FizzingWhizzbees
ONE love, blood, life
I might regret ever asking this question, but I've been wondering about it for a few days now so I thought I'd ask for some input from my fellow FYM posters.
So my question is basically how do those of you who believe in God explain natural disasters like the one unfolding in New Orleans right now? I guess the reason this doesn't make sense to me is that I've often heard people saying that they believe God created the universe and controls the universe in which case wouldn't God have the power to create or prevent natural disasters like hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes and such? And if so, then how can it make sense that God would allow such horrible disasters when I always hear people saying that God loves people, loves the world etc.
You see, I can almost accept people's claim that other horrible events like bomb attacks or shootings happen because God gave people free will which means they can choose to act in evil ways - eg by setting off bombs or shooting people. But how can that argument in any way explain a natural disaster like a hurricane? I know some will argue that human actions can make a natural disaster more likely (ie global warming could increase the risk of flooding) but there are plenty of cases where that doesn't apply, for instance last year's tsunami or the huge earthquake in Iran in 2003.
So, yes, any explanations or even just random thoughts on this subject would be appreciated. And please don't make fun of me for how inarticulate this post is -- as you all know I can talk all day about politics, but on the subject of religion I am utterly clueless (but curious). So be nice, please.
So my question is basically how do those of you who believe in God explain natural disasters like the one unfolding in New Orleans right now? I guess the reason this doesn't make sense to me is that I've often heard people saying that they believe God created the universe and controls the universe in which case wouldn't God have the power to create or prevent natural disasters like hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes and such? And if so, then how can it make sense that God would allow such horrible disasters when I always hear people saying that God loves people, loves the world etc.
You see, I can almost accept people's claim that other horrible events like bomb attacks or shootings happen because God gave people free will which means they can choose to act in evil ways - eg by setting off bombs or shooting people. But how can that argument in any way explain a natural disaster like a hurricane? I know some will argue that human actions can make a natural disaster more likely (ie global warming could increase the risk of flooding) but there are plenty of cases where that doesn't apply, for instance last year's tsunami or the huge earthquake in Iran in 2003.
So, yes, any explanations or even just random thoughts on this subject would be appreciated. And please don't make fun of me for how inarticulate this post is -- as you all know I can talk all day about politics, but on the subject of religion I am utterly clueless (but curious). So be nice, please.