There are occurrences in the world that make people to question the reality of the existence of God. Apart from the reality of the existence of God, some still dig deeper to ascertain the possibility of the reality of the character and the nature of God in terms of His omnipotence, omnipresence, kindness, goodness and love. They argue based on the fact that if God is truly loving and kind as many religious groups believe, there are certain occurrences the world should not be experiencing. The love, goodness and kindness of God should stop some things, particularly, those things that are not orchestrated by human beings, but rather by nature, which are devastating and destructive to human lives. These occurrences often question the sovereignty, preeminence, and the supremacy of God over His creation.
The main argument is premised around the fact that if God is kind, loving, and full of goodness, why does He allow devastating occurrences such as famine, pestilence, earthquake, flood, tempest, war, slaughter, and genocide in the world He created. The religious ideas that establish God has the ultimate creator of the universe, is often confronted with audacious criticism by strong atheists who base some of their arguments on the proliferation of catastrophic and devastating occurrences in the world. It is critical to establish the fact that there is an increase of atheism and the proliferation of their ideologies across the globe.
These sets of individuals find some scientific explanation for creation, such as Darwinian perspective on evolution. They divorce absolutely from the concept of creation outlined in the book of Genesis; not validating God has the creator of the universe . They argue on the fact that every living creature emerged from an atom, which is the minutest substance on the surface of the earth. They further argue that every creature evolved from an existing lesser creature. It is stated that every human evolved from the mammalian kingdom of the apes and the present human species evolved from the gorilla.
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Similarly, the predominance of evil occurrences is also attributed to the kingdom of darkness. It is believed that any evil occurrence in the world is only carried out by the kingdom of darkness in which satan is the ruler. There are some school of thoughts that believes the world is governed by satan and the activities in the world is under his rule. He decides what happens on the earth and since, his intentions and purpose is evil driven, all the negative occurrences can be attributed to him. This ideology is hinged on the fact that the devil is behind every catastrophic occurrence in the world. The question that comes to mind is, has God left the rulership and control of all earthly activities to the devil absolutely? Has he lost the providential authority over the earth? These questions are critically significant to be examined when considering the occurrences of evil incidences on the earth.
This essay focuses on reviewing the book written by Hart D. Bentley titled “The Doors of the Sea: Where was God in the Tsunami? This book captures the heartbeat of several individuals concerning the place of God in the occurrence of catastrophic incidences in the world. It is important to state that the prevalence of evil despite the increase in religious activities is of utmost concern and demands a critical review of the worship of deity. The author elucidates on the diverse perspectives of several individuals on the existence of God and His supremacy and sovereignty over catastrophic occurrences.
It also in a systematic order provides the minds of individuals who critically provides arguments for the nonexistence of God. This set of individuals argues from an atheist point of view, that if God exist and He is considered a loving and kind God, these tragic occurrences should not be happening. The concept of sin, judgement and satanic rule is explicitly explained. The main theme of the essay is to critically evaluate the situation the book is addressing, the theological ideas that are at stake in the argument of the book, the position of the ideas presented and their relevance to the present day reality.
The witty dimension brought into the compilation of this volume by the author is worthy of commendation and admiration. The author in his wisdom brought a unique perspective to the occurrence of the Tsunami and its deadly impact on the people. This occurrence triggered the need to examine the existence of God, by elucidating on the geographic layout of the Indian Ocean and the Asian peninsula, and more importantly their devotion to religion. The precise and concise description of the geographic landscape of the Asian peninsula is also worthy of note. The description given to the diversity of each region and the predominant religion of each clan, further establish the existence of the concept of deity. It is important to note that the people in this region are believers and ardent worshippers of gods that are known by them. The Buddhist, the followers of Hinduism, Taoist, Confucian, Christian, Catholic, and Protestant are spread across this region with an unparalleled devotion to their religion .
