division between the forces of good and evil, with humanity serving as soldiers in either God's or Satan's army. They defend the "five fundamentals" of Christianity, which include belief in biblical inerrancy, a literal interpretation of Jesus' virgin birth, sacrificial death, physical resurrection, and second coming.

In the late 1950s, fundamentalism split into stricter fundamentalism and "neo-evangelicalism." Neo-evangelicals softened certain aspects of fundamentalism, retaining basic biblicism and opposition to liberal theologies but discarding strict prohibitions and separatism. However, they soon split over the issue of biblical inerrancy.

The emergence of large-scale political activism among moderate fundamentalists in the late 1970s, under leaders like Jerry Falwell, led to the formation of what George Marsden terms "neo-fundamentalism." This movement became politically active in response to events such as Supreme Court rulings against official prayer in public schools and the legalization of abortion. Neo-fundamentalists, unlike traditional fundamentalists who eschewed political involvement, embraced political activism to combat what they perceived as the forces of evil in the secular world. Quiverful practitioners emphasize the biblical command to "be fruitful and multiply" and reject birth control, believing that having more children contributes to world evangelism and combats the forces of evil by producing more soldiers for God's army.

Institute in Basic Life Principles

According to Sweeney, the origins of the Quiverfull movement can be traced back to the establishment of the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) by Bill Gothard in 1961. Sweeney posits that the IBLP aimed to teach young people "true" godly principles and experienced significant growth in 1964 when Bill Gothard was invited by Wheaton College to design and teach a course called "Basic Youth Conflicts." This course, later known as Basic Youth Conflicts, expanded to new locations, attracting thousands of youth and adults in attendance.

Sweeney states that by the 1970s and 1980s, Bill Gothard's seminars, particularly the "Basic Seminar" and "Advanced Seminar," were influencing families like the Duggars, spreading the values associated with the Quiverfull movement. Although the seminar expansion process lacks detailed documentation, Sweeney believes it is evident that these events played a pivotal role in shaping the beliefs of many Quiverfull adherents, including the Duggars and the Bates.

Sweeney says that the widespread reach of Gothard's organization contributed to the emergence of new institutions promoting Quiverfull principles and strengthening churches with similar priorities. Notably, Sweeney posits that Vision Forum Ministries, while having ties to Calvinist theology through R.J. Rushdoony, adopted a Christian lifestyle and self-help approach more aligned with Gothard's teachings. While some adherents may have been introduced to Quiverfull principles through new organizations or Calvinist theology, Sweeney believes many embraced these principles through personal interactions with other adherents, local churches, or Christian ministries.

Doctrine & beliefs

Quiverfull writers base their doctrine on passages found in the Bible, interpreting it in their own ways. This interpretation often involves a literal approach to understanding the words of the Bible, with adherents sometimes adding commentary to justify their positions on topics such as birth control, women's reproduction, gender roles, and the concept of submission to God.

Briefs founded in scripture

Numerous authors emphasize the importance of recognizing the initial command given to humanity, found in Genesis 1:27-28, urging Christians to "Be fruitful and multiply." Charles D. Provan points out that this command is reiterated multiple times in the Bible, including passages like Genesis 9:1 and 35:11.

Furthermore, the movement draws its name from this foundational command and often refers to Solomon's Psalm, specifically Psalm 127:3-5, to underscore the belief that children are considered a divine blessing.

Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." This passage underscores the importance of relying on God's guidance and seeking His will in all aspects of life, including the formation of families.

Jeremiah 29:11: "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Surrendering control over family planning is viewed as an act of obedience, trusting in God's plans for their lives and embracing the hope and future He promises.

The commitment to traditional gender roles and the centrality of family life is affirmed in Titus 2:3-5, which encourages women to be reverent, loving toward their husbands and children, self-controlled, pure, and busy at home.

