Is the world in a crisis because of overpopulation?

The Myth of Overpopulation

When our second child was born over 35 years ago, we were told by well-intentioned friends that we should not have any more children because the world is already overpopulated. Obviously we didn’t follow this advice since we had five more, but at the time I didn’t know how to answer them. Since then the rant continues but the evidence declares it to be simply untrue.
Indeed, the world is getting more populated. The U.S. alone increases one person every 16 seconds. The world population has increased 3.5 billion just since 1950. However, it is hardly crowded. To prove it, how far do you have to drive from where you are right now to see wide opened spaces? I can do so in less than 5 minutes. Though the population density of New Jersey is 1171 people/mile2, seven states have a density less than 20 and the average in the US is only 95. In Eau Claire, we fit comfortably our 65,400 people into 30 square miles, a population density of 2160 people/mile2. In other words, to be crowded, you have to move to a city. The world population density is 34 people/mile2, meaning most of the land is still uninhabited.
The scare statistics are taken from unusually crowded countries such as Moroco (6400 people/mile2) or India (130/mile2). Yet often the main reason why starvation is rampant is because of their false religious beliefs. Truthfully, the land could sustain a much greater population. Consider this: in 1994 a population summit was held to consider the ability of the earth to sustain the growing population. Their conclusion was that the world could presently sustain 1000 billion people, without irrigation, 600 billion people, and with just available fertilizer, 80 billion people! The estimated world population on the day I wrote this in October of 2009 is only 6.8 billion. And since 1950, world population growth has dropped nearly in half. Yet the lie of overpopulation continues.
Now ponder this quote from a leading textbook for training Gynecologists. “In the minds of many, rapid growth of population has become second only to nuclear warfare as civilization’s greatest menace. The gynecologist- obstetrician has assumed a leadership role and has recognized the necessity of controlling human fertility. . . Population growth is perforce temporary; that it will- indeed must- eventually cease, halted either by an increase in deaths or a decrease in births. There is no other way. Thus, people must come to want fewer children.” One result of this thinking is the fact that hysterectomies are the second most common major surgery each year, and most are probably unnecessary. But who’s to know? The evidence is destroyed.
In contrast, God’s people should view every baby as a gift from God and, when entrusted to them, a child is His heritage on loan for a few years. To steward a soul that will last for eternity is at once a great honor, and an awesome responsibility.