Frequency natural disasters is increasing- why?

[Jonathan Walkerin]

If there's a major quake in the next few years why would we assume that God was angry rather than that there is a cycle of seismic activity being followed?

Because it feeds our insecurities and fears better than rational thinking ? Also makes better headlines.

 

[Lost4words]

Okay with you if I think God is behind some of them?

No!

 

[Lost4words]

so why the increase in frequency over the last 100 years. in the case of earthquakes it is quite noticeable

Global reported natural disasters by type

The earth is evolving. Getting older. Shifting plates etc etc etc.

 

[Jonathan Walkerin]

My reading of the end times is more that things just fall apart towards the end and various evil characters rise

Things are always falling apart somewhere just as evil characters are always rising up so this is hardly a proof of anything.

 

[Jimmy D]

How can you tell which natural disasters God is responsible for and which disasters happened without His connivance?
OB

I think that's fairly obvious.

The ones that coincide with political events that AV endorses... natural.

The ones which coincide with political events that AV doesn't like .... God's vengeance.

 

[Nithavela]

Things are always falling apart somewhere just as evil characters are always rising up so this is hardly a proof of anything.

I disagree. It's obvious prove that the end times are right around the corner (as they have been since the beginning of history, propably earlier).

If the human mindset can agree on two things it's that the good times are over and the end times are less than a generation away.

 

[Ophiolite]

The population of the planet is increasing. This means an increase in population density. Thus when an earthquake occurs, or massive flooding, or a hurricane, then even it impacts the same area as a comparable event fifty or one hundred years ago, more people are affected, more damage is done and more people die.

Morevoer, as several have pointed out, global warming is increasing the severity of extreme weather events.

Early in the history of the BBC, the evening news broadcast consisted of the advice "There is no news today." 24 hours news channels cannot tolerate a situation of "No News", and there is nothing like a natural disaster to boost viewing figures.

In summary, mindlight, if you wish to reduce the increasing natural disasters then reduce your carbon footprint, lobby your government for serious action on global warming, stop watching Fox News*.

*This won't actually reduce the number of natural disasters, it's just sound general advice.

 

[Sanoy]

Does everyone here speak German except me? How have we gotten to page 4 without even asking what the chart is graphing?

 

[mindlight]

The population of the planet is increasing. This means an increase in population density. Thus when an earthquake occurs, or massive flooding, or a hurricane, then even it impacts the same area as a comparable event fifty or one hundred years ago, more people are affected, more damage is done and more people die.

The frequency of serious earthquakes is not caused by population increases , unless you have a theory about the weight of cities on tectonic plates?

Morevoer, as several have pointed out, global warming is increasing the severity of extreme weather events.

So human greed and poor stewardship is causing global warming....

Early in the history of the BBC, the evening news broadcast consisted of the advice "There is no news today." 24 hours news channels cannot tolerate a situation of "No News", and there is nothing like a natural disaster to boost viewing figures.

In summary, mindlight, if you wish to reduce the increasing natural disasters then reduce your carbon footprint, lobby your government for serious action on global warming, stop watching Fox News*.

*This won't actually reduce the number of natural disasters, it's just sound general advice.

Maybe I should start watching that channel despite its almost zero non American content. It comes highly recommended.

 

[mindlight]

Does everyone here speak German except me? How have we gotten to page 4 without even asking what the chart is graphing?

Apologies, it graphs the cost of various types of natural disaster in 2015 US dollars adjusted to local consumer price indexes. Disasters include, earthquakes, floods, storms, volcanic erruptions, forest fires.. Other graphs have been shared or linked to in this thread with English x y axes showing the increased frequency of for example earthquakes in the last 100 and especially 70 years.

 

[Sanoy]

Apologies, it graphs the cost of various types of natural disaster in 2015 US dollars adjusted to local consumer price indexes. Disasters include, earthquakes, floods, storms, volcanic erruptions, forest fires.. Other graphs have been shared or linked to in this thread with English x y axes showing the increased frequency of for example earthquakes in the last 100 and especially 70 years.

