Episode 145: Joseph Lewis on his book Rediscovering the Joy of Children & Family (March 18, 2025)

In this episode of The Catholic Bookworm, Kiki Latimer interviews Joseph Lewis on his book Rediscovering the Joy of Children & Family: Why the World's Declining Birth Rate Crisis Can No Longer Be Ignored (March 18, 2025)Many warn of overpopulation. They claim that the planet can barely accommodate the current population. But is this true? In reality, the birthrates in an increasing number of countries are in a persistent and rapid decline and have reached a crisis phase. Scientists warn that the world’s overall population will soon reach zero growth and begin dropping over the next few years––something that has never happened in recorded history!What would it mean for the world and the United States if global populations began to shrink? We are already seeing how the economies of many countries are struggling to provide for a growing disproportion of aging citizens with fewer younger people in the workforce able to support them. How long will some of our schools and universities continue to remain open while drawing upon an ever-diminishing pool of young students?Award-winning author and writer, Joseph A. Lewis, examines these and other related concerns after spending the better part of a decade thoroughly researching a topic that is fast becoming the most important issue of our times. Although much of the data and information he presents is consequential and sobering, the overall message of the book is one of hope and a rediscovery of the joy and abundant blessings children bring to our lives.The stories of real lives and real people whose experiences of raising children under extraordinarily challenging circumstances are also a major feature of the book. Their compelling and inspiring stories remind us of what children truly are: a supreme gift that God invites us to accept into our lives and into a world that desperately needs them!