The Wrath of God
Some people say that some current-day disasters or tragedies are divine punishment on sinners by an angry God. These claims have included:
- AIDS is God's punishment of homosexuals.
- Hurricane Katrina was God's punishment for the wickedness of New Orleans.
- The terrorist attacks on New York City and the Pentagon were God's punishment for America removing prayer from the public schools.
- Many people stricken with disease or abuse or other misfortune often wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?"
Luke 13:5
[Jesus says] "No, I tell you ..."
The Bible verses most commonly used to support these claims are related to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Here are some of the relevant verses.
Genesis 18:20
Then the Lord said, "How great is the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and how very grave their sin!"
Genesis 19:24-25
Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven; and he overthrew those cities ...
For a more complete look at the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, check out 'The Old Testament and Homosexuality.'
I found some Bible passages that dispute those claims of divine wrath. Read them over, and decide for yourself.
Jesus says that suffering is not a result of God's punishment for your sins:
Luke 13:1-5
At that very time there were some present who told him [Jesus] about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you ... Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them – do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you ..."
God destroys the world, but saves those who are righteous:
Genesis 6:8, 17-18
But Noah found favor in the sight of the Lord. ... [God says] "For my part, I am going to bring a flood of waters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. But I will establish my covenant with you; and you shall come into the ark ..."
Jesus sends his apostles out to preach the Good News:
Matthew 10:14-15
[Jesus says] "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you leave that house or town. Truly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town."
Jesus rejects a 'Sodom and Gomorrah' response to sin, and rebukes those who suggest it:
Luke 9:51-55
Then the days drew near for him to be taken up, he [Jesus] set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; but they did not receive him, because his face was set toward Jerusalem. When his disciples James and John saw it, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" But he turned and rebuked them.