What does the dotted line represent? Fires?

 

[Ophiolite]

The frequency of serious earthquakes is not caused by population increases , unless you have a theory about the weight of cities on tectonic plates?

I didn't suggest that it was. I stated that with a larger population any given adverse event, including earthquakes, is likely to impact a larger number of people. A disaster in which 800 people die is seen as more severe than one in which 250 die.

So human greed and poor stewardship is causing global warming.....

Beyond any reasonable doubt.

Maybe I should start watching that channel despite its almost zero non American content. It comes highly recommended.

By those who don't understand journalistic integrity.

 

[Halbhh]

It's not, since you can't actually test any cause/effect with respect to the supernatural.

Attributing cause to the untestable supernatural is the definition of an irrational belief.

While there is considerable discussion among Christians at times about how and when God intervenes in nature, which is itself His design...many of us do understand the implications of God designing nature as being that nature works quite well on its own -- meaning the laws of nature that is, physics.

And so what we see happening in nature is then normally, typically, everyday, simply nature -- physics in action.

But we also know God watches over us, though only in ultimate ways many think (like me). So, where that line is isn't so easy to say, but I do think most things happen just naturally, according to the physics God designated for our Universe.

And then, nature already operating on its own, without interference typically, God will also intervene in both clear ways for those with faith, but also in subtle ways we don't always figure out, also. See? So, you can get more than one viewpoint from believers about whether or not God is intervening in some instance, of course.

But when you think nature operates naturally, by physics, you have a viewpoint that agrees with that of many or even most Christians, and for some even more than they realize, as they simply assume that gravity is working without giving it much thought. It's the background. It's the normal, and not what we usually focus on.

But, as a believer, I think the asteroid that hit Earth 66 million years ago was carefully chosen, or allowed, in order to accomplish what God meant to happen over time (namely to clear a lot of niches so that mammals could ascend to dominate).

Basically, there isn't going to be a simple clear answer from Christians about whether a particular earthquake was modified by God. Some may think so, and others not. But we do know He can alter them, cause or prevent. And many of us think they happen naturally without interference.

 

[pitabread]

Basically, there isn't going to be a simple clear answer from Christians about whether a particular earthquake was modified by God. Some may think so, and others not.

The point isn't what or not Christians believe, though. It's about what can be objectively tested. The supernatural is not subject to such testing.

Hence, any claims about natural disasters being "caused" by God isn't useful.

 

[Halbhh]

The point isn't what or not Christians believe, though. It's about what can be objectively tested. The supernatural is not subject to such testing.

Hence, any claims about natural disasters being "caused" by God isn't useful.

We agree on that. More -- there will also not ever be a clear proof or easy evidence of God anyone could just examine (until Christ returns or a person passes from this world). All tangible or easy/clear evidences are intentionally absent (perhaps even removed), because we learn God isn't wanting merely self-interested (or even cynical) followers, but instead wants us to develop a profound trust in Him. 'Faith'. We are instructed to seek/search for God in faith, because that trusting seeking is a quality He wants us to have. I speculate this is because it's such an essential quality to allow love to last indefinitely in time, even for an eternity. Lasting harmony isn't possible I think without trust. One has to be able to trust in the good, even when it's not already clear yet, in order for a relationship to make it past difficulties. See? It's all very logical really, in my view. It's the only way it could be even.

 

[Speedwell]

We agree on that. More -- there will also not ever be a clear proof or easy evidence of God anyone could just examine (until Christ returns or a person passes from this world). All tangible or easy/clear evidences are intentionally absent (perhaps even removed), because we learn God isn't wanting merely self-interested (or even cynical) followers, but instead wants us to develop a profound trust in Him. 'Faith'. We are instructed to seek/search for God in faith, because that trusting seeking is a quality He wants us to have. I speculate this is because it's such an essential quality to allow love to last indefinitely in time, even for an eternity. Lasting harmony isn't possible I think without trust. One has to be able to trust in the good, even when it's not already clear yet, in order for a relationship to make it past difficulties. See? It's all very logical really, in my view. It's the only way it could be even.

