Taking a holistic view of the biblical perspectives on childlessness: Implications for Nigerian Christians and the church in Nigeria

Abstract

Infertility has been identified as a global health problem, influencing the lives of roughly 10% of the world’s population (Schones 2019:1). Writing with regard to the United States, Monroe and Monroe (2005) state that ‘one in six couples struggles with infertility. One in four couples over the age of thirty-five struggles with infertility’ (p. 50). In a study conducted by Adeyanju and Ayandiran (2013) in southwestern Nigeria, ‘it was discovered that the prevalence of female infertility was about 45%’ (cited in Ademiluka 2019a:1). Many Christians believe that the bible teaches that children are a gift from God, and it is his plan for everyone to have them. Childlessness is, therefore, often seen as God’s punishment for certain sins that the barren must have committed. This is the perspective that is sometimes derived from the Old Testament (OT) if the relevant texts are not critically and adequately scrutinised, but which unfortunately has largely controlled Christian attitude towards the problem of childlessness. In the modern world, this belief seems to accentuate the burden that is usually associated with childlessness, as affected persons are made to sense that something is wrong about themselves (Rohlin 2006:1). Many infertile Christians today ask questions as to whether God is punishing them for certain ‘unconfessed sins in their lives’ (Christian Medical and Dental Associations [CMDA] 2018:14). Thus, childlessness affects one’s spirituality, which makes it a ‘topic worth pursuing in a variety of fields [particularly] ... biblical studies’ (Schones 2019:1). To this end, this article attempts a holistic study of the biblical perspectives on childlessness with a view to ascertaining ‘whether procreation is a moral responsibility for married couples, whether it is the primary purpose of marriage, and whether a childless marriage is, as such, an incomplete marriage’ (Magnuson 2000:26). It also examines the implications of the study for Nigerian Christians and the church in Nigeria. The target group The belief amongst some Christians that it is God’s plan for everyone to have children, and that barrenness is a punishment from God is apparently derived from the Old Testament (OT). This article attempts a holistic study of the biblical perspectives on childlessness with a view to ascertain whether procreation is a moral responsibility of every individual. The target group includes Nigerian Christian couples suffering from infertility. The article employs the descriptive and exegetical methods. The study revealed that the belief that the OT views barrenness as caused by sin and a punishment from God was erroneous. A critical examination of the relevant texts revealed that infertility is a natural phenomenon, and God gives children as a blessing but not necessarily to every individual. In the New Testament (NT), the attitude towards childlessness is characterised by the concept of ‘alternative family models’, by which some Christians could adopt children whilst others might choose to be celibate, being satisfied with their membership of the community of believers. Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 7 clearly mitigates natural childbearing, and thus negates any attitude of desperation for bearing children. In the Nigerian context, this interpretation necessitates a change of attitude towards infertility. The church has to develop a theological reconstruction with regard to procreation in marriage, in a manner that will assure Christians that a childless marriage is not lacking in any way.