Voluntary Childlessness as Resistance: a Cross-Cultural Interpretation of θλϊψις τη σαρκί in 1 Corinthians 7:28

Paul believes it is better for the Corinthian assembly not to marry (1 Cor 7:25–35). According to him, one disadvantage of marriage is that the married will experience “affliction in flesh” (θλϊψις τη σαρκϊ, 7:28). I offer a contextual interpretation of Paul’s discussion on marriage through the lens of voluntary childlessness in contemporary China, which I argue can serve as a subversive form of resistance. During 2020–2022, some unborn children in China were lost due to the anti-Covid measures. In response, numerous Chinese netizens declared, “This will be our last generation,” promoting voluntary childlessness as a form of protest. I suggest that this trend can illuminate Paul’s preference for a marriage-free life. His advice for the Corinthian virgins to abstain from marriage – and presumably from procreation – can be interpreted as a subtle critique of the Roman marriage legislation promoting procreation.

Duke Scholars

Author Maria Chen