Which is why I object to creationism/ID because it is an attempt to force nonbelievers using science-- as an excuse to get out of the tougher job of evangelizing them.

 

[The IbanezerScrooge]

I can guarantee Jesus Christ will not make his second coming within the next 10 minutes. lol
Sorry Jesus it was just a joke.

You act like this is a joke and you meant it that way... but you also knew that Jesus would, in fact, not return in the next 10 minutes. So much so that you were able to make a light-hearted joke about it. There are other things about God and Jesus you know as well. For instance, if I asked you and all Christians around the world to pray together to end all cancer in the world there is no part of you that actually believes that would happen. You might hope, you might say you have faith, but deep down you know it wouldn't happen. You might rationalize the reason for it (not all Christians prayed for the same thing, or there were evil forces working against God neither of which is actually a satisfactory answer as to why you know it wont happen), but you can't really know why in the context of your belief. There is one possibility, however, that fully and completely explains why you know it won't happen.

 

[frogoon234]

You act like this is a joke and you meant it that way... but you also knew that Jesus would, in fact, not return in the next 10 minutes. So much so that you were able to make a light-hearted joke about it. There are other things about God and Jesus you know as well. For instance, if I asked you and all Christians around the world to pray together to end all cancer in the world there is no part of you that actually believes that would happen. You might hope, you might say you have faith, but deep down you know it wouldn't happen. You might rationalize the reason for it (not all Christians prayed for the same thing, or there were evil forces working against God neither of which is actually a satisfactory answer as to why you know it wont happen), but you can't really know why in the context of your belief. There is one possibility, however, that fully and completely explains why you know it won't happen.

It seems you suffer alot. I'm not going to argue with you on this. A huge reason people suffer is they are overworked in the work place. Not much i can do for you except send you positive thoughts and pray for you. I don't have alot of money but i do have stuff. I wish you the best.

 

[mindlight]

You act like this is a joke and you meant it that way... but you also knew that Jesus would, in fact, not return in the next 10 minutes. So much so that you were able to make a light-hearted joke about it. There are other things about God and Jesus you know as well. For instance, if I asked you and all Christians around the world to pray together to end all cancer in the world there is no part of you that actually believes that would happen. You might hope, you might say you have faith, but deep down you know it wouldn't happen. You might rationalize the reason for it (not all Christians prayed for the same thing, or there were evil forces working against God neither of which is actually a satisfactory answer as to why you know it wont happen), but you can't really know why in the context of your belief. There is one possibility, however, that fully and completely explains why you know it won't happen.

Cancer will be eliminated when Jesus gets back. Some people I know prayed and were healed, others ( including devout Christians) died of cancer. Disasters like cancer and earthquakes are a symptom of a broken nature. Really the solution is to completely rebuild creation which will happen at the second Coming. Dying is also not normal and a symptom of the same brokeness but given that Jesus rose we know that it is also not the end and so it is nothing to fear.

I have watched atheists moan all their way to the grave and Christians smile despite their pain.

The increased frequency of earthquakes is a symptom of brokenness. Of a system running down. We can believe that things are only going to get worse or that whether by miracle or recreation there is a fix out there waiting to happen. I choose hope.

 

[lasthero]

Cancer will be eliminated when Jesus gets back. Some people I know prayed and were healed, others ( including devout Christians) died of cancer. Disasters like cancer and earthquakes are a symptom of a broken nature. Really the solution is to completely rebuild creation which will happen at the second Coming. Dying is also not normal and a symptom of the same brokeness but given that Jesus rose we know that it is also not the end and so it is nothing to fear.

I have watched atheists moan all their way to the grave and Christians smile despite their pain.

The increased frequency of earthquakes is a symptom of brokenness. Of a system running down. We can believe that things are only going to get worse or that whether by miracle or recreation there is a fix out there waiting to happen. I choose hope.

I’m seeing a lot of claims but not a lot of evidence.