God causes all. Let's take it, here, as a given that some Haitians made a "deal with the devil", so to speak. Not sure how it came about or what it was or who all was involved, how much of it is the stuff of legend or myth now, etc., but let's just take Pat Robertson's
1 description of it as a deliberate pact as true for the sake of argument.
Without God, no plate would've shifted, no earthquake. For that matter, no earth. I get it. I don't discount that. That's not the issue, though. The issue is whether there is a connection in fact between this pact (again assuming, arguendo, (a little Latin for my brother Rambopreacher, there
) that Robertson is historically accurate about the "deal") and the earthquake. And, the truth is, no one can produce anything that makes that connection without laying back, oversimplistically, on God as the ultimate cause of all things. For my own self, and honestly as I know how to say it, that's pure c-r-a-p-o-l-a and I really believe that it vilifies God Almighty. So, even if there was a pact of this kind made, to tie that to the earthquake is, to say it charitably, irresponsible.
Now, here's something someone said that is getting lambasted and I'll jump in and take some of that soup, too. It's a long point, an honest one that seems cold-hearted, so please bear with. Rush Limbaugh said that Obama is trying to get some political mileage on this, and that the American people have already given to Haiti and that communism is largely responsible for the extent of the tragedy. True, true and true. And, I'll be honest with you that there is about 90% of me that says, "Let them have it. They asked for this and they got what they asked for." They choose to keep communists in power, they glom on to Aristide, and they do not choose a way for their nation that would increase its wealth and build an infrastructure, including minimal building codes, that may have spared some lives. And, once again, here comes a poor neighbor asking
us for hands of mercy when all other times it bites the same hand as being an interloping, meddling imperial power grab. Fact is, Haiti could be one of the wealthiest tiny nations on the planet, given its location. Were it not for the Christians there (and I know many or most of them support communism and are/were supporters of Duvalier and Aristide, too, more than likely), I probably would not even pause to look at the destruction let alone consider sending any donations for relief.
BUT, there ARE Christians there. I don't get the luxury of praying for their safety and help, of giving to them only. And, I suppose that's the difference between God and me, that I'd cherry pick who to help when He has, once again, revealed that everything that men hold in esteem is wholly meaningless, and that the meaningless of having plenty (i.e., great infrastructure and wealth didn't stop Katrina) and that the meaninglessness of incomparable poverty (Haiti) yield the same lesson. So, yes, God is in the earthquake. By it, I see, learn and know that there is no hope in this fallen world or any of its devices, including governments, financial systems and philosophies, etc., and that all are so easily dismantled in only seconds. By it, I see, learn and know that when real judgment is rendered by God, in fact and for cause, that it will make this kind of ultimate destruction pale in comparison. So, it is not a question of them and me, or comparing Haiti's communists with Christians, etc. We all occupy the same space that will be judged.
2 The only difference, the only difference, is where I stand before God and where someone else may. And, if I look to my left or right and see my neighbor standing as an enemy of God, it is my duty --- without regard to my political and social beliefs, which must die in all respects --- to offer Him whom I know and Him who has accepted me.
1 Pat Robertson is a lunatic opportunist who helped finance Liberia's Charles Taylor, a Godless murderer if ever there was one. He'll answer for the blood on his hands as much as any Haitian will for any pacts made with powers, earthly or otherwise. If this earthquake is judgment on them, I shudder for what awaits Robertson.
2 I know Russell Roberts, who I respect and love here, may differ with me on this idea of "judgment" versus "redemption" of creation. I submit here only that the redemption of creation will occur because of God's judgment upon it. Human government bears the same relation to hell as the church bears to heaven. (David Lipscomb, On Civil Government, 72).
Yes. God working through nature (obviously)--but God working intentionally and decisively to be sure. God the ultimate cause; shifting plates, storm clouds, etc the second causes. Yes, yes, yes.
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