Background of the Duggar Family’s Religion
approach. They are known for strict adherence to biblical teachings, a traditional family structure, and conservative values. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, the family patriarch and matriarch, raised their 19 children with these principles deeply embedded in their everyday lives, including their views on education, gender roles, and even modesty in appearance.
The family has been linked to several religious organizations over the years, with some of their beliefs stemming from a movement known as Independent Fundamentalist Baptists (IFB). The IFB denomination is typically characterized by a conservative, literal interpretation of the Bible, rejection of certain modern influences, and a strong emphasis on traditional gender roles.
2. Religious Influences and the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP)
A central influence on the Duggar family’s beliefs has been the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP), founded by Bill Gothard. The IBLP promotes a fundamentalist interpretation of the Bible and provides resources and guidance for families looking to live according to biblical standards. This organization advocates for a highly structured, male-led family unit and stresses submission to authority as a core value.
The Duggars have attended IBLP seminars and have spoken positively about its teachings. The organization has influenced their choices around homeschooling, courtship, modesty, and gender roles. Some IBLP teachings emphasize a “quiverfull” mindset, which encourages large families as a way to spread Christian influence. This has been a visible aspect of the Duggar family’s lives, as they have often stated that they view each child as a blessing from God and do not believe in using birth control.
3. Key Beliefs and Values of the Duggar Family’s Faith
The Duggar family’s faith involves specific beliefs and practices that are both personal and deeply embedded in their family dynamics. Below are some core aspects of their religious values.
a) Biblical Literalism and Authority
One of the most significant aspects of the Duggar family’s faith is their belief in the literal truth of the Bible. This belief influences their views on gender roles, marriage, and moral issues. They view the Bible as the ultimate authority on all matters, from everyday decision-making to larger life choices.
b) Patriarchal Family Structure
The Duggars adhere to a patriarchal family structure, where Jim Bob is considered the family leader. According to their beliefs, the father is the head of the household, and family members, especially wives and daughters, are expected to follow his guidance. This patriarchal structure is consistent with the teachings of the IBLP and other conservative Christian movements.
c) Modesty and Gender Roles
Modesty is a significant aspect of the Duggar family’s beliefs. The family encourages their daughters to dress modestly, usually in skirts or dresses that extend below the knee. They avoid clothes that could be considered revealing or form-fitting, believing that modest dress honors God and protects their hearts and minds. This dress code applies primarily to the daughters, aligning with the family’s views on traditional gender roles, where men are expected to be providers and protectors, and women nurturers and homemakers.
4. Courtship and Marriage: A Unique Duggar Tradition
One of the most well-known aspects of the Duggar family’s faith is their approach to relationships and marriage. The Duggars do not practice conventional dating. Instead, they follow a courtship model that emphasizes accountability, purity, and family involvement. Courtship is seen as a means to find a spouse with the intent of marriage, rather than casual dating.
During courtship, couples are typically chaperoned by family members to ensure that they remain pure, avoiding physical contact beyond hand-holding or side-hugs until they are married. The Duggars believe that emotional and physical intimacy should be reserved for marriage, and they view courtship as a sacred journey guided by family and faith.
5. Homeschooling and Religious Education
The Duggars educate their children through homeschooling, which allows them to incorporate their religious beliefs into the curriculum. Many conservative Christian families choose homeschooling to have greater control over the teachings their children receive, and the Duggars are no exception. They follow a curriculum that includes religious studies and emphasizes obedience, respect, and traditional family values.
Homeschooling also gives the family flexibility to attend church events, IBLP seminars, and mission trips, which the Duggars believe are essential components of their faith and learning. Their commitment to religious education aligns with their desire to shield their children from secular influences that they feel contradict their beliefs.
6. The Duggar Family and the Quiverfull Movement
The Duggar family is sometimes associated with the Quiverfull movement, a Christian ideology that encourages large families and sees children as a blessing and “arrows” in the “quiver” of a family. Though the Duggars have not explicitly labeled themselves as Quiverfull, they do embrace a similar philosophy, emphasizing that they leave family planning “in God’s hands” and avoiding birth control.
The Quiverfull movement’s belief in large families stems from a biblical passage in Psalm 127:3-5, which views children as gifts from God and encourages parents to welcome as many as possible. This belief has influenced the Duggars to have 19 children, and they view their family size as part of their faith commitment.
7. Controversies and Criticisms Surrounding the Duggar Family’s Faith
The Duggars’ beliefs and lifestyle have not been without controversy. The IBLP and its founder, Bill Gothard, have faced criticism and allegations regarding their teachings and practices. Gothard himself was accused of inappropriate behavior and resigned from the IBLP in 2014, which led some former members to question the organization’s teachings and influence.
In addition, the Duggar family’s strict gender roles and control over children’s lives have led to criticisms from both religious and secular communities. Critics argue that the family’s beliefs may limit the autonomy of their children, especially their daughters, and reinforce harmful gender stereotypes. Supporters, however, contend that the family’s lifestyle is a personal choice grounded in deeply held religious beliefs.
8. How the Duggar Family’s Religion Influences Their Public Image
As public figures, the Duggars have used their platform to share their faith with audiences. Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have written books, given interviews, and spoken publicly about their religious beliefs. Their show, 19 Kids and Counting, often showcased their faith-based approach to family life, and they frequently emphasized their commitment to God and Christian values.
Despite controversies, the Duggars remain influential in certain Christian circles, and their story has inspired others to explore similar lifestyles. They have, however, encountered challenges, including the cancellation of their show following a family scandal. Through it all, they have maintained that their faith is at the center of their lives.
9. The Future of the Duggar Family’s Faith
As Duggar children grow up and start their own families, it is clear that some adhere to the beliefs they were raised with, while others have chosen slightly different paths. Some of the Duggar children have chosen to distance themselves from IBLP teachings, adopting more moderate approaches to certain beliefs. This diversity in faith practices reflects the natural evolution of religious beliefs as family members grow and make individual choices.
Conclusion
The Duggar family’s faith is an integral part of their identity, influencing every aspect of their lives, from family structure to courtship, education, and even fashion. Their conservative Christian beliefs have been both celebrated and criticized, but they remain a defining characteristic of the Duggar family’s story. As the family grows and changes, it will be interesting to see how these beliefs continue to shape their lives and whether the next generation will carry on the same traditions or forge new paths.
