A Call for Russians to Embrace Biblical Teachings and Reverse Declining Birth Rates

In response to Russia's declining birth rate, State Duma deputy Dmitry Kuznetsov has suggested that Russians should return to religious teachings and "be fruitful and multiply." He believes that following the biblical commandment could inspire a cultural shift and address the demographic crisis.

Kuznetsov's proposal echoes the recent statements of fellow MP Nina Ostanina, who advocated for a "philosophy of life" centered around large families. This aligns with President Vladimir Putin's vision of a society where large families are the norm and the cornerstone of social life.

To incentivize larger families, Kuznetsov suggests increasing the average wage to $1,600-$2,200, supporting the construction of single-family homes, and offering generous payouts for the birth of a third child. He believes these measures, coupled with a renewed embrace of biblical teachings, could bring about a "radical change for the better."

The declining birth rate in Russia has become a pressing concern, reaching its lowest level since 1999 last year. Experts warn that this trend could lead to a significant population decline and pose challenges for the economy. The government has implemented various financial and social measures to support families with children, but Kuznetsov believes a deeper cultural shift is needed.

His proposal to return to religious teachings and embrace the biblical commandment to "be fruitful and multiply" has sparked debate. While some see it as a potential solution to the demographic crisis, others question its effectiveness and potential social implications. The discussion highlights the complex challenges Russia faces in addressing its declining birth rate and the diverse perspectives on how to achieve a sustainable population growth.