The Bible does not directly address the modern concepts of population control or depopulation. However, it does speak to related issues such as the value of human life, God’s sovereignty over life and death, wealth inequality, and justice for the vulnerable. Examining relevant biblical principles can help Christians think through these complex topics.
The value of human life
The Bible teaches that human beings are created in God’s image and have inherent dignity and worth (Genesis 1:26-27). Life is a gift from God, and innocent human life is to be protected and valued. Passages forbidding murder command respect for life (Exodus 20:13). Psalms and prophets describe God knitting us together in the womb, suggesting He has a plan for each life (Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 1:5). Scriptures also forbid taking the life of an innocent person to cover up scandal (2 Samuel 11:14-17). Overall, the Bible affirms the sacredness of human life.
However, the Bible does not claim all killing is wrong. The death penalty was instituted for certain crimes (Genesis 9:6), and Israel engaged in war in the Old Testament. However, life was never to be taken lightly. Biblical authors agonized over violence and sought justice (Psalm 137:8-9, Habakkuk 1:2-4). In the New Testament, Jesus praised those who work for peace (Matthew 5:9). The core value is respect for life, not an absolute prohibition on all forms of killing.
God’s sovereignty over life and death
The Bible emphasizes God’s sovereignty over human existence. All life comes from God (Acts 17:25). He determines the number of our days and our life spans (Psalm 139:16, Job 14:5). Wisdom literature affirms the mystery of life and death (Ecclesiastes 3:2). God works through the conception and birth of children (1 Samuel 1:19-20). He can intervene to open and close the womb, as shown in stories of Sarah, Rebekah and others (Genesis 21:1, 25:21). God also has power over sickness and health (Deuteronomy 32:39). Believers are called to trust God in matters of life and death, even when His ways seem difficult (Job 1:21, 13:15).
At times, God ordained the death of populations. He sent a flood in Noah’s day (Genesis 6-9). He ordered Israel to conduct herem warfare, destroying entire cities (Deuteronomy 20:16-18). Prophets warned that disobedience could bring death, famine and barrenness (Jeremiah 14:12; Ezekiel 5:17). But God’s actions originated from His holiness and justice, not from overpopulation fears or resource scarcity. And He consistently showed mercy mixed with judgment.
Wealth inequality, injustice and the vulnerable
The Bible regularly addresses economic inequality and advocates justice for the poor and vulnerable. Laws commanded leaving food for the needy (Leviticus 19:9-10). The wealthy were warned against neglecting the poor and exploiting workers (Jeremiah 22:13-17; James 5:1-6). The prophets rebuked those who crushed the needy and did not aid the weak (Amos 4:1, Micah 2:2). Laws sought to restrain greed and provide for the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 15:7-11). Rulers were to act with righteousness and justice rather than selfishness (1 Kings 10:9; Psalm 72:1-4). Scripture upholds economic justice and care for the marginalized as righteous virtues.
At times, the poor and vulnerable can be seen as contributing less tangible economic value. However, the Bible affirms their dignity and personhood and condemns viewing any human life as disposable. It also teaches that God identifies with the weak and vulnerable, so how we treat them reflects our heart toward God (Proverbs 14:31; Matthew 25:31-46). A recurring biblical theme is that power and wealth should not be self-serving but should protect the rights of the poor.
Applying biblical principles
Modern population control initiatives raise ethical concerns. Measures such as abortion and sterilization conflict with biblical depictions of children as blessings and God’s sovereignty over the womb. Incentivizing contraception may exert problematic pressures on vulnerable populations. However, sustainable development goals that expand women’s education and economic opportunity can lower birth rates in ethical ways consistent with biblical values of empowerment.
Likewise, while voluntary family planning can be ethical, any imposed limits on family size risk undermining biblical ideals such as the sanctity of life. And given humanity’s shared dignity as image-bearers, population reduction targets could pose dangerous temptations to sacrifice the weak for the strong. Biblical ethics would oppose any systemic devaluation of human worth based on traits like disability, socioeconomic status, age or ethnicity.
At the same time, the Bible does recognize the challenges of scarce resources. God called Israel to steward the land’s capacity (Leviticus 25:1-7). The early church shared wealth generously but also sought to order distribution thoughtfully (Acts 4:32-35). So sustainable development practices that conserve resources while elevating human flourishing can be congruent with biblical values. But imposition on human life and freedom should be viewed cautiously.
Overall, while the Bible does not provide definitive stances on complex modern population debates, its affirmation of human dignity along with its concerns for justice and sustainability should inform Christian thinking. Good faith efforts to apply biblical principles can yield ethically robust policies that uphold the value of all people. But simplistic appeals to overpopulation fears or utilitarian calculus fall short of the biblical vision for affirming life. Christians engaging these issues require prayerful wisdom that keeps humanity’s God-given worth at the forefront.