The Duggar Family and Their Religious Beliefs: A Deep Dive into Their Faith and Lifestyle

Known for their large family, conservative values, and devout religious practices, the Duggars have become symbols of a particular strand of Christian fundamentalism. Their beliefs, lifestyle, and religion are integral to understanding their public persona and the way they live. This article aims to explore the religious roots, tenets, and impacts of the Duggar family’s faith.

The Duggar Family Background

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar are the parents of 19 children, and they rose to fame through various reality shows, initially 14 Children and Pregnant Again, eventually growing into the popular 19 Kids and Counting. Their lives were documented over several seasons, showcasing their unique approach to parenting, homeschooling, and their devout Christian faith.

However, what lies behind their public image is a set of religious beliefs that have influenced almost every aspect of their lives, from their family structure to the roles of men and women. The Duggars are part of a broader Christian fundamentalist movement, specifically aligned with the teachings of Bill Gothard and his Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), a non-denominational Christian organization known for its strict adherence to Biblical literalism and conservative social values.

The Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP)

At the heart of the Duggar family’s faith is their involvement in the IBLP, a conservative Christian organization founded by Bill Gothard in 1961. Gothard’s teachings focus on strict Biblical interpretation, family-centered leadership, and the belief that all areas of life, including education, relationships, and personal behavior, should align with the Bible’s teachings.

Key aspects of IBLP include:

• Patriarchy: One of the most pronounced beliefs in the IBLP and practiced by the Duggars is the doctrine of patriarchy. According to this belief, the father is the spiritual and authoritative head of the household, and his role is to guide and protect his family. The Duggar children, especially the girls, are taught to respect their father’s authority. Decisions, including courtship, career paths, and life choices, are often made in consultation with their father. Women, including Michelle, are seen as supporters and nurturers, fulfilling traditional gender roles.
• Homeschooling and Religious Education: The Duggars homeschool their children, aligning their curriculum with conservative Christian principles. The goal of their education is not just academic learning, but spiritual and character development as well. IBLP offers its own curriculum and educational materials, heavily based on Christian theology. The Duggars have been vocal about the importance of homeschooling in instilling their faith and values in their children, offering them a shield from the secular influences found in mainstream education.
• Purity and Courtship: The Duggars adhere to a strict belief in purity before marriage. This extends to physical contact between men and women, with courtship being the approved method of pre-marital relationships. Courtship is seen as a way for a couple to get to know each other with the intent of marriage, and it usually involves the parents’ direct oversight. Traditional dating, which is seen as too casual or worldly, is avoided in favor of this approach, and physical contact is often limited to hand-holding or side-hugs. Sexual purity is highly valued, and couples refrain from physical intimacy until marriage.
• Modesty and Gender Roles: The Duggar family’s emphasis on modesty is both physical and behavioral. The women in the family often wear long skirts or dresses and avoid revealing clothing, as they believe that modesty is a reflection of their faith. The goal is to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to the body and to remain humble in appearance. The Duggars also promote traditional gender roles, with men seen as providers and protectors, while women are seen as caretakers and homemakers.

Bill Gothard’s Influence

Bill Gothard’s teachings are critical in understanding the Duggar family’s religious framework. Gothard’s IBLP emphasizes the idea of “umbrellas of protection,” where authority figures (usually the father) provide spiritual and moral protection for those under them (wife and children). Gothard’s concept of authority stretches to various aspects of life, including personal choices, professional life, and even spiritual growth. His teachings extend beyond theology and focus on personal character, often promoting strict discipline and self-control.

Although Gothard resigned from IBLP in 2014 amid allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct, the Duggar family’s involvement with his teachings continued to shape their religious identity. Gothard’s views on authority, modesty, purity, and family life have been deeply embedded in the Duggar family’s worldview and lifestyle.

Quiverfull Movement

The Duggars are often associated with the Quiverfull movement, a Christian ideology that encourages large families as part of God’s plan. The movement takes its name from Psalm 127:3-5, which refers to children as a “heritage from the Lord” and describes a man’s children as arrows in a quiver. Adherents of this movement, like the Duggars, believe that it is their duty to have as many children as God will allow, rejecting any form of birth control.

The Quiverfull movement also emphasizes that children are a blessing and a way to promote Christian values through family growth. This belief drives the Duggars’ decision to have a large family, considering each child a gift from God. Their pro-life stance and rejection of birth control align with the broader principles of the Quiverfull movement, which opposes any artificial interference with God’s plan for family size.

Daily Religious Practices

The Duggar family’s religious beliefs are not just theoretical but are part of their daily life. Bible reading, prayer, and devotions are integral to their routine. The children are taught to memorize Bible verses, and family worship is a significant part of their schedule. They view their religious practices as a way to stay connected with God and to instill moral values in their children.

In addition to personal prayer and Bible study, the Duggars attend church regularly. Their involvement in their local Christian community includes attending worship services and participating in ministry work. This involvement extends to missions and charity work, where the Duggars often speak about their faith and its importance in guiding their actions.

Public Perception and Controversies

The Duggar family’s religious beliefs have drawn both admiration and criticism from the public. Many conservative Christians see the Duggars as role models for their faith, commitment to family, and dedication to conservative values. Their emphasis on purity, modesty, and family-centered living resonates with those who share similar religious convictions.

However, the Duggar family’s public persona has not been without controversy. Critics argue that their religious views promote patriarchal control, limit women’s autonomy, and reinforce outdated gender roles. The IBLP, and by extension the Duggars, have been criticized for fostering a culture that suppresses individuality and enforces strict conformity to conservative Christian standards.

Furthermore, the scandals involving both Bill Gothard and Josh Duggar have cast a shadow over the family’s religious practices. Gothard’s resignation from IBLP following sexual misconduct allegations, and Josh Duggar’s conviction for child pornography possession, have raised questions about the effectiveness of the religious framework in promoting healthy and moral behavior.

For some, these controversies point to the darker side of religious fundamentalism, where control and repression can sometimes foster unhealthy dynamics. However, for others, the Duggar family’s continued faith in the face of adversity is seen as a testament to their dedication to their beliefs.

Impact on the Duggar Children

As the Duggar children have grown into adulthood, many have chosen to follow the religious teachings of their parents, while others have started to diverge. Some of the older Duggar children, like Jill Duggar Dillard and Jinger Duggar Vuolo, have publicly distanced themselves from certain aspects of their upbringing, particularly the more restrictive elements of IBLP.

Jill Duggar, for instance, has been open about her struggles with her family’s strict religious expectations and has taken steps toward a more independent lifestyle. Jinger Duggar has also spoken about her journey of faith, sharing how she has reevaluated some of the teachings she was raised with while still maintaining her Christian faith.

This divergence highlights the complexity of growing up in a strict religious environment and the challenges of maintaining a personal faith while navigating individual identity. For some of the Duggar children, their upbringing has provided a strong foundation, while for others, it has led to a reexamination of their beliefs.

Conclusion

The Duggar family’s religion is more than just a backdrop to their reality TV fame; it is the guiding force behind their lifestyle, decisions, and public persona. Rooted in the teachings of Bill Gothard and the IBLP, their faith emphasizes patriarchy, modesty, purity, and family-centered living. While the Duggars have garnered both praise and criticism for their religious beliefs, their commitment to their faith has remained a defining feature of their lives.