Broken Planet: If There's a God, Then Why Are There Natural Disasters and Diseases?

by Sharon Dirckx

Publisher:

IVP

, 2023

In Broken Planet, Dr Sharon Dirckx, scientist and apologist, offers a measured and thoughtful case for how there could be a God of love that allows natural disasters.

The question of suffering is one of the greatest hurdles to Christian faith. When believers respond to the question of why there is suffering in the world, they often turn to the free-will defence. This states that humans make choices for good or ill that can bring about suffering in the lives of others. However, that doesn't explain why children die of cancer, or why the latest earthquakes, tsunamis or pandemics have been so destructive. These seem to happen not because of our choices, but in spite of them. So how do we make sense of these events?

Dr. Sharon Dirckx blends argument, science and first-person narrative in this unique book, weaving answers to real questions with compassion and empathy, while also acknowledging the element of mystery we will always live with while on earth.

Dr Dirckx addresses topics such as:
If God exists, why would he make a world with earthquakes and tsunamis?
Why is there so much suffering in a natural disaster?
Are natural disasters God's judgement?
Is my illness a punishment from God?
What kind of God would allow natural disasters and diseases?

If you have ever struggled to reconcile the idea of a loving God with all the pain in our world, this book will encourage you that belief in such a God is not as unreasonable as it may seem. In fact, it may be where God is revealed most profoundly.

Contents

Contents
Acknowledgments xiii
Tsunami, Sri Lanka 2004: morning 1
Introduction 5
Tsunami, Indonesia 2004 8
1 If God is real, why are there natural disasters? 14
Earthquake, Haiti 2010 26
2 Is this the best of all possible worlds? 34
Hurricane Irene, USA 1999 45
3 Why do so many suffer and die in natural disasters? 51
Wildfires, Australia 2019 - 20 62
4 Are natural disasters the judgment of God? 68
Taal Volcano eruptions, Philippines 1977, 2011 and 2020 79
5 Can science now answer all of our questions? 84
Drought and conflict, South Sudan 2006 94
6 Natural disasters or national disasters? 99
Locusts, Ethiopia 2019 - 20 117
7 What about insects that devastate? 122
COVID-19 pandemic, UK 2020 132
8 Why would God allow pandemics? 137
Earthquake, Nicaragua 1972 148
9 Why doesn’t God just intervene anyway? 154
Earthquake, Japan 2016 168
10 What should my response be to a natural disaster? 174
Tsunami, Sri Lanka 2004: evening 184
Notes 186

Praise for Broken Planet

'Natural evil is one of the toughest questions that Christians grapple with. Sharon has combined real-life accounts with insightful theological reflections to create a book that will help anyone looking for answers. Most importantly, Sharon explains why, despite the suffering and evil we face, Christians can offer the redemptive hope of Christ to a broken world. Thoroughly recommended.'

'Broken Planet is a book that speaks deeply to the question, "If there is a good God, why is the created world riddled with natural disasters which wreak havoc and devastation?" In this honest and profound exploration, Broken Planet addresses the pain that can be associated with this question, while opening up fresh and meaningful avenues for thought and consideration. Amongst these perspectives are moving and inspiring accounts of humanity’s longing for justice, restoration, hope and a willingness to sacrifice for others, which provoke one to consider the power and presence of goodness within a broken planet. Sharon has provided a helpful and impressive response to a difficult question.'

'Broken Planet is an honest, insightful and much-needed book. Dr Dirckx does not shy away from the intellectual and emotional challenge of natural disasters. As a scientist, she brings a unique perspective to the difficult question of how a loving God could allow earthquakes, forest fires, viruses, tsunamis and other kinds of natural forces that often cause such pain and devastation. This is my new go-to book on the natural problem of evil.'

'If you've ever thought that belief in God cannot be squared with the existence of a natural world that teems with viruses, parasites, earthquakes, tsunami and a host of other horrible ways to kill us, then this compelling, informative and lucidly argued book will make you think again.'

'I don’t recommend this book for bedtime reading, for it raises profound and disturbing questions. But therein lies its greatest value. Sharon Dirckx offers no easy answers. In fact, she makes clear that we will never fully understand natural disasters this side of eternity. But her book compelled me to examine my shallow assumptions and dig down to bedrock truths about God, our broken world and our ultimate hope.'

'How can there be a good God when there are hurricanes, tsunami and starvation? This question is often overlooked in conversations around the problem of evil. Rather than shying away from disaster, disease and death, Sharon Dirckx demonstrates that Christianity has the resources to face these issues – as well as to give us hope in the midst of them.'

'The occurrence of disasters and all the associated grief and suffering that they cause poses a major problem for both religious and secular people. In a series of thoughtful chapters, Sharon Dirckx discusses how we might approach this problem, finally landing on a Christian perspective of hope even in the midst of perplexity. The chapters are interspersed with moving personal reflections from both survivors and aid workers that keep the discussion grounded; they brought tears to my eyes.'

'Using stories, science, Scripture and philosophy, Sharon helps us to think through the problem of suffering caused by natural disasters. This moving book is honest, and yet it is grounded in the hope of the Christian message.'

Product Details

• Title: Broken Planet: If There's a God, Then Why Are There Natural Disasters and Diseases?
• Author: Sharon Dirckx
• Publisher: IVP
• Print Publication Date: 2023
• Logos Release Date: 2023
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781789740936, 9781789740929, 1789740924, 1789740932
• Resource ID: LLS:9781789740936
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-02-12T09:10:29Z