Outer Rim Territories

Musings, ramblings, and nonsense from the fringe of space and time
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300 million

300 million

At 4:46 a.m. today, America's population reached 300,000,000. That is 100 million more than we had in 1967. We are now the third biggest nation in the world, after China and India. Do you think hitting 300 million is a good thing or a bad thing? Realize that the "Population Bomb" is a myth. America is not overcroweded, as such. Our population density is only 80 people per square mile, one eighth that of England. And human beings, at least in a healthy economy, produce more than they consume. People are a valuable resource. The population growth will help support us baby boomer's retirement. America is alone among the advanced industrial nations in having a growing population, and those others are rightly worried about the economic effects of their population dip. On the other hand, 40% of America's population growth is due to immigration, not necessarily of the legal kind, which will have consequences of its own. So what's the bottom line? Should we celebrate this demographic milestone or lament it?
What would Malthus have to say? Is overpopulation compatible with the imperative to Adam/Eve and Noah to "be fruitful and multiply"? How does overpopulation affect our understanding of God's providence?

Posted October 17, 2006 by Christopher Gillespie 
Oct 18, 2006
Terylee Banwart said...
God's providence works through many different channels including, disease, war, famine, and even the barren. We have to remember that it is not OUR providence but God's. As Christians we act as tools of God's providence as well. How does the Christian properly respond to overpopulation? As a Christian I see that overpopulation has become a threat to people who live in other countries. As a Christian I can choose to respond by rallying politcally for immigrant rights and privileges. I can join parties and groups that promote legislation that makes it possible for immigrants to travel safely to our country where there is room. I can choose to help those in need by providing resources and support. I can choose to adopt children of disadvantage instead of (or along with) bearing my own. I can choose many things. I can because Christ enables me. In summary; Overpopulation does not change God's providence but only provides an avenue to witness God's providence and respond in kind.