[1]Natural Evil and Divine Providence

What Is Natural Evil?

• Natural evil refers to suffering that arises from nature, including:

Earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis

Diseases, pandemics, genetic disorders

Animal suffering and natural predators

Objections

• Why doesn’t a loving God stop these?
• If He controls everything, why allow natural harm?

Defences Against Natural Evil

• Nature is part of God’s created order, and God uses it in ways we may not understand.
• The Fall of man did not just affect humanity ,it affected all creation:
• Genesis 3:17–19: “Cursed is the ground because of you.”
• Romans 8:20–22: “Creation groans, waiting for redemption.”
• Natural evil is not evil in itself, it is the result of natural laws:
• Wind provides oxygen and distributes seeds, but strong winds can cause damage.
• Gravity is essential for life, but falling can injure or kill.
• Suffering builds character endurance, patience, and compassion.
• Many disasters are aggravated by human negligence:

Urban planning in dangerous zones

Pollution and climate change

• Some Christian traditions believe satanic forces may influence parts of creation to cause suffering or chaos (e.g., Job 1–2).

Are Disasters “Acts of God”?

• Disasters are often called “acts of God” in insurance and legal documents.
• This phrase raises theological questions:

Does God send disasters?

Is God responsible for every death in a tsunami or earthquake?

Biblical Understanding of the World

• Genesis 1:31 God saw all He made and declared it very good.
• But after sin, the world was corrupted.
• Genesis 3:17-19 Creation was cursed because of human sin.
• Romans 8:20-22 All creation is now “groaning,” awaiting restoration.

Natural Laws and Unintended Consequences

• God created a universe with consistent laws:
• Gravity, Plate tectonics, Atmospheric systems
• These laws are necessary for life to exist, but sometimes they result in disasters.
• Tectonic movement enriches soil but can cause earthquakes.
• Atmospheric circulation brings rain but can cause hurricanes.

Why Doesn’t God Intervene?

• Constant intervention would suspend the laws of nature, making life chaotic and unpredictable.
• God allows freedom in the physical world, just as He allows free will in human decisions.
• Sometimes, human actions make disasters worse:
• Building in flood zones
• Destroying natural buffers like forests or reefs
• Genesis 1:28 God gave mankind stewardship of the Earth.
• Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”

Biblical Purposes of Natural Disasters

• Wake-up Calls Luke 13:1–5 Jesus referred to two tragedies: Pilate’s massacre, Collapse of a tower
• Jesus said these were not punishments, but reminders to repent.

Opportunities for Growth

• Disasters bring out compassion, heroism, and community service.
• Christians are called to reflect Christ by serving, giving, and comforting.
• Part of God’s Redemptive Plan Romans 8:28 “All things work together for good for those who love God.”
• After the 2004 tsunami, Christian aid opened doors for the gospel in closed regions.
• Suffering can lead people to ask eternal questions.

Are Disasters Always Punishment?

• John 9:1–3 Jesus rejected the assumption that suffering is always due to sin: “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
• We must not quickly assign blame or presume to know God’s intent.

Future Hope: A Restored Creation

• The Bible promises a new heaven and a new earth.
• Revelation 21:1–4 “No more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain.”
• Isaiah 65:17–25 Describes a peaceful and restored creation.
• Colossians 1:19–20 Jesus reconciles all things, including nature, through His resurrection.
• Disasters are temporary. A day is coming when evil, pain, and death will be no more.

[1] https://coldcasechristianity.com/writings/why-would-a-good-god-allow-natural-evil/