Met With Perfect Pleasure

Interesting. I will have to watch this when I get a chance.

Hi Melanie,
I know this is an old post, but I've recently been pondering this whole issue myself to better understand what scripture has to say in this area. I listened to Driscoll's message. And, although he did raise some valid and important points, I would have to disagree with your assessment of him giving a balanced message on this. I think he could have been much, much more gracious in his approach. Whereas, it seemed he was having fun people bashing or just being plain outright harsh or rude. I think his prideful approach in this message really deters from the gospel of grace. Romans 2:3-4 comes to mind. :)
I hope this is helpful.
Melissa

(I accidentally found your blog doing a search on this topic, but I'm from Crossway, if my name rings a bell. :) Hope you're doing well.

Hi Melissa,
Hmmm...I think I understand what you are saying - Driscoll is not known for speaking in a gracious manner. He often makes fun of homeschoolers and Canadians (I am both) in a way that comes across as a blanket judgment and an unfair caricature. However, I think it is good to be able to laugh at ourselves and our idiosyncrasies.
Ironically, I found this message really helped me approach this topic in a more gracious and (hopefully) humble way that is less judgmental of others choices. I think it is because the issue and how we make decisions about bearing children is not so cut and dry. There are so many factors that influence our decisions and circumstances that limit or affect us that are beyond our control. So from that perspective, I would maintain that Driscoll's teaching was balanced. Gracious? Maybe not.
I'd have to relisten to offer a fresh assessment.
From what I do recall, he had some very hard (harsh) words for a small group of people that (in my opinion) were appropriate. Sadly, (as you may come across in your searches) there are those of the "quiver-full" mindset whose teaching needs to be strongly rebuked in the same manner that Jesus rebuked the Pharisees.
Their teaching elevates a woman's childbearing function in a way that is dehumanizing and beyond what scripture teaches.
For example, they teach that any form of birth control is wrong and any attempt to limit, or space children is usurping God's authority. They teach that if a woman has had an ectopic pregnancy treated medically she has had an abortion. They teach that homeschooling is the only biblical and faithful way to educate one's children. They teach it is wrong for women to vote, work outside the home or attend university. They teach that the husband is prophet, priest and king over his wife and that she is "saved" though childbearing. I could go on...but the point I think Driscoll was driving home was for husbands to love their wives and not lay on heavy loads that they can't bear and are crushed under. Unfortunately, the only teaching (besides this sermon of Driscoll's) regarding leaving our family size and timing of children open that I have ever come across has come from such groups as I've described above. The danger then, is chosing to order you family in this way and then identifying more with this group than with the Gospel because of a like-minded conviction.
Anyways, not sure if that was what you were concerned with in particular. I hope it helps.
I'd love to know what your thoughts are in relation to that!!! :D.
Melanie