DALLAS, Texas — Delegates at the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) voted decisively this week in favor of a resolution that defends traditional marriage and urges Christians to embrace the biblical call to parenthood.
The resolution, titled “On Restoring Moral Clarity through God’s Design for Gender, Marriage, and Family,” promotes a return to traditional Christian teachings on marriage, gender, and family. It also challenges a growing cultural trend: the choice of willful childlessness among married couples.
In strong language, the resolution denounces the cultural shift away from traditional family values. It criticizes the redefinition of marriage, gender confusion, and the rejection of biological differences between men and women. It also warns of the dangers of commercial surrogacy, which, according to the resolution, treats children as products and women as tools, often at the expense of embryonic life.
Addressing Willful Childlessness
One of the resolution’s more pointed concerns is the growing number of couples who choose not to have children, despite being physically able. This trend, the resolution argues, stems from a desire for personal freedom and a fear of financial burden. The authors of the resolution argue that this mindset undermines the biblical view of children as blessings from God.
“Children are a heritage from the Lord,” the resolution affirms, quoting Psalm 127:3-5. “The fruit of the womb is a reward.”
SBC leaders acknowledged that reasons for avoiding parenthood vary. Some couples are concerned about the cost of raising children. Others choose to prioritize careers over family life. But the resolution calls on believers to reject these fears and view children as gifts, not burdens.
Supporting Infertile Couples with Compassion
The resolution also makes a point to express empathy for couples who struggle with infertility. It encourages Christians to support such families and pursue morally sound and compassionate alternatives to parenthood, including adoption or fertility treatments that respect human dignity and life.
A Call for a Cultural Shift Within the Church
While the Christian fertility rate in the U.S. (estimated between 1.9 and 2.2 children per woman) is slightly above the national average (1.7), leaders argue that the difference is too small. They warn that if the trend continues, the Church risks losing its cultural and spiritual influence.
Christian couples, the resolution urges, should approach marriage with an openness to having children—unless faced with unusual circumstances. It describes parenthood as a normal and expected part of Christian marriage.
Quoting Benjamin Franklin, the resolution reflects: “He that raises a large family does, indeed, while he lives to observe them, stand a broader mark for sorrow; but then he stands a broader mark for pleasure too.”
Families Seen as the Foundation of National Strength
The resolution comes at a time when many conservative leaders are focusing on family policy and pro-life advocacy. While much attention has been given to legislation that could increase child tax credits and reduce funding for Planned Parenthood, SBC leaders stress that no policy can replace the spiritual importance of strong families.
“The One, Big Beautiful Truth,” the resolution concludes, is this: America’s strength and future depend on strong, faith-filled families. And for that to happen, Christians must be willing to raise more children and embrace the calling of parenthood.
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