Destroying the Delicate Balance Crucial to Survival
Uploaded by bob on Jan 16, 2000
Is mankind destroying the delicate balance between humanity and nature and endangering survival of all species?
Throughout history we have been forced to adapt by perfecting ourselves socially, technologically, and physically to ensure continued existence. In the struggle for survival there is a delicate balance between nature and humanity crucial to all species. We are slowly shifting this balance in order to control nature. In doing so we are putting the well being of all species at risk.
Nature is a dynamic presence that demands balance. It has a harmonious arrangement that sets up and maintains a state of equilibrium . Nature is generally thought of as the physical world and its living organisms. Some say it is inexhaustible and expendable, some that we can use but must replace, and others that we can look but not touch. Although opinion on nature's definition varies widely, the majority of people concur that we are part of nature and thus depend upon it.
According to the Christian religion, Nature displays the character of God, in its goodness and strength, consistency and concern to sustain human life (Job 12:17-9). It also states that man is created from the dust of the ground (Gen 2:7). If Man is made from nature and we tamper with it, we are tampering with ourselves. Therefore if we modify the world around us then it will modify us.
Scientists are currently modifying nature by genetically altering a variety of species with the use of a relatively new process called genetic engineering in the field of biotechnology. Genetic manipulation is the transport of one or more genes from one species to another in order to give an organism new characteristics. The purpose is to create species that are more productive and resistant to disease.
Some people believe this new technology can be beneficial to mankind by curing disease, improving health, benefiting agriculture, and reducing world hunger. Their argument is that in order to survive we must eat healthier, hardier foods and combat diseases with the techniques available to us. It is survival of the fittest. At the same time, we have to recognize that the use of new technology in other fields has caused more problems than that which it has solved. There has been damage to the environment: a hole put in the ozone layer, polluted water and the killing of many species. Before we advance and start using genetic engineering,...