Article March 20, 2006 Issue

'GOOD IS THE TERM FOR GOD'

with contributions from JON BENSON

"Did God send it?" is a prevailing question when tragedy or disaster strikes, such as the recent catastrophic mudslide in the Philippines—one of a string of events that have caused many to think more deeply about the nature of God and His role in their lives. Sentinel Radio addressed this very question in a recent interview with Christian Science practitioner JON BENSON, of Los Angeles, California. Following are excerpts from the discussion.

Jon, many people believe that God sends hurricanes, earthquakes, and disease, to punish us, or to make us better people. Or they might argue that He certainly doesn't stop them. What do you think?

The Scriptures say that God is good, that "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (I John 1:5). It seems to me that God has to be consistent with His own nature. And I don't see how a good God can visit evil on His creation. Sometimes I feel that this view of God as causing evil makes us feel so distanced from the Maker who we hope would love us that it becomes part of the problem, not part of the solution. We may think that maybe God is visiting these terrible disasters on us so that we will wake up and learn something. It's an understandable position, but not one consistent with the God that I know, and have seen proof of.

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