The staggering question the author tries to bring to the awareness of the readers is, why the occurrence of a Tsunami in this region despite the commitment of the people to the service and worship of God? The outburst of the Tsunami dealt a cruel blow to the people of Sri Lanka and the surrounding countries. The reality of the issue was that, the gravity and magnitude of the occurrence were not known until the next day the account of those who lost their lives began to surface. The death tolls began to increase in an unprecedented dimension from hundreds to thousands, and hundreds of thousands. It remains one of the worst humanitarian crises the world has ever experienced! Several people lost their loved ones during this catastrophic occurrence. Does it mean that the existence of God as the creator of the universe is a mirage? How could a region that is so much committed to religious activities be invaded with such a magnitude of catastrophe? There are diverse responses to these all important questions.
Firstly, the author provides an in-depth explanation of the geography of the region and the possibility of the nexus of the catastrophe and the region’s geography. The geodynamic tendencies as a result of the volatile fissure associated with that part of the world is one of the diverse perspectives provided to explain the occurrence of the Tsunami . This catastrophic occurrence has happened severally in history in diverse places on the earth’s surface with a magnanimous record of casualties. The magnitude of the earthquake is estimated at 9.0, which is considered one of the deadliest natural disasters in that region . Does that connote the fact that these occurrences are natural by nature without the knowledge of providence in view?
It actually suggests that God is not in control of the world He created, if He indeed created this world for a good purpose and most importantly, loves the inhabitant of the earth He created. The creation is not expected to be stronger than the creator. The creation is expected to be subjected to the control of the creator. In this case, the possibility of an internal fissure in the earth’s crust resulting into the catastrophic occurrence totally negates the validity of the existence of a supreme God over His creation, in which nature is one. This God, that is considered by many faithful, has been full of kindness and those of the Christian faith describes Him as love, be so passive to the magnitude of destruction that takes the lives of innocent people. The omnipotent and omnipresent attributes of this God should have stopped some of these occurrences from happening.
Secondly, the author tries to review this catastrophic and hazardous occurrence through the lens of theodicy. The concept of theodicy is also used to explain the occurrence of the Tsunami and other catastrophic incidences in the world. The essence of this perspective is to justify the possibility of evil in the world and at the same time also the reality of the sovereignty and supremacy of God. The concept of theodicy is defined by Rosenbaum as the reconciliation of the fact that the all-knowing God who is loving, kind and full of goodness act in an interventionist approach by permitting the occurrence of catastrophic incidences, which could be induced naturally or man-triggered such Tsunami, genocide and the likes .
It upholds the goodness, love, and care of God, despite the proliferation of evil incidences in the world. Furthermore, it captures the judgmental side of God, in which He permits the terrible occurrence that might be harmful to the inhabitant of the earth through natural and human means. There is an underlying axiom that the occurrence of the Tsunami and especially other devastating incidences birthed from Mackie’s point of view, that if truly God is omnipotent and all these evil occurrences could be experienced, then it suffices to either say God is not good or his omnipotence is questionable .
The author spent the second part of the book elucidating on the theological concepts that explains deeply the reasons behind such catastrophic occurrences in the world. The scriptures are given by the inspiration of God for doctrinal explanations, so as to equip every man for every good work. There are concepts that are beyond the reasoning of the ordinary man, which his mind may not be able to conceive. The anthropomorphic dimension to scriptures make it difficult for laymen to understand the workings of God among His people.
The concept of anthropomorphism was clearly described by the author in elucidating the concept of the tragedy in the world. This entails the explanation and interpretation of spiritual occurrences using physical means . By using physical elements that are familiar with the human mind to explain unfamiliar concepts of the spirit. There are Biblical explanations to the significant dilemma the book creates. The existence of God is clearly established in the scriptures. The following paragraphs outline the theological dimensions and explanations to the issue under consideration where was God in the Tsunami?
