Kathryn A. Frazier
Your Story. Your voice. the best it can be.
Why (Some) Christians Blame Japan
As with hurricane Katrina—which some blamed on legalized abortion—Christians found a way to link disaster to God’s rage. “Japan did it to themselves,” they’re saying. “God is bringing his curse for going against Israel.”
While most of the world prays for the Japanese people, and sends support, a vocal few claim that an angry God is punishing Japan for their aid to Palestine. Why he chose Japan, and not the other forty-six countries aiding Palestine, is a mystery.
How can anyone believe God is pleased with such suffering? Reasons vary, but the top ones are:
- They’re Scared. By believing that people who suffer and die did something to deserve it—something they didn’t do—they feel safer. They think that God would never allow them to be caught in such a tragedy, and that belief eases their fear.
- They feel powerless. Earthquakes, tsunamis, and radiation leaks are out of our control. Believing the events are linked to something they can control (behavior) helps them feel empowered.
- They’re Self-Centered. Whatever makes headlines, in their view, must somehow revolve around them. Good things happen to those who agree with them, they think; and bad things happen to those who disagree.
Whatever their reasons, the Bible does not support their position. The book of Job is about a righteous man who suffered. His friends told him that he must have done something wrong. In the end, God calls Job’s friends into account, and makes them compensate Job for falsely accusing him. Jesus also denied the notion that those who suffer are worse sinners than anyone else. (Luke 13:1-5)
“He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:45) Weather happens. To everyone.
Please pray for the people of Japan, and text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to Japan relief.
Copyright 2011, Kathryn A. Frazier, All Rights Reserved shevarim.com
Leave a Tip
Thank you for your continued support! Every dollar donated helps keep this site ad-free and allows me to spend more time writing, helping other writers, and providing free content.
$1.00
Kathryn A. Frazier 