Spiritual warfare

Rick and Jan Hess see Christians as behind enemy lines in a hostile environment, drawing inspiration from 1 Peter 2:11. This passage encourages moral living in a society with different values. Hess likens children to "arrows," emphasizing their role in spiritual warfare. Referring to Ephesians 6:12, they stress that the warfare is spiritual, not physical. The Hess' discuss a hypothetical scenario where Christian childbearing couples, if they produce a significant amount of children, could influence society and win the spiritual battle.

Lifestyle and practices

Family structures

The Biblical Family Community places a significant emphasis on family identity, considering it the second-most crucial self-identifier after being Christian. This commitment involves aligning personal desires with the family vision and rejecting the perceived selfishness of modern individualism. While recognizing individual uniqueness, there are defined gender boundaries for using one's talents within the community. This approach mirrors intentional communities that prioritize a shared group identity over personal individuality. Individuals are encouraged to pursue personal ventures within the family context, and children are directed toward maintaining "multigenerational faithfulness" and realizing their father's vision for the family

Husbands and fathers are in-charge of actively upholding a patriarchal family framework. Acknowledged as the spiritual guides within their households, they symbolize God's presence. Their duties extend across economic provision, providing spiritual direction through family worship, and ensuring physical protection by managing external influences. Significantly, the community underscores the role of fathers as protectors, emphasizing both spiritual and physical aspects, aligning with their leadership role within the family structure.

Wives and mothers align with the principles delineated in Proverbs 31 and Titus 2, serving as representatives of their husbands in the household. Their duties encompass instructing, fostering, and establishing a nurturing environment for their families. Integral to their roles are the observance of modesty, the embodiment of femininity, and a commitment to submitting to their husbands. Additionally, they play an active role in the education of their children and engage in community outreach efforts.

Sons is centered around two objectives: embracing Christianity and readying themselves to embody the ideals of exemplary husbands and fathers. This community deliberately distances itself from the notion of contemporary adolescence, urging sons to assume roles as providers, spiritual guides, and protectors. The process of nurturing these values encompasses family-integrated worship, home education, and mentorship, all designed to instill a steadfast commitment to these principles. Daughters center their efforts on embracing Christianity and embodying the principles outlined in Proverbs 31 and Titus 2. Their upbringing involves education in homemaking, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, with a significant emphasis on upholding values such as chastity, modesty, and femininity. Unmarried daughters are encouraged to participate in ministry and pursue theological studies, underscoring the community's commitment to prioritizing scripture as a fundamental focus for both genders.

Siblings are encouraged to cultivate strong bonds, resolving conflicts amicably and nurturing relationships as a preparation for future interactions with individuals of the opposite gender. Additionally, grandparents are pivotal figures, providing mentorship, fostering multigenerational faithfulness, and earning respect within the community for their valuable wisdom and life experiences.

Grandparents should reject he notion of leisure in their later years. Pastor Scott Brown emphasizes in his sermon the indispensable role of grandparents in mentoring their grandchildren, promoting multigenerational faithfulness. The community encourages younger generations to respect and be grateful for this mentoring. Family legends of past generations' bravery and faithfulness are shared to inspire the next generation, promoting the embodiment of positive traits and learning from mistakes. Grandparents may even live with their children's families, and sons are expected to care for widowed mothers, incorporating them into their households with their own families.

Adoption

According to Suzanne Titkemeyer, a journalist and critic, the Quiverfull movement generally holds a positive view of adoption, as indicated by instances of Quiverfull families adopting children. Examples of such adoptions include Wanda Kinsinger, who identifies herself as a Quiverfull mother and adopted a child from Vietnam, as well as Nancy Campbell, associated with the influential Quiverfull magazine Above Rubies.

In 2005, Above Rubies began promoting adoptions from Liberia, done through private Christian ministries. Campbell, whose magazine equated adoption to "missions under our very own roof," dedicated a week to visiting Liberian orphanages. Returning with numerous letters from the children, she emphasized the cost-effectiveness of adopting from Liberia, stating it was one of the most economical international adoption options. She conveyed the belief that welcoming a child into one's heart and home meant welcoming Jesus Himself.

