Viruses, Disease, and a Loving God

Though autumn is largely a source of joy, it also brings a few drawbacks, namely colds and other “bugs.” Flu shot reminders sit next to Halloween displays and hand sanitizer is a must-have. In my own family, sickness arrived in the form of head colds, sore throats, pink eye, and, for one family member, a nasty stomach ailment. Things are yucky.

Disease and the suffering it produces often come up in problem-of-evil discussions. Why would an omniscient, omnipotent, and omnibenevolent God create even the potential for such distress in the lives of His creatures? It’s an issue that has troubled people for millennia and it’s a frequently cited reason for disbelief in God.

RTB scholars Fuz Rana and Jeff Zweerink tackle the topic of disease, specifically viruses, on a recent episode of I Didn’t Know That! A listener asks if viruses can be considered “God’s design or flawed design.” Fuz suggests that, even though viruses are destructive, they are still part of God’s good creation.

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Are Earthquakes God’s Fault?

It was a typical post-church brunch at the local IHOP. The din of countless conversations and forks clanking against plates filled the restaurant. Then, without warning, the floor beneath us began to quiver. Forks and pancake-stuffed jaws dropped as we waited for the trembling to increase or cease. Breaking the silence, an anxious eater proclaimed the shaking’s cause:

E A R T H Q U A K E !!!

 

Why Would God Allow Natural Disasters?

No one likes natural disasters. They can devastate entire areas and cause human suffering and death, leaving people to wonder why God would allow such calamities. If God created the earth for the benefit of humanity, why is it sometimes inhospitable to its inhabitants?

 

Evil, Suffering, and Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job

“My friends cautioned me not to write this book. They warned me, ‘No one who attempts to write any kind of commentary on Job can escape without some new experience in suffering.’ They had a point.”

  -Hugh Ross, Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job

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In the years it took Hugh to write Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job, he (and his wife, Kathy) endured profound personal suffering. Some of those trials, including the loss of their fathers and almost losing their son, are shared in his latest book.

Hugh’s intent was to write on the science content in Job. Instead, the book developed into a conversation about the connection between creation theology and evil and suffering.

 

Remembering 9/11: A Young Californian’s Perspective

Image Source: Lil’ Mike (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en)

It hardly seems believable that 10 years have passed since the terrorist attacks of September 11. Such an anniversary is not something that should be passed over lightly. It’s a good time to stop and remember that pivotal day.

 

Two Days Late but Right on Time

***Sandra and Maureen are taking a week off of blogging fun to attend a writers conference. They’ll be back to their usual schedule next week. In the meantime, please enjoy this guest post by RTB staff member Michelle.***

Last week a friend texted me asking if I had received the gift she mailed. “Not yet” I replied, though, according to her, it should have already been delivered. Two days later the packaged arrived: a beat-up envelope stuffed with a card and a CD. The hand-written note read, “I’m not sure what you are going through right now, but the Holy Spirit whispered to me to send this to you.” The CD was a compilation of worship music.