8.96. We're not like those traditional Catholics with 7+ kids. Two is enough. God understands—raising kids is costly, and we want to enjoy life too.
Children are not burdens—they are blessings from God, the natural fruit of marriage, and the greatest treasure a Catholic family can receive. While it is true that parents must provide for their families, the Church has always taught that married couples must remain generously open to life, unless serious reasons exist—and even then, only for a time.
The widespread belief that “2 is enough” is not Catholic—it is the fruit of a contraceptive mentality, born of materialism and selfishness, promoted by Vatican II's refusal to preach the duty of large, faithful families. Meanwhile, many traditional Catholic families, trusting in God, joyfully welcome children even in hardship, and are richly rewarded.
Below is a comparison between the Catholic vision of family and children, and the Vatican II-era view shaped by comfort and contraception.
| Category | Traditional Catholic Teaching | Modern Vatican II-Era Mentality | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| View of Children | Blessings from God; each soul is of eternal value | Expensive, stressful; limited to fit lifestyle plans | Material thinking has replaced spiritual trust |
| Marriage Purpose | Primarily for procreation and education of children | Redefined around companionship, recreation, and stability | This reverses the natural and divine order of marriage |
| Openness to Life | Generous acceptance of children unless grave reason prevents | 2 or 3 children by default; “responsible parenthood” redefined | “Responsible parenthood” is not Catholic if it excludes trust in God |
| Material Comfort | Secondary to eternal salvation and generosity toward life | Primary consideration; family size adjusted for holidays, homes | Many saints were raised in poverty with large, holy families |
| Trust in God | “Seek first the kingdom of God” and He will provide (Matt. 6:33) | God is expected to work within modern financial plans | True faith steps beyond fear and trusts in Divine Providence |
| Contraceptive Mentality | Rejected as a mortal sin and insult to God’s design | Implied or practiced; natural family planning (NFP) abused as “Catholic birth control” | The Vatican II Church rarely condemns this publicly |
| Fruits | Large, faithful families; many vocations; holiness in the home | Fewer children; self-centered lifestyles; loss of vocations | “By their fruits you shall know them” (Matt. 7:16) |
Summary:
“Two is enough” is not a Catholic principle—it is a modernist slogan, rooted in fear, comfort, and contraception. The true Catholic family is marked by generosity, sacrifice, and supernatural trust in the God who said:
“Be fruitful and multiply.”
“Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”
Yes, children cost money. But they are infinitely more valuable than vacations, cars, or financial security. Heaven is not for those who lived comfortably—it is for those who lived faithfully.
As Pope Pius XII taught:
“The work of parents in begetting and educating children stands at the summit of earthly tasks for husband and wife.”
Further reading:
Clean Love in Courtship by Fr. L.G. Lovasik, S.V.D
Casti Connubii (On Christian Marriage) by Pope Pius XI (1930)