Good points. Though my interpretation of a 'strong reason' is probably different, since I would include the couple's intent. Parenting is our biggest responsibility, and IMHO not to be entered into lightly or unprepared, if possible, though obviously sometimes unexpected blessings do occur. Of course once the child is on the way previous intent gets thrown out the window, because then the only option is to provide the best care possible. But for those not yet pregnant, who would prefer to wait so as to reach a point where they can afford a child(s), I would consider waiting to likely be in the future child's best interest. Love can overcome a lot, but given a choice why bring a child into a very difficult situation, if they can wait a few years and avoid that?
Ultimately it comes down to how we each intepret scripture.
BTW, you have some really cute kids. Congratulations!
Thank you ... they are cute! I didn't realize until the 3rd or 4th one how absolutely insane I was about babies ... and I like them even when they're older. The intellectual companionship of my 14-year-old more than outweighs the teenage hormonal whoop-de-do! She is simply an exciting person - like my own youth, only much better.
The Church says that "strong reasons" are up to the discernment of the couple. It's not for me to judge another couple's motivation, or them to judge me. My husband and I did not think that his being unemployed, with six children, was sufficient reason to avoid another. We had a miscarriage, and then I was expecting again, before he found a new position. We simply trusted in God's provision, and found that it carried us. However, I would never say that another couple in the same situation was morally obligated to do the same! We might look at things differently, ourselves, if a similar situation arose in the future.
Only the people "on the ground" can evaluate their reasons for abstinence to avoid pregnancy ... but from a Biblical standpoint, they should evaluate with the heart of Christ, who said, "Whoever welcomes one such child in my Name, welcomes Me."