Some people claim that natural disasters are God’s wrath. However, if God is supernatural, then he is above our physical plane. That is not to say that he cannot have an affect on the natural world. If he is omnipotent, then it follows that he can affect the physical world.
But look at the phrase “natural disaster.” The words imply that the events are part of the natural order of things.
As a Christian, yes, I believe that God is sovereign. Yes, I believe that he certainly can control the weather, if he so desires. However, do we need to assume that every natural calamity is a manifestation of God’s wrath? Explain.
Chosen Answer:
The outline of a rational, logical, plausible answer was given by Jesus in Luke 13:
1 At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. 4 Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.”
Here Jesus discusses death by human evil (Pilate killing pilgrims who were making sacrifices) and a natural disaster (people killed when a tower collapsed on them). He clearly says that in neither case were the deaths a matter of God’s wrath or a punishment for sin. By implication, unexpected, violent deaths are relatively common occurrences for which we must prepare by repentance.
We live in a dangerous world of earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and floods. All these events are trade-offs in living in a world with plate tectonics, temperature changes creating wind, the water cycle, and oxygen–each of these factors necessary for a habitable planet.
Obviously, an omnipotent God could rescue people from death. But eventually, everyone will die, sooner or later. Life on earth is just the beginning of life, to be completed in eternity, either with God in heaven or without him in exile. Thus, any rescue would only be a temporary reprieve.
If we could expect God to intervene to rescue us from natural disasters, why would we be motivated to take care of ourselves, or to help others in need? Why build storm shelters, avoid living in the shadow of a volcano, or develop strong levees to redirect flood waters?
If we could expect God’s routine intervention when disaster struck, we would not be expected to use the intelligence he gave us, to love our neighbors, or to consider the future. But using our intelligence, loving our neighbors, and considering the future are precisely the qualities we need to spend eternity with him in heaven.
Cheers,
Bruce
by: Bruce
on: 30th May 13