Bill Gothard cautions against adoption stems from his belief in "generational sin," where ancestral sins impact descendants. He argues that descendants, through DNA, carry on the legacy of their ancestors, either fulfilling or polluting Quiverfull ideals. Gothard acknowledged Moses and Esther as examples of biblical adoptions (Exodus 2:10 and Esther 2:7 respectively.) However, he asserts that adoption is a cultural rather than a biblical convention, emphasizing, "It is noteworthy that our contemporary understanding of adoption is absent from the Law that God provided to Israel."

Some Quiverfull adherents disregard the teachings of Gothard, one family includes 19 Kids and Counting's the Duggar family. They embraced adoption when they added Tyler, a nephew, into their family. Lane Vasquez, a journalist for TheThings, characterizes the situation, suggesting that the guidelines may not be as stringent as they once were and there appears to be a shift in perspective aligning more with modern times.

Titkemeyer shares the opinion that some Quiverfull adoptive parents may engage in adoption without adequate preparation, resulting in challenges and disruptions. Titkemeyer article critiques the limited awareness and understanding within the Quiverfull community regarding the complexities of adoption, pointing out that certain families may harbor unrealistic expectations based on their faith.

Parenting methods

As noted by Dr. Bethany E. Sweeney, UC Santa Cruz, the Duggars adhered to a strict Christian conservative ideology, imparting to their homeschooled children not only rigid gender roles but also a steadfast belief in Creationism. Additionally, the Duggars instilled in their family the notion that mainstream society was undergoing a process of decline.

Education choices

In Quiverfull families, homeschooling is a crucial element in nurturing what they consider as "godly seed." Mary Pride emphasizes the academic and spiritual benefits of homeschooling, which enables parents to oversee their children's spiritual development. Quiverfull parents often utilize Christian homeschool materials from organizations like the Advanced Training Institute (ATI) and the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), led by Bill Gothard.

Gothard advocates for the idea that family size is under God's authority. Vision Forum, another prominent Christian homeschool organization, aligns with the Quiverfull ideology. It aims to promote a vision of victory for Christian families by providing resources such as books, films, and curriculum to shape families according to a biblical model.

Stay-at-home mothering, referred to as "homeworking" by Mary Pride, is seen as the biblical lifestyle for Christian wives, rooted in passages like Titus 2:4-5. Quiverfull adherents believe that homeworking allows them to reclaim control over various aspects of life, including education, healthcare, and agriculture, as a form of obedience to God. By homeschooling, they can instill their own principles in their children, avoiding what they perceive as secular influences in public and even some Christian schools. According to Denson's limited survey, most Quiverfull women identified as homeschoolers, there were exceptions, with a few sending their children to public or Catholic schools.

Gender roles

Mary Pride and Jan Hess advocate for the term "homeworking" as a lifestyle aligned with the biblical ideals for Christian wives, drawing inspiration from Titus 2:4-5. They structure their perspectives around the mandates outlined in these verses, emphasizing the importance of loving husbands and children, practicing self-control and purity, being industrious at home, showing kindness, and being submissive to husbands. The interpretation of "to be busy at home" involves actively engaging in various aspects of life within the home.

According to Mina Elwell, a journalist for Grunge, unmarried girls within this movement are anticipated to adhere to their fathers' authority until a husband is found for them, typically at a very young age. Within Quiverfull families, all members are expected to adhere to a stringent set of rules characterized by strong gender distinctions. Wives and daughters are generally prohibited from cutting their hair, wearing pants, or pursuing employment.

In an interview with Vyckie Garrison, a former member and anti-Quiverfull activist, it is highlighted that men and boys in the movement are also confined to predefined roles. While women are tasked with fulfilling every need of their husbands and families, men are kept in an infantilized state, lacking exposure to essential life skills necessary for independent survival without constant assistance from women and girls.

