What an utter pantload of sanctimonius ***. People become mature and responsible by fulfilling their obligations, paying bills on time, supporting themselves, etc. Actually raising children is certainly A way to mature, but it is not the only-nor does merely giving birth or donating sperm automatically make you mature. Does the "good" reverend actually believe that a selfsupporting, financially stable childfree man or woman is less mature than a drugusing, alcoholic welfare leech who craps out kid after kid by different men, doesn't parent them (unless alternately ignoring at and screaming at constitutes parenting) and expects society to foot the bill? Anyone who doesn't know what I am talking about-go to any Wal Mart or Mall and take a good, long look around you.
Parenting isn't for everyone. It is good that people who lack the patience or empathy or for WHATEVER reason don't wish to take on the responsibility of childraising have the option to opt out-and ask any social worker, probation officer, cop, teacher, etc, if there aren't a helluva lot of people who SHOULD have chosen that option, but didn't!
I have all the money I will ever need, but because my relationships last an average of a month or two before my charm is overwhelmed by my selfishness, I will certainly never have children.
Part of me knows I could be a parent, but that part of me grows smaller every day as I play with my adult toys. I am truly having a second childhood in my semi-retirement, and I have to catch myself sometimes from doing things even more irresponsible than I do now. I don't think I am unique, in that left without the responsibilities that most adults have to deal with, I am always in danger of going too far. I think it is possible to become addicted to fun.