Why the Tsunami, God?
The Marmot's Hole today reports on a Korean Methodist* pastor who, in a sermon, asserted that God killed tsunami victims because they were heathens. The Rev. Kim Hong-do went into a bit more detail than that, saying the following:
The fact of the matter is that we don't why God allowed this to happen. The Catholic admits that human reason is limited and cannot understand the mind of God. Rev. Kim might be right. He might be wrong. Whatever the reason, we need to do what we can to help the suffering:
I'm reminded of a story I read recently that had been related by Elie Wiesel. Three Rabbis in Auschwitz or some other concentration camp decided to put God on trial for crimes against humanity. At the end of the third day of the trial, they found God guilty as charged. Immediately after they had reached their decision, one of the Rabbis said, "Now, it's time for evening prayers."
* Methodists and Presbyterians in Korea are closer in theology and worship to Southern Baptists or Pentacostals than their co-denominationalists in the US.
The Marmot's Hole today reports on a Korean Methodist* pastor who, in a sermon, asserted that God killed tsunami victims because they were heathens. The Rev. Kim Hong-do went into a bit more detail than that, saying the following:
- In Aceh, Indonesia, where 65,000 people were killed, two thirds of the people are Muslim, and many Christians have been killed by rebels. Massacred. In Chennai, India, where 30,000~40,000 were killed, Hindus had gone on the rampage, killing many Christians and burning chapels.
Phuket, Thailand is a place used by many Europeans to engage in hedonism, lechery, drugs and commit sins. Think about it. You’re most joyous holiday is Christmas, and you consider the Sabbath important. You believe in Jesus, so would you skip church and go to such a place to engage in lechery and debauchery?
The fact of the matter is that we don't why God allowed this to happen. The Catholic admits that human reason is limited and cannot understand the mind of God. Rev. Kim might be right. He might be wrong. Whatever the reason, we need to do what we can to help the suffering:
- Catholic Relief Services
209 West Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21201-3443
1-800-HELP-CRS (435-7277)
Emergency Appeal - Asia Tsunami Emergency
I'm reminded of a story I read recently that had been related by Elie Wiesel. Three Rabbis in Auschwitz or some other concentration camp decided to put God on trial for crimes against humanity. At the end of the third day of the trial, they found God guilty as charged. Immediately after they had reached their decision, one of the Rabbis said, "Now, it's time for evening prayers."
* Methodists and Presbyterians in Korea are closer in theology and worship to Southern Baptists or Pentacostals than their co-denominationalists in the US.
Redeemed by Our Savior, I work out my salvation with fear and trembling in Pohang, South Korea, where I live with my wife, daughter, and son and teach English at a science and technology university. Baptized a Methodist and raised a Missouri Synod Lutheran in Buffalo, NY, I spent six years as a guest of the Anglican Communion before being received by the Grace of God into the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church on the Feast of Saint Andrew, my patron, anno domini 2002.
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