The Duggar Lifestyle Is Far From 'Reality' for Most Fundamentalists
In my review of Jill Duggar's memoir, Counting the Cost, I mentioned how much of an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look Jill gave readers into the intricacies of the Duggar lifestyle, tearing down the captivating facade presented on reality TV.
I want to delve into the juxtaposition between the perceived ideal of the Duggar lifestyle and the stark reality for most fundamentalists who they influenced.
The Duggars were often hailed as a “model family” – within the Institute in Basic Life Principles (IBLP) community, of course – but their influence in that role grew as they rose to national prominence through the TLC series, 19 Kids and Counting.
Many families looked to them as an example for morality, parenting, and of course the “quiverfull lifestyle.” But while they attempted to duplicate the reality show, few experienced the same “reality” that the Duggar’s were.
The immediate question that arises when witnessing a family with 19 kids is, "How do they afford it?"
If you ask someone like a Bill Gothard or Jim Bob Duggar, you’ll probably get an answer like, “God’s provision.”
In the case of the Duggar family, the answer was a lot simpler – “TLC.”
Jill's account of the Duggars' rise to fame sheds light on the rapid financial shift the family experienced. From having grocery bills covered to the construction of their expansive home, the financial backing from TLC presented a comfortable lifestyle.
You don’t see that side of things on the show, you just see “God’s provision.”
While the Duggars were lauded as a “model family,” the average fundamentalist family (not backed by a major television network) often struggles to make ends meet under the pressure to “be fruitful and multiply.”
One specific moment in Jill's memoir recounts a trip to ALDI with a documentary crew – the first to film with them. At the time, the Duggar’s finances were tight to say the least.
Jill shares that the crew covering the expenses allowed for them to experience meals beyond their usual tater tot casseroles and other simple, cheap meals. A simple reminder that pre-TLC, the Duggars were a fairly typical large fundamentalist family – in which basic necessities felt like a luxury.
So why is this important to talk about?
Fundamentalist churches and organizations like IBLB are doing a disservice to earnest Christian families when they present idealized lifestyles as if they are financially attainable or sustainable by anyone who simply steps out by faith.
The Duggars are the exception, not the rule of quiverfull living – and that way of living is certainly not a divine mandate, nor is it a guarantee of divine provision. To say otherwise is to potentially do great harm to families who simply can’t bear the weight of that lifestyle.
At the time of writing this article, Jill Duggar’s book, Counting the Cost, is free to listen to on Audible Premium. Click the button below to get your free trial. Note, as an Amazon associate I receive a small commission on any purchases made.