The Word's Eye View

The Word's Eye View is a newspaper column written by
Dr. James Modlish

 

Are Earthquakes God's Judgment?



The term “Biblical proportions” has been frequently utilized to describe the recent earthquake in Haiti. The phrase re-surfaces every time a natural disaster occurs which defies human vocabulary to offer a superior explanation. All reports indicate that the devastation, death and general human misery are so catastrophic that it is impossible to completely comprehend.

Events of this kind open the door for speculation that often lead to comments that cannot be proven. The Rev. Pat Robertson said a 1791 contract between the Haitian people, and the devil is responsible. This pact allegedly was forged to persuade Satan to rid the nation of the French---the payoff for Lucifer would be the people’s service. It is a well established fact that Haiti has embraced a fairly good dose of the occult and voodoo practices, but it also enjoys the services of over 400 faith-based ministries, the majority of which are evangelical Christians.

Since the media has introduced the word “Biblical” into the discussion, we find it necessary to lend definition and explanation to something most of the mainstream barely understands. Departing from the endeavors of presumption, here are the facts: according to Deuteronomy 32:16-20, God allows nations to make choices in regard to which god they will worship. If a people reject the God of the Bible their fate is summarized with, “I will hide my face from them; I will see what their end shall be.” Speaking of the false gods the Scripture declares in almost divine sarcasm, “Let them rise up and help you, and be your protection.” (vs.38

One of the most fascinating books I have ever read deals with the large amount of linguistic evidence that China had access to the Old Testament over 3000 years ago. China has not always been the land of Taoism and its myths and magic, Buddhism and its superstitions and divinations or even Confucianism and its scholarly teachings. The furthest any of these date back is the 5th century B.C. These were not always a polytheistic people, but rather mono-theistic. They served only one God, had no myths or idols and kept a strict moral code. This God was called ShangTi which means the Above Emperor. Nations eventually come to the crossroad of decision which Joshua described, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve.” (Joshua 24:15)

The major earthquake history of China reveals a devastating pattern in terms of death toll:

September, 1290 – 100,000 January 23, 1556 – 830,000
December 16, 1920 – 200,000 May 22, 1927 – 200,000
December 25, 1932 – 70,000 July 27, 1976 – 255,000
And most recently: May 12, 2008 – 87,587

On December 26, 2004 a great earthquake generated a tsunami that effected India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Maldives. More than 200,000 people perished. None of these countries professes any allegiance to the God of the Bible. The worst quake to ever hit America in loss of life was San Francisco where 700 died. We leave the conclusions to the reader, but there may just be an advantage to singing “God Bless America” at the seventh inning.

Perhaps the larger lesson in the study of Biblical earthquake data is the divine warning system. Matthew 24 is a chapter devoted to Jesus’ message concerning last days’ events. He includes earthquakes as one of the signals concerning a dramatic impending change.

The Biblical comparison is a woman about to deliver a child. As the labor continues, the pains become more frequent and intensify. The earth is said to be in a similar circumstance. According to the figures of the National Earthquake Information Center of the U.S. Geological Survey, the intensity and number of quakes have increased in the last century. From 1890 to 1899 there was only one quake that registered over 6.0 on the Richter Scale. From 1900-1910 there were 3; from 1910-1030 – 4; from 1940-1970 – 13; from 1970-1980 – 56; from 1980-1989 – 310; from 1990-1998 – 748. During the last decade there were 1588. Probably just a coincidence! Don’t get too excited about the Bible or folks will call you a social deviate or ignorant or a redneck that clings to his religion and guns.

The problem with all natural disasters, even with ones which are prefaced with warnings, is that many ignore the critical information. This type of column will incite the leftist to fling accusations of bigotry, lack of compassion and being judgmental. These are welcome, but before you waste space, do what my wife and I did---write a check to a relief organization.

 

 

 

 


 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




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