Calvyn oor natuurrampe

Abstract

Severe natural disasters such as the tsunami off Indonesia in 2004 often lead to a demand for theological enlightenment. This article explores how John Calvin’s reasoning in this regard could be a relevant contribution towards deeper insight in the extremely difficult issue of a theodicy. Contrary to a popular idea that Calvin adopted an extremely harsh line on providence according to which God becomes responsible for every kind of disaster, it is argued that he maintains a fine balance between the loving grace of our heavenly Father and his righteous judgment over mankind who undermined his intended order of nature by sin. Therefore the faithful should respect both God’s revelation in this regard as we find it in Scripture, and his hidden plan which we will not be able to fathom in this life. Thus they should be pastorally guided to humble patience and perseverance in sincere hope on God’s unquestionable faithfulness.