PERSPECTIVE ON THE NEWS June 16, 1980 Issue

God's goodness, not disaster, is natural

The eruption of Mount St. Helens in the state of Washington, resulting in death, injury, and widespread devastation—along with the California earthquakes—may prompt us to ponder what our perspective is when we hear about disasters called natural. These events should force us to learn what is truly natural: spiritual reality.

God, who is All-in-all, the source of all action, is not the author of what are called natural disasters. His very nature eliminates the possibility that He could cooperate with or produce evil. "Acts of God" are supremely and originally good—never the chaos of unintelligent material forces as defined in news media or insurance reports. Divine action is infinite intelligence maintaining universal harmony. "Good is natural and primitive," Science and Health, p. 128; Mrs. Eddy tells us.

Physical scientists perceive natural disasters to be normal changes in the physical activity of the earth, sky, and sea. But a deeper, spiritual perspective and solution are needed. Whatever is destructive doesn't proceed from God and can ultimately be found powerless. Understanding this brings comfort and lifts us above being overwhelmed by tragic circumstances.

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