The devastation wrought by the earthquake in Haiti reminds us of the suffering of the innocent. The problem of pain and suffering caused by natural phenomena is in many respects more troubling than the problem of moral evil. In the case of evil, we know that it's a result of free actions and hence plausibly it's not something for which God is, so to speak, responsible. But the reality of babies with incurable diseases and large-scale loss of life caused by earthquakes and tidal waves is another matter altogether. No human agent consciously brings these about. Many have said that God, being all-powerful and all-knowing, could and must prevent such tragedies if He is all-loving. I explore this important topic in length at www.delightinhim.com. Thank you.

I must admit my concern for the Haitian people when I read about the widespread pactice of occultism and it's integration into the faith of a great number of the "religious" community. It struck me as the addition of extra influence into everyday prayers. As if a prayer doesn't fully appeal to God then perhaps it will rise to the level of interest of "another entity." Dangerous grounds.

Collin Hansen seems stuck on a common mistake of believers who attempt to "know" the mind of God, for he, with so many others, asks the "Why? question regarding happenings in God's creation. This is question is quicksand, for it reaches into mental-spiritual territory that belongs to the Creator. The "Why" question can never be answered with certainty--we should learn this from such penetrating Biblical responses as Isaiah 55:8-9: "Remember, my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways my ways," says the Lord. "My ways are higher than your ways..." (paraphrase). The "Why" question is always beyond our understanding. Our only legitimate question regarding tragedy & evil is "What?" When we are will to see our realities, then we can answer them with our best responses to God's answer: "My ways are higher than your ways." Thus we learn to trust & obey.

So why do Christians have to suffer from the same judgment as non-Christians? Because God didn't want "rice" Christians, that is, people who follow him just for the material benefits. He wants people who freely choose him because of who he is. And as Paul and Peter remind us, God uses suffering to teach Christians about himself and his grace. What should we learn from the Haiti earthquake? Sin is terrible in God's eyes, so terrible that he will allow such horrible tragedies in hopes of persuading some to repent. The heart of mankind is very hard and wicked if things like earthquakes won't cause men to repent. Also, the final judgment is far worse that mere death from an earthquake.

God created the earth perfect, no earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, etc. There was no death. After Adam and Eve sinned and God cast them from the garden, he cursed the earth, making it difficult for mankind to grow food. Then he judged mankind with the flood, which changed the topography of the earth dramatically and brought about the shifting of the tectonic plates, which causes earthquakes. What is the purpose of God's judgments? The judgments of Israel in the OT answer: God judges nations for their rebellion against him. The Book of Revelations give a similar answer. But the judgments are only partial (complete judgment will happen in the Great White Throne of Judgment) and intended to motivate people to end their rebellion. That doesn't mean that God determined that Hatians are greater sinners than everyone else and deserve this round of earthquakes. God's judgment was general, against all of a rebellious mankind. Sometimes the judgment falls on one group, sometimes on another.