General Conference, ‘The Personal Journey of a Child of God’, April 2021 “Each person who comes to earth is a unique son or daughter of God. Our personal journey did not begin at birth. … As covenant children of God, we love, honor, nurture, safeguard, and welcome those spirits who are coming from the premortal world. …
The Sacred Decision to Have a Child
It is concerning that even in some of the most prosperous countries of the world, fewer children are being born. “God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force.”
…remember that each spirit child of God is coming to earth on his or her own personal journey…As you receive these precious children in the Savior’s name… I promise you that the Lord will bless you and shower His love and approval upon you.” — Neil L. Andersen
Matthew 6:20 “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal”.
Matthew 22:36-37 “Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”
James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
Today and tomorrow, we’re taking a look at a few of the things Mr. Andersen said in his talk. To read it in full see link above.
Based on his remarks it seems the Church is concerned about its ever-decreasing natural growth. Mr. Andersen’s reminder of God’s commandment to replenish the earth was a feigned attempt at masking their panic they’ve got a huge problem on their hands.
According to the Church’s own records it shows that births to active members from 2019 to 2020 fell 22%. In December 2020 headlines of the Salt Lake Trib said, ‘Utah Births Plummet’, showing how the state had its ‘lowest number of births in 21 years’.
You can read a spreadsheet document of all Mormon stats from its inception to 2021 and beyond at ‘Fuller Consideration’.
Using the unbiblical pre-existence doctrine Mr. Andersen’s not-so-subtle reminder was meant to be a guilt trip commandment to increase their membership roster. The Bible doesn’t tell us that everyone should have kids. What the Bible tells us is to seek God first and do nothing out of selfish ambition. There will be people in this world who choose not to have kids and their reasons will be judged by the Lord, not an organization claiming to be Christian.
You can read a great article on this topic at CompellingTruth.org. Mormons today are following in the pattern of many others in this world. They’re choosing to get an education, and holding off having families until they’re ready. Is it a sin? Only the Lord determines what’s in a man’s heart. Meanwhile, the Church’s tactics are the same as they always have been. It’s guilt over God.
One last question…
Mr. Andersen said that if they have kids God will shower them with love and approval.
Does this mean God won’t love, or approve of them if they don’t have kids?
Tomorrow we’re looking at the ugly underbelly of the Church’s hidden messages when it comes to abortion.
Ask the Mormon you know what they think about being told they have to bring kids into this world.
With Love in Christ —
Michelle
[…] Historic Low Births Brings Reminder to Multiply Neil Andersen General Conference April 2021 […]
Increase the birthrate of the church. The Germans did the same thing in WW2 with members of the SS and single women, that possessed the proper Arian features.
I used to hate listening to church authorities encouraging young members to get married and have children. Some of these folks (members) didn’t feel ready to get married or to have kids. I saw too many young people from BYU getting married as soon as the man came off his mission. The church, while encouraging young folks to get married and have kids, fails to inform it’s members of the growing number of divorces and single moms inside the church.
I worked as the Employment Specialist in my ward for many years. I can’t even begin to tell you how many single women came to me seeking jobs. These women (typically) all had the same thing in common. They got married very young to a returned missionary. Within 5-10 years, they had 3-5 children together. Some years into the marriage, the husband falls in love with another woman and leaves his wife. Now, this once young and eager Mormon wife, is seeking employment in order to support her and her kids.