An Analysis of the Cultural Mandate (Genesis 1:28) in Responding to the Trend of Christian Couples Choosing to Be Childfree
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21731558Keywords:
childfree, genesis 1:28, cultural mandate, procreation, christian ethics, christian familyAbstract
The phenomenon of childfree—the conscious decision of a married couple not to have children—has become a global trend that is now penetrating Christian communities in Indonesia. This choice is often driven by economic reasons, ecological anxiety, or the desire to pursue self-actualization. However, this trend sparks serious theological debate regarding the nature of Christian marriage. This article aims to evaluate the childfree phenomenon through the lens of biblical theology, specifically the analysis of the cultural mandate in Genesis 1:28. Using a descriptive qualitative method and a grammatical-historical exegetical approach, this study finds that having children is not merely a biological option, but a participation in God's creative work (procreation). Although the Bible does not make procreation the sole purpose of marriage, the rejection of offspring based on motives of selfishness or fear of the future is a deviation from God's design. This article offers an ethical perspective that "fruitfulness" must be understood holistically, yet rejects childfree as a normative lifestyle for believers.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Demas Arendra, Theo Pilus Candra (Author)
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