Christian Anti-Natalism Reconsidering the Theology of Procreation

The aim of this book is to question the standard Christian narrative about procreation. It explores a number of philosophical arguments for anti-natalism and argues that many of them are compatible with Christianity. It also develops a risk-based argument suggesting that even a slight possibility of one’s children going to hell should give prospective parents pause. Undergirding these ideas is the uncontroversial assumption that in most cases Christians should be concerned with preventing harm. The book also features work on the history of anti-natalism, especially within Christianity, and concludes by addressing an extensive number of objections.

Part I. Introduction to Christian Anti-Natalism.- 1. The Counterintuitive Topic of Christian Anti-Natalism.- 2. Anti-Natalism and Christianity: Historical, Social, and Biblical Precedents.- Part II. The Contemporary Philosophical Debate.- 3. Benatar’s Arguments for Anti-Natalism.- 4. Additional Arguments for Anti-Natalism.- Part III. Christian Anti-Natalism.- 5. Anti-Natalism for Christian Exclusivists.- 6. Anti-Natalism for Christian Universalists.- 7. Objections to Christian Anti-Natalism. 8. Conclusion.

Kirk Lougheed is Assistant Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Center for Research on Faith and Human Flourishing at LCC International University. He is also a Research Associate at the University of Pretoria. He is the author of many articles or book chapters in African philosophy, philosophy of religion, and ethics. His seventh monograph is A Moral Theory of Liveliness: A Secular Interpretation of African Life Force (OUP, 2025).