There are many large, strong families extant that are not Moslem. And they did not come about through arranged marriages. Believe it or not there are many Christian sects that believe in large families because they believe God did, in fact, join man and woman and make them one flesh and then commanded them to multiply and replenish the earth. And there are many men and women who have children because they love children and find real happiness and fulfillment in bearing and raising their children. And the fathers and brothers in these families do not kill their daughters and sisters over matters of “honor”.
I know quite a few people who have 4 or more children. These families are indeed a pretty sight. They are, virtually without exception, composed of loving, intelligent, active people. They also tend to be well-educated. They are also all committed Christians of one sort or another. They have struggles and challenges in their lives just like everyone else. But they tend overwhelmingly to strive to support and nurture one another even in the face of severe challenges. These tend to be quiet people. To me they are inspiring. They give me real hope for the future in the face of so much of the lunacy that is so rampant today.
Thanks for the encouraging news.
How have they overcome the following two main problems (as I see it) to getting married and having families:
1. Easy divorce where the husband is automatically assumed to be at fault and is severely economically punished by the legal system at the whim of the woman.
and
2. Kids who turn out to be bums (too lazy to work around the house or get a job, too irresponsible to hold a job, drink alcohol, smoke dope, get pregnant out of wedlock to guys who can't support them, etc. etc.).
We have large families in our church. One older pair had 12, several have between 6 and 7, we have babies born every year. One of our young women had a baby about 18 months ago and is expecting again. These are great parents with sweet children (for the most part).