Anyway, while I was looking up some info on a couple GA's, I noticed their bio's have how many children they have had. Although it is totally up to the individual and you can't judge another and how many children they do or don't have, I couldn't resist noticing the following trend...
Average number of children to the seven most senior GA's (excluding President Monson to keep the numbers at seven and seven) is 6.4 while the average for the seven least senior GA's is 3.7. One of the things I learned in my sociology minor that stuck out the most to me was how we as LDS people tend to follow the nation trends very similar, just at different levels for most things. For example, when the average family went from four to two, we went from eight to four (or some other similar numbers). We drop when the country drops, but just at different numbers. Here are the stats...
Monson 3
Q12
Packer 10
Perry 3
Nelson 10
Oaks 6
Ballard 7
Scott 7
Hales 2
Holland 3
Bednar 3
Cook 3
Christofferson 5
Anderson 4
Everyone but Monson
Packer 10
Perry 3
Nelson 10
Oaks 6
Ballard 7
Scott 7
Hales 2
Holland 3
Eyring 6
Uchtdorf 2
Bednar 3
Cook 3
Christofferson 5
Anderson 4
Averages
First 7 = 6.4
Last 7 = 3.7
6 comments:
As my professor would tell me. "Ok, so you have given me some facts. What does it all mean?"
Even our GA's are following the national trends, just as the general members.
What does this say about the former claims by leaders about number of children couples should have, especially in relation to the use of birth control?
Is God changing with national trends? Were these teachings never from God? Are current leaders violating God's command by conforming with national trends?
IMHO...I don't think is shows anything negative, only positive. I think there are many reasons that people have less children than they used to and laziness or selfishness is not the main reason.
For example, most people try to discipline much more now with love and not fear (ie-spanking, belt, etc). It takes a lot more effort to discipline that way. Also, due to fears of letting your kids play outside and alone (I don't totally agree with that fear BTW), people put more effort into monitoring their children rather than letting them play outside by themselves. There are many other similar things that contribute to this phenomenon. As the effort increases, the numbers decrease.
God expects us to multiply and replenish. We can't forget the last half of that commandment. If we are just having kids to reach a number, but can't take care of them and remain emotionally stable, then we are "running more than we are capable of."
As far as birth control over the pulpit preaching goes, you and I both know that has changed. And, as you know I know that the leaders are imperfect beings that don't always say everything as 100% perfect eternal doctrine. Line up line!
If trends continue...world domination.
National Average = 0
Mormons = 2
Carson, I rarely check in, but when I do I appreciate your viewpoints.
Thanks Jon, I didn't know you checked at all. Glad to hear you enjoy it. I hope all is well!
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