Taylor analyzed Vision Forum's boy toys under the title "All-American Boy's Adventure" and noted that they included items like grappling hooks and military costumes. These toys were designed to promote characteristics such as religious devotion, patriotism, leadership, sexual purity, a call to "take dominion," and a love of adventure for future missionary work. Furthermore, children's books were employed to impart sexual mores, emphasizing the significance of sexual purity within the community.

Community Engagement

As stated by Taylor, families within the Quiverfull community foster connections with like-minded peers. These connections, often initiated at conferences, play a pivotal role in establishing friendship networks that serve as the groundwork for potential marriages, business partnerships, and collaborative ministries. The network connections lay the groundwork for a community united by shared interests and objectives. The emotional, spiritual, and ideological bonds that form the backbone of these networks find reinforcement through various online channels such as Facebook, video-sharing platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, and blogging. The online Quiverfull community functions as a support system for its members, who share a sense of separateness from larger segments of their local community.

Fertility

Rick and Jan Hess's book, "A Full Quiver," appears to be an authoritative resource on topics such as conception, fertility, and birth control. Its influence is apparent through the citation of its theological content in numerous academic articles. While guidelines exist, practitioners may deviate from such rules.

Contraception

Abstinence

The Hesses contend that 1 Corinthians 7:5 highlights temporary abstinence for spiritual purposes, rejecting its support for a pro-birth control position. They point to Leviticus 12:1-5, which prescribes distinct periods of abstinence after childbirth, as an indication of a natural method for spacing children. Additionally, Leviticus 15:19 is cited to extend the principle of abstaining during the monthly flow, aligning with health considerations endorsed by contemporary medical science.

Intrauterine device

The Hesses emphasize the absence of foolproof methods to prevent pregnancy while highlighting concerns about the pill, which contains coal tar—a comparison made to drinking motor oil. They argue that the intrauterine device or IUD, operates primarily as an abortifacient.

Morning-after pill

The discussion switches to a critical examination of the morning after pill, detailing its three mechanisms of action: suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucous for contraceptive purposes. According to them, potentially causing an abortifacient effect by altering the uterine lining. Which violates the commandment "Thou shalt not kill."

Condoms

Regarding Condoms, the Hesses says its awkward, not entirely dependable, prone to potential manufacturing defects, and may cause allergic reactions in both partners.

Diaphragms

Regarding Diaphragms, the Hesses state the potential allergic reactions, urinary tract infections, pelvic pain, cramps, urinary retention, bladder symptoms, foul-smelling, messy, and often disrupts intercourse.

Breast-feeding

Regarding breast-feeding or lactation, the Hesses consider it as a natural method designed by God. The Hesses draw upon information from Sheila Kippley's book on lactation, where the first fertile period is indicated to be 12.4 months, employing total breastfeeding. They conclude that natural mothering results in natural child spacing.

Owen's higher morale purpose

Author Samuel Owen Jr. concedes that due to the fallen nature of the world, there might be situations where a couple needs to control conception for a "higher moral purpose" related to advancing God's Kingdom. This, however, is seen as an exception and should be approached with caution, as childbearing is viewed as a God-given and God-glorifying role for most husbands and wives, integral to their ministry.

Infertility & miscarriage

The community holds a complex view on infertility and miscarriage, embracing two conflicting perspectives. While some consider barrenness as a potential divine curse or punishment, others believe that God may intend for a godly family to expand through adoption rather than biological birth. Miscarriage is also perceived differently, with some linking it to the curse of barrenness, while godly women who reject birth control and undergo multiple pregnancies may experience miscarriage during their childbearing years.

Within the community, miscarriages are treated akin to the death of a newborn child. It's common for parents to express having a certain number of children on Earth and a corresponding number in heaven. This perspective, echoed in Quiverfull blogger profiles and expressed by figures like Doug Phillips, reflects the belief that all children, from conception onward, are full members of their families. Many in the community believe that, though salvation is not explicitly guaranteed in the Bible, these children are likely part of the predestined elect. They view miscarriage as part of God's plan to usher a soul into eternity, anticipating a reunion with these children in heaven after their own deaths.

