Duggar Family Announces 19th Child; Quiverfull Movement in Spotlight Again

quiverfull

The Duggar family is currently expecting their 19th child, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar announced this morning on The Today Show. The couple, who have a reality television show called 18 Kids and Counting (formerly 17 Kids and Counting) have garnered much media attention in recent years for their large family size and perhaps controversial religious practices.

Who are the Duggars?
According to the Duggar Family website, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are normal people, who have strived to live a life according to God's will. MSNBC reports that Jim Bob Duggar is a former state legislator from the Arkansas House of Representatives, while Michelle stays home and tends for their large (and getting larger brood)...including homeschooling. They started their reality television show on TLC in 2007, and have also written a book, The Duggars: 20 and Counting!

What religion are the Duggar family?
Much of the controversy surrounding the Duggar family has to do with their religion. Evangelical Christians, the Duggars are reported to prescribe to the Quiverfull movement (though there is no reference to the movement by name on their website), whose foundation is based on Psalm 127: 3-5, "Lo, Children are the heritage of the Lord; and the fruit of the womb is His Reward. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them..." The Quiverfull movement has received nationwide attention, especially since the Duggar family came into the spotlight. With feminists calling the Quiverfull movement anti-feminist and many worrying about the health and well-being of women and children that prescribe to the faith, it's no wonder that the Duggar family continue to gain an audience of those curious to see how and why they do it.

Why are the Duggars so popular?
If you've ever watched the Duggar family on 18 Kids and Counting, or listened to Michelle Duggar speak, you'll quickly see why the show and the family are so addictive. With a calm, patient manner and a way when she speaks, Michelle Duggar appeals to parents (religious or not) who strive to bring that calmness and patience to their own parenting. With well-behaved, caring children and a strong family unit, many wish their own family could mimic the Duggar's, if not in size, then in structure.

With the Duggar family expecting their 19th child, expect even more attention to fall towards the controversial Quiverfull movement, the Duggars, and TLC's 18 (19) Kids and Counting.