A Christian movement advocating for large families and promoting traditional gender roles.
Religion: Christianity
Denomination: Fundamentalism
Founded: Late 20th century
Location: Primarily in the United States
Other Names: Christian Patriarchy Movement, Full Quiver Movement
The Quiverfull Movement is a subset within conservative Evangelical Christianity characterized by its advocacy for large families, strict adherence to gender roles, and firm opposition to all forms of contraception. This movement derives its name and foundational philosophy from a metaphor used in Psalm 127:3–5, portraying children as arrows in a warrior’s quiver, symbolizing the blessings bestowed by God upon the faithful. The primary conviction held by adherents is that God exclusively determines the size of each family, resulting in a strong emphasis on procreation as well as the eschewal of birth control methods, natural family planning, and sterilization reversal.
Central to Quiverfull theology is the belief that women’s divine purpose is centered around childbirth and homemaking, underpinning a broader commitment to what is termed “Christian patriarchy.” In this model, women are expected to be completely submissive to their husbands, embracing roles as caregivers and educators within the home. This extends to the point where some followers consider it noble to risk their lives in childbirth if deemed to be God’s will, with families within the movement frequently comprising upwards of six to twelve children.
Gender roles within Quiverfull families are rigidly defined, with women and girls discouraged from pursuing careers or education beyond what is necessary for their roles as wives and mothers. Men and boys, on the other hand, are positioned as the heads of households, yet are often described as lacking basic life skills due to the family structure’s emphasis on female servitude. Interestingly, despite its patriarchal leanings, the movement often sees women as its most vocal proponents and leaders, drawing in families through appeals to traditional values and the promise of a stable, God-centered home life.
Quiverfull families typically engage in homeschooling, viewing it as a means to protect children from secular influences and ensure education aligns with their religious and ideological beliefs. This aspect of the movement ties closely to its broader societal and political ambitions, aiming to influence American culture and politics through demographic means. Advocates like Rick and Jan Hess, in their work “A Full Quiver: Family Planning and the Lordship of Christ,” have articulated a vision for creating a significant demographic shift in the United States through the strategic growth of Quiverfull families, thus advancing Christian conservative values at a national level.
The Quiverfull Movement has been critiqued for its extreme views on gender, family planning, and societal roles, as well as its impact on women’s health and autonomy. According to critics, the movement’s emphasis on large families places significant physical, emotional, and financial strains on its adherents, raising concerns about the sustainability and ethical implications of its practices.
image via HuffPost
