The video below may be a tad dramatic but in reality it points to a very serious problem for the “Christian West.” Birthrates in Europe have been falling since the 1970s and are now seriously below replacement level. Apart from the high levels of immigration that the European countries have had, they would already be experiencing the serious effects of underpopulation. The culture of European nations is going to be transformed. It is now unavoidable. Here are the birthrates of Western countries as of 2002:
Australia…………………1.8
Canada………………….1.6
France……………………1.7
Germany………………..1.4
Ireland……………………1.9
Italy………………………..1.2
Japan…………………….1.4
UK…………………………1.7
USA……………………….2.1
(Estimates for 2002, source ‘The World Fact Book’)
If you take replacement level to be 2.1 children per family, the USA is the only “Western” nation meeting that level. And the only reason that we are meeting it is the very high level birthrates of the Hispanic population. One thing is clear: people of European descent don’t have babies.
The West has bought into the “overpopulation” myth and that coupled with the embrace of contraceptives and the general apostasy from Biblical faith have laid the foundations for a pretty bleak future (if things continue as they are). The birthrates of nearly all European nations over the past 30 years mean that there will be a massive shift in what we have known as “traditional European culture.” As Muammar Qadaffi says, Islam is about to win a great victory in Europe without shooting a gun or making a single threat. Again we see the real battle cannot be won with armies and ammunition. It is a spiritual warfare and one that we cannot ignore.
“As Muammar Qaaffi says, Islam is about to win a great victory in Europe without shooting a gun or making a single threat.”
The thing I don’t like about this video is that it treats such a victory like the ultimate end, forgetting that Jesus will will a bigger victory without shooting a gun or making a single threat. The church should consider this and respond with more raucous singing, more extravagant feasting, and more fervent obedience. But Christians watching this video will more likely be inspired to fearful refusal to bring children into such a world than they will be inspired to joyful babymaking and faithful childrearing for the glory of God.
Very well said and right on! We need more arrows in our quiver. (Psalm 127)
call to action: *uck like wabbits and make more babies.
not all muslims are that bad ya know
I think the effect of the overpopulation myth is probably only marginal. I think self-absorption is the main reason we have fewer children. We are prosperous and enjoy our leisure and don’t want anything interfering with it. We have children only if they fit in with our plans. We only use the overpopulation myth to validate our choice.