Chosen Childlessness

[Pete Richert]

I would never equate not having children with murder. I've said all along that there can be valid reasons for not having children - health being one.

Poorly phrased on my part. I was not suggesting that you do.

 

[Andy T.]

No, if you hold an interpretation, then you have decided that the interpretation works for you.

The above is what John said that smacks of relativism.

I've already showed how holding an interpretation is the same as making a truth claim.

 

[Andy T.]

But you would categorically equate it so sin, and that is of concern to me. I can find no scripture that uses the presence or absence of children (or the desire ot attempt to have children) as a litmus test for it being a sin.

I've never said that - in fact, I said the opposite earlier - that not having children is NOT an absolute indicator of selfishness. One must get to the underlying reasons as to the childlessness. If they don't have children because of biological reasons, then obviously there is no problem. If they don't have kids because they think they are smelly and a burden, then there is a problem.

 

[Johnv]

Originally posted by Andy T.:
The above is what John said that smacks of relativism.

I've already showed how holding an interpretation is the same as making a truth claim.

That's simply incorrect. I'm a staunch anti-smoker. I believe that smoking is wrong because I view it damages the temple, plus it can be a bad witness. Hence. I believe smoking is wrong for me, based on scripture.

I do not, however, insist that every Christian who smokes is being a bad witness or damaging the temple. It would be wrong for me to inflict my morals on smoking upon every Christian. The conviction of not smoking is my own conviction. I don't impose that upon other Christians.

 

[Andy T.]

So if someone asks you if they should smoke or not - what would tell them?

 

[Johnv]

Originally posted by Andy T.:
I've never said that - in fact, I said the opposite earlier - that not having children is NOT an absolute indicator of selfishness.

Yes, you did say that. However, your posts imply that not having children is AN indicator of selfishness. That is indicated by you going on to say that one must get to the underlying reasons as to the childlessness. Thus, there is a presumption that is a coupe is childless, further discovery must be done. Yet, no such further discover into delfishness is imposed on a couple with children.

 

[Johnv]

Originally posted by Andy T.:
So if someone asks you if they should smoke or not - what would tell them?

I would say I don't recommend it. That does not, however, mean that if they do something I wouldn't recommend, that it's a sin.

 

[Andy T.]

However, your posts imply that not having children is AN indicator of selfishness.

So this is what we are down to - implications? I'm sorry if I implied that. Didn't mean to. If I know of a couple that does not have children, I by no means assign bad motives or sin to them, until I know further of their reasons.

 

[Johnv]

I think it's safe to say we've probably talked this topic out, and probaby agree more than disagree. We could probably part from this thread amicably and respectfully at this point, and let others red the thread as a whole and decide for themselves.

 

[Andy T.]

Concur.