God is the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the all knowing God and at the same time a holy God that accommodates equity and equality in His judgement. The sequence of event prior, during and after creation explains the possible answers to the question posed by the author. The authority of the earth was given to Adam after creation and he was given a mandate to be fruitful, multiply, replenish, subdue and dominate the earth Gen 1:28. The five mandates placed man on a spiritual pedestal in which circumstances are designed to be under his control and not to be controlled by other forces in the universe . He had dominion over the fish of the sea, over the cattle of the field, and even over the wild beast that governs the wild. He gave them their names and exercise authority over them and no one could violate his command.
The fall of man to the wiles of the devil brought man to be subject to the devil and more importantly, a victim of the holy judgement of God. Man carelessly submitted the dominion he received from God over the earth and the natural forces that operates in the earth to the leadership of the devil. This authorized the devil to establish his intentions and purpose on the earth, which has been given to man. Psalm115:16, establishes the fact that the Heavens are the Lords, but the earth he has given to the children of men. The carelessness of the son of men gave the devil the sole right to become the god of this world has established in 2Corithians 4:4. In the gospel of John, he is referred to as the prince of this world, John 12:31, 14:30, and 16:11.
The issue of sin is another fundamental explanation provided by the author. The scriptures establish the effect of sin after the fall of man. There were curses pronounced upon man after the fall of Adam that still affect the occurrence on the earth. One of the predominant and significant curses, God placed on mankind after the fall was, “cursed is the land for thy sake”. This places nature above man. It means nature, from that moment was mandated to work against man. The scripture also states that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”.
The glory in creation entails dominion over the works of God’s hand, Psalm 8:5-6. This glory was lost to sin and as a consequence, man was made a subject of the devil . The issue that became apparent is the involvement of children that have not known sin, nor come to the awareness of their sinful nature, to be part of those hazardous incidences. The position of Jesus is clearly stated “let the little children come to me, for of such is the kingdom of God” Matt 19:14, Luke 18:16. If the kingdom of God belongs to them, why their involvement in such a catastrophe like the Tsunami!
The Pauline revelation about the concept of sin and God’s judgement does not exclude the little children from the Adamic nature inherent in their DNA, regardless of their naiveness, sincerity and openness. The scripture didn’t establish the fact that the kingdom of God belongs to the children, but rather states that those that have their attitudinal dispositions of such is the kingdom of God.
The concept of sin transcend the act or the actions of the individual that is involved, but rather from Pauline revelation establish the fact that sin is more of an inheritance. The concept of inherited guilt, should not be misconstrued with personal fault . Sin was inherited from Adam and as a consequence, everyone that comes from Adam is considered a sinner. This does not exclude the little children, but rather establish everyone, including children, adult and every human in whose nostril is the breath of life- “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Rom 3:23.
Therefore, the concept of death should be seen from a different perspective according to the author. The redemptive work of Christ on the cross is often argued that, it should exonerate anyone that believes in the redemptive work of Christ from catastrophic and hazardous incidences, and in the extreme death. The greatest enemy of man is actually death. The means through which this enemy carries out its objective is its prerogative. It could be through genocide, Tsunami, epidemics and the likes. The moment man gave the earthly dominion and authority to satan, he also surrendered this authority to death, which aligns with the instruction God gave them – “in the day you eat thereof, thou shalt surely die” Gen 2:17. This is the reason Paul said in his letter to the Corinthian church that the “last enemy that shall be destroyed is death” 1Cor 15:26.
These concepts are critical and significant theological concepts that explain and elucidate the prevalence and proliferation of catastrophic incidences on the surface of the earth.
It is important to examine the ideas presented in this book if they actually hold up to critical scrutiny. Are the concepts presented still relevant to us today or they were only designed for a particular dispensation? It is imperative to begin with the fact that, after the fall of man, the only catastrophic outbreak initiated by God was the flood in which only Noah and his household survived the torrential rainfall. This hazardous and devastating incidence was accompanied by a covenant “I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more everything living, as I have done” Gen 8:21.
