Pet Forum / Aquaria / Marine Reef / February 2005

From: gotqestions.org

Question: "Why does God allow natural disasters, i.e. earthquakes,
hurricanes, and tsunamis?"

Answer:  Why does God allow earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, tsunamis, and
other natural disasters? The recent tsunami tragedy in Asia has many people
questioning God's goodness. It is distressing that natural disasters are
often termed "acts of God" while no "credit" is given to God for years,
decades, or even centuries of peaceful weather. God created the whole
universe and the laws of nature (Genesis 1:1). Most natural disasters are a
result of these laws at work. Hurricanes, typhoons, and tornados are the
results of divergent weather patterns colliding. Earthquakes are the result
of the earth's plate structure shifting. A tsunami is caused by an
underwater earthquake.

The Bible proclaims that Jesus Christ holds all of nature together
(Colossians 1:16-17). Could God prevent natural disasters? Absolutely! Does
God sometimes influence the weather? Yes, see Deuteronomy 11:17 and James
5:17. Does God sometimes cause natural disasters as a judgment against sin?
Yes, see Numbers 16:30-34. The book of Revelation describes many events
which could definitely be described as natural disasters (Revelation
chapters 6, 8, and 16). Is every natural disaster a punishment from God?
Absolutely not.

In much the same way that God allows evil people to commit evil acts, God
allows the earth to demonstrate the consequences sin has had on Creation.
Romans 8:19-21 tells us, "The creation waits in eager expectation for the
sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration,
not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope
that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and
brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God." The fall of
humanity into sin had effects on everything, including the universe we
inhabit. Everything in Creation is subject to "frustration" and "decay." Sin
is the ultimate cause of natural disasters just as it is the cause of death,
disease, and suffering.

So, we are back to where we began. We can understand why natural disasters
occur. What we do not understand is why God allows them to occur. Why did
God allow the tsunami to kill over 225,000 people in Asia? I do not know.
What I do know is this.God is good! There are many amazing miracles that
occurred that prevented an even greater loss of life. The tsunami has caused
millions of people to reevaluate their priorities in life. Hundreds of
millions of dollars in aid is being sent from all over the world. Christian
ministries are pouring into the region to help, minister, counsel, and pray.
God can bring great good out of a terrible tragedy (Romans 8:28).

----- Original Message -----
From: "Knowleman" <knowleman@talk21.com>
Newsgroups: rec.aquaria.marine.reefs
Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 5:15 PM
Subject: Re: JESUS CHRIST WENT TO THE CROSS SO YOU CAN GO TO HEAVEN - The
good news is that God came from Heaven to earth in the person of Jesus
Christ over 2000 years ago and died for our past, present and future
sins(misdeeds). He was born in the land of Is

See above for response. Have a great day.