Why does God allow earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, tsunamis, typhoons, cyclones, mudslides, and other natural disasters? Tragedies such as the 2004 tsunami in Asia, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the 2008 cyclone in Myanmar, and the 2010 earthquake in Haiti cause many people to question 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, as we see in Deuteronomy 11:17 and James 5:17. Numbers 16:30-34 shows us that God sometimes causes natural disasters as a judgment against sin. 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 reflect 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 world 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.

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? Why did God allow Hurricane Katrina to destroy the homes of thousands of people? For one thing, such events shake our confidence in this life and force us to think about eternity. Churches are usually filled after disasters as people realize how tenuous their lives really are and how life can be taken away in an instant. What we do know is this: God is good! Many amazing miracles occurred during the course of natural disasters that prevented even greater loss of life. Natural disasters cause millions of people to reevaluate their priorities in life. Hundreds of millions of dollars in aid is sent to help the people who are suffering. Christian ministries have the opportunity to help, minister, counsel, pray, and lead people to saving faith in Christ! God can, and does, bring great good out of terrible tragedies (Romans 8:28).



I like these questions of the week. I think they are interesting

Well thought out. I couldn't agree more. The cynical minded would never arrive as those conclusions. The real test of faith is when facing your own or a loved one's suffering &/or demise, can you still praise God? Paul certainly did & admonished fellow believers to do the same.

tf73

Look at Joseph...put in a pit by his brothers, then sold to slavery. Jailed by the king, yet still praised god. Then later made ruler over his people, and still forgave his brothers. Even though he could have punished them.

nice thread,,,,,it also helps when we stop thinking of death as a terrible thing,,,I think of it as lifes biggest promotion(going home to see the Father).

God allows evil people to do evil things cause our lives are a test. If God didn't allow evil people to do evil things what kind of test would that be? It wouldn't be, we would all just be a bunch of pawns. God allows evil things to go on cause our lives are a test, a test to where our hearts and faith goes.

Numbers 16:30-34 shows us that God sometimes causes natural disasters as a judgment against sin

Please do not use old testiment verses to try to justify anything. In the old testiment times people were judged day to day on their actions, for example, if you stole something then your punishment might be not being able to find much food for a bit. That wasn't the exact punishment but is just an example of how it was done before Jesus came to earth and gave us what we call the new testiment. And now we are not judged and punished until we pass away here on earth. And of course if we stay more rightouse our lives will be greater then if we do evil.

Why did God allow the tsunami to kill over 225,000 people in Asia?

who's to say anyone of them died? When people pass away on earth that is not dieing, the only way you can die is if you go to hell. God may have just took those 225,000 people out of a miserable life to bring them home to be with God himself.

You also have to keep in mind the devil has great power on earth if we allow him to. By doing sinful actions is feeding the devil and his ability to do evil on this earth and or in your life. No matter what life brings your way keep your chin up, your chest out, and keep the faith in God. Please do not allow the devil to win.

Old testament is historical accounts and explains the why, it also is prophesy, so there is significance to it and the use of it.

My point was that bad things happen to good people, its our faith that sustains us.

I have seen in the news that the victims of the Haiti's disaster are praying and thanking God for surviving and praying for those lost.

I think this is amazing and this was the question of the week from gotquestions.org. I just found this to be a great article.