Reverse sterilization

Encouragement is given to consider undergoing a reversal operation if financially feasible. Those who have undergone sterilization are urged to seek redemption and trust God for a household filled with blessings. In Scripture revolve around God granting children to barren women, such as Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah, and Elizabeth. (Psalm 113:9). In 1997, Brad and Dawn Irons opened a fund up to finance reverse sterilization for Quiverfull couples. The organization was called Blessed Arrows Sterilization Reversal Ministry. The fund was able to fiance numerous couples, according to testimony post on the website. The website for the fund appeared in 2005 and shut down around 2015.

Demographics

Quiverfull, a lifestyle embraced by various Christian denominations, exhibits limited diversity in terms of racial/ethnic representation. Primarily observed among Caucasians, the majority of Quiverfull families, including those featured in media and literature, appear to be of Caucasian descent.

The movement is predominantly situated in the United States, with Great Britain, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand following. Originating in the U.S., Quiverfull finds more significant support in the South and rural or suburban areas.

Despite assumptions that Quiverfull adherents are uneducated, a considerable number have attained high levels of education.

Contrary to expectations, many Quiverfull families do not face extreme financial challenges, with reported household incomes ranging from $25,000 to $80,000. The surveyed Quiverfull women generally reside in rural or suburban areas, have a college education, and fall within the age range of 30 to 54.

The movement, which began in the late 1980s, tends to include individuals under the age of 70. While an exact count of Quiverfull-minded Christians is unavailable, estimates suggest a presence in the thousands to low tens of thousands, supported by the numerous blogs and books dedicated to the lifestyle.

Media and literature

Publications referencing the Quiverfull movement began in the 1980s in the United States.

Supporters interact with contemporary culture to advocate for their worldview. They strategically leverage modern technology to promote their movement, utilize mainstream media to enhance credibility by highlighting shared values, and adopt feminist rhetoric. This approach allows the movement to operate within and question established cultural norms. Such mediums includes books, news articles, online articles, blogs, and television shows, and film festivals.

The movement came under scrutiny by various journalist and authors. Critics, like Kate Dixon and Kathryn Joyce, emphasize the movement's aggressive stance against feminism and its patriarchal ideologies.

Books, articles and magazines

Key literary works advocating for the Quiverfull movement include Mary Pride's "The Way Home: Beyond Feminism Back to Reality" (1985), Charles Provan's "The Bible and Birth Control" (1989), Rick and Jan Hess's "A Full Quiver: Family Planning and the Lordship of Jesus Christ" (1990), Nancy Campbell's "Be Fruitful and Multiply" (2003), Rachel Scott's "Birthing God's Mighty Warriors" (2004), and Craig Houghton's "Family Unplanning" (2006). Additionally, various online resources are available through the website "quiverfull.com".

Such a works criticizing the movement include Kathryn Joyce's "Quiverfull: Inside the Christian Patriarchy Movement" (2009), Hillary McFarland's "Quivering Daughters", Kate Dixon, "Multiply & Conquer: How to Have 17 Children and Still Believe" (2007), Russell Shorto's 2006 article title "Contra-Contraception" in New York Times Magazine, Laura Harrison, Sarah B. Rowley's "Babies by the Bundle: Gender, Backlash, and the Quiverfull Movement" (2011), Emily Hunter McGowin's "Quivering Families: The Quiverfull Movement and Evangelical Theology of the Family" (2018). Vyckie Garrison's deconstructing blog can be found at "Patheos.com".

Criticism

From their onset, Quiverfull ideas have sometimes had a polarizing effect among Christians who hold to them and Christians who are skeptical of or disagree with them.

The movement has been criticized by journalists from Glamour Magazine for what they perceive to be sexism and a demeaning approach to women.

