I am beginning to think that the most selfish, arrogant, self-righteous people in our society are parents.
Look at what some people are posting here. That people without kids are selfish, liberal, bad for society, and living outside of God's will.
You say that the primary purpose of marriage is procreation? God created Eve for Adam, because "it was not good for Adam to be alone." So the primary purpose of marriage is companionship. God did not say that "it was not good for Adam to be without children."
Plus, what would you say to people who are unable to have children? Has God cursed them? Why would he make it impossible for them to do his will, if having children is his will?
I think parents call childfree couples "selfish" because they are convinced that they themselves are saints. After all, doesn't staying up all night feeding a baby make you more spiritual? Isn't it oh so giving to take your kids to soccer practice every day? Doesn't it make you a better citizen if you give up your retirement savings to send your kids to college? Come on now, let's all bow down to the almighty parent and give them a medal for their selfless, saintly sleepless nights!
Perhaps parents can't admit to themselves that it's okay NOT to have kids. Because if they thought it was okay, then maybe they would have chosen not to have them. But, shhhh! we can't be thinking thoughts like that now, can we?
My God does not tell people they have to get married, and that being single is less spiritual. He does not tell people they have to have kids if they don't want to. He does not only use people who have kids to fulfull his divine purposes. So, I hope you're happy with your God. I sure am happy with mine.
No offense, but some of the childless folks are coming across as pretty self-righteous as well.
This thread has degenerated into a brawl, and it's a shame.
I know that some of my friends are bitter about getting married so young and having kids. They had to follow the rest of society and feel they were short-changed in life.
Having children certainly does not make us more spiritual. However, I find that being a parent keeps me on my knees and makes me utterly dependent on the Lord for wisdom and grace. Love in action helps us move past our selfishness and do what is good for another. I do appreciate your post. God does demonstrate His love--which is unconditional--through Jesus Christ. Through our relationships--work, family, friends, community, He will comform us into His image. It's not always easy, but great is the blessing!
God bless you!
How would marriage defined primarily as companionship be differentiable from friendship?
I understandable that you might be upset but you should not say things that you don't mean. People who don't get married and/or don't have children merely because they just don't wanna are missing out. I try not to judge because some can't and others have good reasons but I don't believe that anybody (with or without) is happy with God all the time, it's not natural.