I came across an interesting column in the May 2009 issue of Christianity Today, “Why We Need Earthquakes,” http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2009/may/12.58.html
The contention of the author is that without plate tectonics (the movement of large pieces of the earth's crust over long periods of time) and all the effects that go with that movement including earthquakes and tsunamis the earth could not support creatures like us. No plate tectonics – no continents, little biodiversity, no chance for human beings made “a little lower than the heavenly beings” (Psalm 8:5) to live and breathe and exercise dominion over creation.
My interest was piqued on several levels. First, Christianity Today though appealing to a broad spectrum of Christians has a fair number of readers who hold to literal, 6 day, young earth creationism. Rising mountains and moving continents over eons of time seemed destined to produce a firestorm of angry letters. I'm a little behind on my reading but so far I have not seen that happen. Secondly, though the contention makes sense scientifically, theologically is it an excuse for God. “OK we got God off the hook for earthquakes, someone get working on hurricanes!”
Needing earthquakes is an idea that that might be an exciting thought to wrestle with, being in an earthquake though is an experience that can likely only produce terror.
This brings me to my point – though we may never know why tragedies happen we can, with the love and caring that reflects Jesus, reach out bring love, caring, and compassion to those who are impacted by any of life's tragedies. I'm just back from what I think is my 12th mission trip. As always help was given and it is an amazing privilege to be a part of God's work in ministering to the hurting. But more amazing than that is the sense I have that we have received far more than we have given. There in the poor and the hungry and the hurting is the face of Jesus. In our meager efforts we have touched the hem of his robe and we too receive his healing.
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