As Emily McGowin notes in her 2018 book Quivering Families, however, "[Pride] differentiates herself from these approaches without denying the underlying gender hierarchy and pronatalism."

Christians criticisms

Theologian James B. Jordan suggests that although having children is considered a blessing, it's just one of many blessings that God provides. He emphasizes the idea that as a responsible Christian, making thoughtful and prayerful choices about how to prioritize and focus on various blessings is part of wise stewardship.

Theologian John Piper's "Desiring God Ministries" has published some comments that relate to Quiverfull:

Just because something is a gift from the Lord does not mean that it is wrong to be a steward of when or whether you will come into possession of it. It is wrong to reason that since A is good and a gift from the Lord, then we must pursue as much of A as possible. God has made this a world in which tradeoffs have to be made and we cannot do everything to the fullest extent. For kingdom purposes, it might be wise not to get married. And for kingdom purposes, it might be wise to regulate the size of one's family and to regulate when the new additions to the family will likely arrive. As Wayne Grudem has said, "it is okay to place less emphasis on some good activities in order to focus on other good activities."

Criticism from former Quiverfull adherents

Some women who have left the Quiverfull movement are now vocally critical of it. Vyckie Garrison spent 16 years living the Quiverfull lifestyle and had seven children before leaving her husband and ultimately becoming an atheist. She told Vice that her health was negatively affected by so many births and that over time, her husband became "a tyrant."

Garrison founded the blog No Longer Quivering to share her own story and the stories of other women who had been harmed by the Quiverfull lifestyle. The blog is now maintained by Suzanne Titkemeyer, another former Quiverfull adherent who describes her years in the movement as "disastrous."

Likewise, some children who were raised in Quiverfull homes have grown up to speak out against the movement. In 2018, Eve [Hännah] Ettinger and Kieryn Darkwater started a podcast called Kitchen Table Cult in which they discuss their experiences of being raised Quiverfull and connect the ideology to current events such as the election of Donald Trump. In a 2015 interview about their upbringing, Ettinger said that in Quiverfull families, "the parents are just as confused as the kids, and often are struggling with deep-set psychological issues and need as much therapy and compassion as the kids do to recover from the dehumanizing reality of trying to have a perfect Quiverfull family to please a demanding and holy God."

CFCtoo, an advocacy group for survivors of the Quiverfull community Christian Fellowship Center, is advocating for New York to amend their mandated reporting laws to include clergy. CFCtoo argues that such laws are necessary to combat the Quiverfull movement's propensity for "incest, child sexual abuse, and systematic abuse coverups based on a twisted understanding of biblical forgiveness."

Notable adherents

• Doug Phillips, a Calvinist Christian and the son of U.S. Constitution Party leader Howard Phillips. From 1998 to 2013, Doug Phillips was the president of Vision Forum Ministries, a now-defunct organization which advocated biblical patriarchy, creationism, homeschooling, and Quiverfull. Phillips and his wife, Beall, have seven children.
• Charles D. Provan, whose book The Bible and Birth Control is routinely cited by Quiverfull adherents as providing an important theological justification for their movement. Provan was mentioned in a November 27, 2006, article about Quiverfull in The Nation. He also authored books and articles on other Christian topics. Before Provan's death in 2007, he and his wife had 10 children.
• R. C. Sproul, Jr., a Calvinist Christian theologian and the son of the noted Reformed theologian and founder of Ligonier Ministries, Robert Charles Sproul. Sproul Jr. and his wife, Denise, had eight children before Denise died.
• Nancy Campbell, an author, speaker, and mother of 10 children. Nancy and her husband Colin run Above Rubies, "a ministry to encourage women in their high calling as wives, mothers, and homemakers. Its purpose is to uphold and strengthen family life and to raise the standard of God's truth in the nation." Campbell's magazine has a worldwide circulation of over 160,000 and her daughters Serene and Pearl have launched a successful rebranding of Quiverfull values in their Trim Healthy Mama line.
• Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, known for the reality TV show 19 Kids and Counting.
• David and Louise Turpin, lived in Perris, California, U.S., where they imprisoned both adults and children, spanning ages 2 to 29, in their suburban home. The victims were subjected to malnutrition and restrained with chains on beds.

