Classic: Where Is God in Natural Disasters? Reflections from Haiti to Texas

Unbelievable?

In the wake of the catastrophic and deadly 2025 floods in Texas, that caused widespread devastation, fresh questions are being asked about divine justice and human suffering. This classic episode of the Unbelievable? podcast from 2010 grapples with the topic of natural disaster in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake, which claimed over 150,000 lives. The discussion brings together Roger Forster of the Ichthus Christian Fellowship, atheist Gordon Livesey, and philosophy student Nick Peters to explore the theological, philosophical, and emotional dimensions of suffering and natural disasters. While Forster and Peters suggest that suffering may have a place within God's greater plan, Livesey challenges the coherence of belief in a loving, omnipotent God in light of such tragedy. The conversation remains strikingly relevant today, as communities continue to wrestle with the meaning of good and evil in a broken world. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:09 The Haiti Earthquake: Facts and Figures 00:41 Panel Introduction and Initial Reactions 00:53 The Problem of Evil and Suffering 02:52 Personal Stories and Perspectives 04:38 Atheist Perspective on Suffering 09:10 Philosophical and Theological Debates 10:41 Listener Reactions and Further Discussion 13:43 God's Role in Human Suffering 17:25 Debating God's Omnipotence and Love 24:52 Summarizing Arguments and Next Steps 31:21 The Problem of Evil and Natural Disasters 31:55 Human Responsibility and the Role of God 33:55 Nancy's Perspective on God's Power 35:35 Gordon's Skepticism and Human Limitations 37:43 Roger's Explanation of Human History and Divine Purpose 43:25 Debating the Nature of Good and Evil 50:14 Final Thoughts and Reflections