Explaining the response of the Japanese people to the recent earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear accident, a radio commentator pointed to their secular society. With a secular orientation one is less likely to ask: “who is to blame?” The answers to why something happens come from science and are not based in a theological mind-set. They would not likely see an act of nature as punishment from God.
Although Jesus is the center of a theological world-view, he challenged the practice of finding blame. When people asked who was to blame for a man being born blind (either his parents or himself), Jesus answers: “he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him.”
Disciples of Jesus are led, by his example, not to determine blame in any challenging situation; but to apply the love of God in addressing people’s needs. In response to the tragedy facing the Japanese people, there will be time later to discuss the science of quakes, waves and nuclear energy. Now is the time to assist providing food, medicine, shelter, etc. Now is the time to act as God’s loving hands. Such is a holy response of love and these are sacred works of God.
Those who react by asking: “Whose sin caused this to happen?” are not following the example of Jesus.
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ReplyDeletelove the post, perfectly stated. those who choose to see get to see, and those who don't yet see will continue to be given the opportunity to do so ~ just another gift.
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