19 Kids and Counting

Lately on the news you have probably heard a thing or two about the Duggar family. If you don't know who they are you may be wondering why they're so popular? The Duggars are a family from Arkansas consisting of 19 children raised by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar. Yes, you read that correctly, 19 children which consists of 10 sons and 9 daughters. For the past seven years you may have seen this family on TLC in their reality show, 19 Kids and Counting. That was, until this past year when TLC decided to cancel their show due to some scandalous and illegal behavior.

Before we even touch base on why TLC decided to cancel 19 Kids and Counting, you should know more background information about the Duggars to understand why many people are appalled by their actions.

The Duggars are devoted Independent Baptists. Michelle and Jim Bob only let their children watch what they believe are wholesome television shows and the internet is filtered. Modesty is a strong moral in which they live by. Tank tops and shorts are prohibited and the girls are not allowed to wear skirts that go above the knee. With that said, they typically stay away from beaches due to what they believe is nudity as well as limiting various behaviors such as hugs. Hugs? Someone can limit a hug? The Duggars believe that there is no chest to chest contact and do what is described as "side hugs". Evening during "courting" they are not allowed to hold hands until the couple is engaged and do not kiss until their wedding day.

Now that you may feel like you know the Duggars a little bit we can move on to the controversial events. Over-all looking at the Duggar family you would think they were a whole some, happy, and loving family. Their beliefs may be a little odd to the norms of society but at one point or another you may think that maybe they were TOO good to be true? What family doesn't break any rules and lives a 100% sin free life?

In comes Josh Duggar, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggars eldest son and first child. This past May it has came to light that many years ago Josh was charged for molesting his younger siblings. Most found this quite the scandal because he described his families beliefs as the "epitome of Christian values" and is known as a political speaker against abortion, divorce, and gay marriage. Many have had a lot to say and as a result of his past actions TLC decided to cancel their television series.

So my question to you all is, does having high morals and strong religious beliefs really keep you from committing sin? What about from a parent perspective? Does keeping your child at high standards really deter them from doing bad behaviors or could it push them to want to do them more due to the unknown? I will post a link below of more details on this story below.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/06/03/what-to-expect-from-the-fox-news-interview-with-josh-duggars-parents/