How can God allow this to happen?:
When the tsunami’s final body count is tallied, the number of victims will have reached well into six figures. The magnitude of human loss and the anguish and suffering of the survivors are beyond comprehension.
The age-old question begs to be asked. If there really is a God, one that is all powerful and loving like Christians claim, why then did He allow this tragedy to happen?
Terrorist attacks, war, crime, and all manner of man-made evil are just that, man-made. Gospel preachers can point to the free will of man, and people seem to understand that.
How can I defend my theology, my belief, and my understanding of a good and loving God in the face of a natural catastrophe the likes of which most of us have never seen?
This tsunami tragedy will surely strengthen the agnosticism of some. If there is a God, they will reason, He is either uncaring, unloving, or unable to intervene in the affairs of men. Their doubt is understandable, even, I dare say, reasonable.
So let’s go to Scripture. Why by surprised and questioning about events Jesus predicted would happen? Fulfillment of prophecy should inspire belief. Following are some excerpts from Luke; Chapter 21:
“There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. Nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
PRINTED IN THE TOLEDO BLADE: January 5, 2005