Conflict and Conscience

As the world population increases, as potable water supplies become more scarce, and as food shortages increase, I find my conscience in conflict with itself.  I wonder if you do as well.

My faith doesn't help me very much.  Maybe a little, but it also intensifies the conflict.

Here is what I mean:

• As resources become scarce, do I have a responsibility to die in a timely fashion?
• As population increases what is my responsibility to the unborn?
• As faith tells me to feed the hungry, heal the sick, and tend the wounded do I have a responsibility to let nature take its course?
• As new wells deplete aquifers not only in Africa but in Colorado and Nebraska, USA, is my job to lobby for every deeper wells, for for less irrigating even though that may mean higher food prices and food shortages?
• Although the Old Testament of the Christian Bible (Bible for people of the Jewish faith) commends having a lot of children, should I press for limits on births?  Fight for better and mandatory contraception?  Resist the Roman Catholic teachings?  

I can find arguments on both sides of each questions.  I can speak to both sides of these issues.  I can find scientific data and faith data.  What I cannot find are obvious answers.  I have to act and live by faith at each moment as I respond to these questions and others like them.  By faith, I don't mean "the faith" but trust that I will find my way at least part of the time.

What do you think?  Leave a comment and let us know.