Paradise Cafe Discussions - A Place For Bible Research And Christian Encouragement

10 And they will actually eat, but will not get satisfied. They will actually treat [women] as harlots; but they will not increase, because they have left off paying regard to Jehovah himself. -Hosea 4:10 (NWT)
11 As regards E´phra·im, like a flying creature their glory flies away, so that there is no giving birth, and no [pregnant] belly and no conception. 12 For although they bring up their sons, I will also bereave them of children so that there will be no man; because—woe also to them when I turn away from them!
14 Give to them, O Jehovah, what you should give. Give them a miscarrying womb and breasts shriveling up. -Hosea 9:11,12,14 (NWT)

Is it not what occures within Jehovah's witnesses? In many lands there is 0 % increase. The general attitude is as we know: Better not to make children in this world. But even when Jws get children very many of them leave Jehovah God, and take up a worldly lifestyle.

Married young couples should instead of refraining from having children, heed to apostle Pauls words: Therefore I desire the younger widows to marry, to bear children, to manage a household, to give no inducement to the opposer to revile. -1Timothy 5:14(NWT)

Best regards Jan

The normal God given joys of Marriage have always been a little problematic for the Witnesses and even going back to the time of Charles Russell. You can find anti-joy statements in the writings and sermons of many Christian Denominations as well.

Charles Russell and Joseph Rutherford didn't set sterling examples in their marriages. Nathan Knorr was famous for discouraging marriage or having children. His sexual edicts for married couples set off a real witch hunt. I remember being a young single Servant at the time in a large group of married Servants who were really flipped out over Knorr's missionary position only stance. After much 'how to' discussion the guys stopped and looked at me and I was like whoa! I've barely been to first base :dontknow: Crazy times.

Marriage and kids (and now grandkids) are one of life's great joys.

Brother Raymond Franz has some comments about it all in his book.

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