Thoughts on Haiti

The news pictures have been terrible, the suffering unimaginable. Apart from the bare geological descriptions of an earthquake, nothing can really explain what happened. People the world over will have questions and, inevitably, many will chose to blame God. In some ways that is an entirely understandable reaction, although of course it does not answer the question ‘why’?.

It is infinitely difficult but in the end it is more helpful to hold the question within a framework of faith. For myself, I do not believe that God willed the Haiti earthquake, or even that He specifically and deliberately allowed it. He is not a ‘cosmic vivisector’ as CS Lewis once exclaimed. However, in a fallen world, conditions exist for disasters that are of human making as well as some that are so-called “natural”. In this sense alone, God allows for the possibility of these things happening. That goes for the personal loss as well as for the global tragedy. I believe that, in it all, God sees and feels all of the losses deeply.

Of course God could prevent all further disasters by simply ceasing to sustain the universe. Instead He choses to give us continuing life, earthly and spiritual. That life is simultaneously one of fullness and, yes, of fragility. Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, God the Father actually shares in the world’s suffering and promises to restore it through the action of his Holy Spirit. His promise of a new heaven and a new earth where there will be no more mourning and crying (Revelation chapter 21, verses 1-7) is part of His package of hope in this world and for the next. His plan continues to unfold and will come to fruition.

Although we would all rather be without it, suffering sometimes shows God to us. So, for example, the generosity of the world-wide response to catastrophes like the Haiti earthquake stems from the compassion of God which we see reflected in the very best of human nature. Those selfless acts of kindness on the ground amidst the devastation speak of true humanity, even in the face of widespread death. A rather different but no less valid perspective is that those who spend time with God in prayer frequently attest to the comfort of His presence, even in times of apparent absence and suffering.

At times like this – especially at times like this - we need to keep our eyes and ears open. We might just be surprised, both at what God continues to do and at what He asks of us. As a beginning, we can continue to pray for all those affected - and then do so long after the earthquake has ceased to be in the news. Regular support through a mainstream relief agency will also help with the reconstruction work which will be needed during the next few years. If you haven’t already done so, please give generously.

Another take on all this, from church council member and author Peter Meadows can be found at http://meadowsesq.wordpress.com/2010/01/15/the-haiti-earthquake-and-wher...

CH