What is the correct persective of God and Haiti? (Persuasive)

James Wood wrote an article for the New York Times titled “Between God and a Hard Place.” The piece discusses the opinion of theodicy on the devastation of Haiti. Theodicy seeks to answer the question; if God is just and good, why do bad things happen? Basically, advocates of this are stating that what happened to Haiti is God’s judgment. The piece criticizes these ideas because of their apparent cruelty and condemnation. I think both sides are missing the point. All happenings in this existence are the result of wills and forces. This includes the wills of God, Satan, and all created beings with free will. Those wills can act over and react to the forces that interact throughout creation.

I believe God to be the only one who is completely good and just. Thus, God says what He means, and He fulfills His promises. The blog article “I am the Lord” describes this idea perfectly, saying that God gives the greatest guarantee when He says, “I am the Lord.” He is the Lord, meaning all things are subject to His will.

Here is the kicker; God has willed that His creation has its own will. This means that creation has had two courses to follow from the beginning. Either to align with the completely good will of its creator, or denying His will to follow its own whims. Thus, all occurrences in this world are not chance, but a continuing flowing of extremely intricate and complex interactions of forces and wills. All of which, were originally given definition by the will of God.

When creation chose to deviate from the good will in which God made it in, calamity entered. This makes sense because only God is completely good. Therefore, only His will is absolutely good. So, when one’s will is unaligned with the only good will, their will is not wholly good. (This is actually the definition of sin. Which literally means, “to miss the mark.” God’s will is that mark.) Satan was the first to do this, not Adam and Eve. When Eve’s and Adam’s wills went against God’s, for that moment, they were in alignment with Satan’s will. This gave Satan right to exercise his power over them, and all that they had been given dominion over, the entire world. Satan’s ultimate will for God’s creation is to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:10)

Did God cause the earthquake in Haiti? My answer to that is, “I don’t know.” I do believe He could have and did if it was in accordance to His good will. The Bible does say the Lord chastises those He loves. (Hebrews 12:6) Ultimately, I think it was a result of destiny, the summation of all the forces and wills that had been exercised up to the event. That includes God’s and Satan’s wills. Why does God let these things add up to the destruction of so many? I think because, God is actively trying to bring all of creation back into alignment with His will, but at the same time He is refusing to force our acceptance. Thus, as long as any part of creation denies God’s will, then the will of Satan is able to be exercised.

Some thoughts and what "I Say" (Opinion)

Let me start off by saying, “I love Jesus!” (I wish I could have seen the look on your face when you read that.) Jesus is the reason I live, and whether you believe it or not He is the reason for existence. At least, that is what I have faith in and believe to be true. However, I do realize a good amount of people would disagree with me. Personally, I don’t mind people thinking I am wrong, ignorant, or stupid. I believe this is just one stereotype for people who call themselves Christians. (By the way, if you don’t know what Christian means, the definition is; one who follows Christ.) However, I will declare that I am a Christian, and through Christ’s teaching’s I perceive the world.

I have noticed something about worldviews. (That is: religion, ethics, philosophy, politics, science, life, etc.) Many are very touchy when others disagree. I mean, people tend to get angry, and shun others who don’t share their way of thinking. I don’t like that at all. Seriously, that is how elementary students act. I am not saying that to goad anyone, just so you know. I know kids in K-5 act that way, because I had a job as an after school counselor. Those kids were adorable, but they loved to fight with each other over everything. I feel like in our world, adults are only slightly better at dealing with contention. Most, adults and young adults will try to avoid physical acts of aggression and shouting matches. However, if someone believes another is wrong, it seems like a barrier goes up between the two. Thus, they both think the other wrong, and don’t try to seek the truth of it all. Really, I think that is what we are doing by discussing beliefs, thoughts, and ideas.

What am I trying to say? I think I am simply trying to open up a dialogue, if anyone is interested. I am open to hear what people have to say. I may agree or disagree. Maybe, someone will tell me something I don’t know that will change my point-of-view. Perhaps, the opposite will occur. Whether we agree or disagree, I hope we can still be able to converse and respect each other as peers with different views

I have already stated my foundation for thought as the teachings of Christ. Let me go into deeper detail, because many who say they follow Christ have different beliefs and ideas.
I believe no one person is able to completely understand the fullness of existence other than God, who created all. Also, when I say God I mean the Father, the Son (Jesus the Christ), and the Holy Spirit. I do believe the only way to receive salvation is through repenting of sin and accepting Christ as Lord and Savior. However, I believe salvation is only a means to an end, which is an eternal loving relationship with God for all eternity. I do believe in the Lake of Fire. Most people just call it Hell. I hope you don’t think I say that to scare/condemn, but I believe the Bible when it talks of the Lake of Fire. Let me say, I don’t think fear of it is a good reason to seek Christ.

Well that is what “I Say.” Feel free to respond in any way you please.