This statement made by the all-knowing God exclude him from other catastrophic incidences and makes satan the sole perpetrator. It is significant to add this fact that there is nothing under the earth, nor any occurrence on the earth that God is not aware of. The point is, after the dispensation of Noah, several other terrible occurrences have happened and they will continue to happen until the last enemy, which is death will be destroyed. Therefore, the important thing is to review and evaluate the theological ideas the author tries to present, to know if the ideas are applicable to us. The reason is simple, if there will be occurrences of catastrophic incidences in the earth that means his theological concepts should be reviewed.
Firstly, the foundation of his theological explanations on the occurrences of devastating incidences is not based on the ideas of men, but rather the scriptures. It is important to verify with Paul’s expectation of the workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. The right elucidation of the truth is critical in establishing the relevance and application of the theological ideas.
The truth can be adulterated for mundane and parochial intentions, which is one of the spirits of the last days . There are teachers that utilize the provisions of the scriptures for their personal intentions, without holding the essence of the truth of the scriptures. It is important to state that the scriptures are spiritual truths, with timeless application. This means if the scriptures are rightly divided, their applications and relevance transcend every dispensation. Their application is not limited to a dispensation alone, but rather to every dispensation of humanity.
The approach the author used in explaining this truth opened us to the deeper knowledge of the truth. It is important to establish the fact that God is not the author of confusion. The connecting scriptures provided by the author in explaining the concept of sin, the place of the devil in the scheme of things, the God redemptive work of grace, and the judgement of God is worthy of note.
These important subjects clearly capture the reasons behind every occurrence in the world, which also include catastrophic incidences. The themes of the book clearly provide the theological standpoints that establish the mind of God. The understanding of this timeless truth will absolutely give rest to the mind of anyone that is disturbed about the prevalence of catastrophic incidences in the world. It is critical to also establish the fact that the voice of God is still proclaiming loudly His purpose on the earth through diverse occurrences.
It is therefore important to everyone who has the ear to hear, to hear what the Spirit is saying to His people. The reality is that several people will contest with the truth of the scriptures, however, the everlasting truth is that “Heaven and earth shall pass: my words shall not pass away” Mark 13:31. The enduring characteristics of the word of God are incontestable and undeniable. Regardless of the philosophical and psychological theories that men may propound, the truth is all will pass away, only the unchanging word of God will stand . The season may change and times may be altered, but the truth of the word of God will abide forever.
Finally, one important point that must be carefully considered to validate the place of the theological explanation in the context of the place of God in catastrophic occurrences is that all these signs of devastations are prophecies of the end time. The proof of the application and relevance of the theological explanations provided in the book is based on the fact that it aligns with the end-time prophecies Jesus gave before His crucifixion and other Pauline revelation about the end time Matt 24:7, Luk 21:25, 2 Tim 3:1-5.
The place of God has been critically reviewed from theological perspectives as concerning catastrophic and hazardous occurrences in the world. The book on “The Doors of the Sea: Where was God in the Tsunami” written by Hart D. Bentley, was reviewed and the positions of the author has also been critiqued. The essay elucidates on the theological ideas the book provides and further examine its relevance and application to the present day realities. It can be concluded that God is forever alive and its role in the happenings in the world is fixed. He is the beginning and He is also the ending, He is the Alpha and also the Omega of every proceeding on the earth. Therefore, there is no occurrence that is outside of His knowing and His purpose. He does everything with His purpose in View. The omnipresence of God was in the Tsunami and it will be in all other good and bad occurrences in the world.
Bibliography
- Berkhof L., 1949. Systematic Theology. Ebook, Available at: http://downloads.biblicaltraining.org/Systematic%20Theology%20by%20Louis%20Berkhof.pdf
- Charles Darwin, 1859. ‘On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life,, p. 162.
- Hart D.B., 2005. The Doors of the Sea: Where was God in the Tsunami? Published by Wm B. Berdmans Publishing Co. 2140 Oak Industrial Drive, Michigan, United States.
- Kenyon E.W., (n.d). What Happened from the Cross to the Throne. Published by Kenyon’s Gospel Publishing Society.
