Raising larger families

There is no denying that our American society is undergoing fundamental changes. One of the most troubling demographic changes is that of falling birth rates. To be entirely frank, Americans are not having enough children to sustain our way of life. Most economists and demographers strongly agree that we must continue to rely on immigrants to keep our economy and our society growing. This is not my preferred solution to growing and sustaining our nation; however, unless married couples start raising large families, this may be our only solution.

It is deeply troubling that over the relatively short course of 350 years, our nation has petered out. Its citizens have stopped planning for the future, preferring to live in the moment with nary a thought about the tomorrows yet to come. Have we forgotten God’s commandment: “Be fruitful, multiply, replenish and have dominion over the earth?” (Gn 1:28).

Blunt as it may seem, Americans better get busy raising families very soon, or the American way of life is doomed.

Bill C. Holm
Bloomington

Share your perspective by emailing CatholicSpirit@archspm.org. Please limit your letter to the editor to 150 words and include your parish and phone number. The Commentary page does not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Catholic Spirit. Letters may be edited for length or clarity.