See also

• Breeder (slang)
• Childfree
• Christian views on contraception
• The Handmaid's Tale
• Overpopulation
• Traducianism
• Turpin case
• Voluntary Human Extinction Movement

Further reading

Books advocating a Quiverfull position

• Adams, Shelly and Morgan. Arrows in His Hand (children's book). Monument Pub., Monument, CO: 2007.
• Andrews, Robert. The Family: God's Weapon for Victory. Winepress Publishing 1996. ISBN 1-883893-24-0 ; Sentinel Press 2002. ISBN 0-9715694-0-1
• Campbell, Nancy. Be Fruitful and Multiply. Vision Forum, San Antonio, TX: 2003. ISBN 0-9724173-5-4
• Flanders, Jennifer. Love Your Husband/Love Yourself: Embracing God's Purpose for Passion in Marriage. Prescott Publishing, Tyler, TX: 2010. ISBN 978-0982626900
• Hess, Rick and Jan. A Full Quiver: Family Planning and the Lordship of Christ. Wolgemuth & Hyatt Publishers, Brentwood, TN: 1990. ISBN 0-943497-83-3
• Houghton, Craig. Family UNplanning. Xulon Press, Longwood, FL: 2006. ISBN 978-1-60034-851-8
• Owen, Jr., Samuel A. Letting God Plan Your Family. Crossway Books, Wheaton, IL: 1990. ISBN 0-89107-585-2
• Pride, Mary. The Way Home: Beyond Feminism, Back to Reality. Good News Pub, Wheaton, IL: 1985. ISBN 0-89107-345-0
• Provan, Charles D. The Bible and Birth Control. Zimmer Printing, Monongahela, PA: 1989. ISBN 99917-998-3-4
  • Chapter of Provan's book available here. Audio files of Provan's complete book available by searching with his name at sermonaudio.com
• Scott, Rachel. Birthing God's Mighty Warriors. Xulon Press, Longwood, FL: 2004. ISBN 1-59467-465-5

Books which advocate Quiverfull as a secondary focus

• Farris, Vickie. A Mom Just Like You. B&H Publishing Group, Nashville, TN: 2002. ISBN 0-8054-2586-1

Sources which are critical of Quiverfull

• Ettinger, Eve, and Kieryn Darkwater. Kitchen Table Cult podcast.
• Joyce, Kathryn. Women’s Liberation Through Submission: An Evangelical Anti-Feminism Is Born.
• Joyce, Kathryn. Quiverfull: Inside the Christian Patriarchy Movement. Beacon Press, Boston, MA: 2009. ISBN 0-8070-1070-7.
• McFarland, Hillary. "Quivering Daughters: Hope and Healing for the Daughters of Patriarchy". Darklight Press, 2010.
• McGowin, Emily. Quivering Families: The Quiverfull Movement and Evangelical Theology of the Family. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2018.
• McKeown, John. "US Protestant natalist reception of Old Testament "fruitful verses": a critique." Liverpool University PhD thesis, 2011. Revised as book God's Babies: Natalism and Bible Interpretation in Modern America, OpenBook, 2014.
• Mesaros-Winckles, Christy (2010). "TLC and the Fundamentalist Family: A Televised Quiverfull of Babies". Journal of Religion and Popular Culture. 22 (3): 7. doi:10.3138/jrpc.22.3.007.
• No Longer Quivering blog (originally created by Vyckie Garrison).

External links

• QuiverFull.Com
• Video feeds of ABC News Nightline on Quiverfull
• "The Quiverfull: The evangelical Christians opposed to contraception". BBC News. 17 May 2013.

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