Quiverfull is a movement that encourages large families as justified by the Bible. Quiverfull families do not believe in any kind of birth control, including abstinence. Although similar to traditional Catholic teachings, the movement is primarily within fundamentalist Christianity.
The movement takes its name from Psalm 127:3-5, which adherents interpret to mean that they should welcome large families of many children, and should not abstain from their duty to God to procreate, as set out in Genesis 1:28 ("Be fruitful and multiply"). The text of Psalm 127:3-5 states:
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:
and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man;
so are children of the youth.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them:
they shall not be ashamed,
but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
(King James version)
Most members of the Quiverfull movement also adhere to very conservative biblical lifestyles, including:
- homeschooling
- strong moral leadership from fathers
- a rejection of anti-Christian culture in movies (often the families do not have television and may or may not have computers, or at least their use is extremely limited with numerous safeguards in place), music, and books
- very modest clothing (for example women will only wear dresses and often will wear head coverings).
The Duggar family is a notable example of Quiverfull adherents.