Antinatalism

A common definition for antinatalism is “a philosophy that assigns a negative value to birth.” People who hold to that philosophy believe that it is morally wrong to have children. A Lutheran response to this position is a scriptural response. The Bible clearly teaches that children are blessings from a loving God (Psalm 127, 128). As can happen with other blessings from God, sinful people reject what God says about children and replace his declaration with their own thoughts.

The rationale for rejecting God’s blessings of children—“because they would probably go to hell anyways”—illustrates a dark view toward life. In Baptism, God has provided the means by which he can work in the hearts of little ones and bring them into his family. Through the gospel in word and sacrament, God can nurture and strengthen Christian faith so that people can finish this life in saving faith and enjoy his eternal love (Revelation 2:10).

Christians certainly recognize the power of Satan (Ephesians 6:12), the corruptness of the sinful nature (Romans 7:18) and the ungodly influences of the sinful world (1 John 2:15-16), but they also recognize and trust in the power of God (Philippians 1:6; 2 Timothy 1:12).

God grant you wisdom and strength to testify about the blessings of children as you have opportunity.