About this episode

Russell Moore and Karen Swallow Prior discuss the church's role in addressing infertility and childlessness, exploring spiritual and communal aspects of these experiences.

How should the church address infertility and childlessness? Watch this episode on YouTube In this special episode filmed as a livestream for Christianity Today subscribers, Russell Moore sits down with Karen Swallow Prior to talk about her recent CT Magazine article, “The Birds and the Bees, Babies and Me.” Drawing from her own experience, Prior reflects on the deeply personal nature of infertility—not just as a medical or social issue, but as a spiritual and communal one. But this conversation is not only about loss, it’s also about rethinking fruitfulness, calling, and blessing. In answering questions taken live from viewers, Prior points to the unexpected ways God shapes lives outside of cultural expectations, while Moore considers how churches can become places that recognize spiritual motherhood and fatherhood beyond biology. Along the way, they wrestle honestly with the tension of unanswered prayers, offering a vision of community that bears burdens together rather than explaining them away. Resources mentioned in this episode: Walking Through Infertility by Matthew Arbo Keep up with Russell: Sign up for the weekly newsletter where Russell shares thoughtful takes on big…

People in this episode

Host: Russell Moore

Guest: Karen Swallow Prior

Topics covered

• infertility
• childlessness
• spiritual motherhood
• community support
• fruitfulness
• calling
• blessing

Keywords

• infertility
• childlessness
• spirituality
• community
• fruitfulness
• calling
• blessing
• unanswered prayers
• Russell Moore
• Karen Swallow Prior

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Christianity Today, Christianity Today Magazine

Products: Walking Through Infertility

Books & works: The Birds and the Bees, Babies and Me

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