Why do natural disasters not avoid places of worship?

I. The Question and Its Importance

Why do natural disasters not avoid places of worship? This question arises whenever we see earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or volcanic eruptions affect congregations and sanctuaries. It challenges assumptions about divine protection and forces us to examine foundational truths about a fallen world, divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and ultimate hope.

II. Perspective of a Broken Creation

Natural disasters exist in a world that has experienced the consequences of sin. According to Romans 8:20–22, “For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay.” When humanity fell, the entire creation fell under a curse.

1. Curse Extends to Physical Creation

After Adam and Eve’s disobedience (Genesis 3), the fallout was not limited to moral corruption but spilled over into the physical world. Diseases, natural catastrophes, and disorder are consequences of living in a universe marred by sin’s entrance.

2. No Special Exemption for Structures

Places of worship, while set apart for reverence, are still constructed in a realm that undergoes natural cycles and processes. Scripture never teaches that physical buildings will always be spared from calamities. The temple of Jerusalem serves as a prime historical example, eventually destroyed in 70 AD despite its significance (Luke 21:5–6).

III. Biblical Teachings on “Why” Suffering Happens

Even though the sacredness of a location is invaluable, the Bible reveals that all of creation is under the same environmental “umbrella.” Multiple passages speak to God’s sovereignty over nature and emphasize that earthly events occur under His ultimate plan, even if they appear chaotic to our finite perspective.

1. God’s Sovereignty and Purpose

Job 38:4 declares, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.” God reminds Job that divine wisdom surpasses human comprehension. This teaches humility: we cannot fully grasp every reason behind the distribution of calamities.

2. The Equal Force of Nature

In Luke 13:4, Jesus references a tragedy in which a tower in Siloam fell and killed eighteen people. He says, “Do you think they were worse offenders than all who live in Jerusalem? I tell you, no!” The point is that disasters can befall anyone, irrespective of moral or religious status. A building dedicated to worship does not stand on physically safer ground than any other structure unless God specifically wills it.

3. Example from the Global Flood

The account in Genesis 6–9 describes how a catastrophic flood affected the entire earth. Only those inside the ark prevailed. Even though Scripture clarifies that a faithful remnant was saved, there is no indication that the deluge bypassed certain sacred spots. Instead, the whole region faced judgment. Archaeological discoveries from the Mesopotamian region, such as layers of sediment showing flood-like events, provide historical resonance with the biblical narrative of worldwide cataclysm.

IV. “He Causes His Sun to Rise on the Evil and the Good”

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses nature as an illustration of God’s impartial kindness: “He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45). This principle underscores that blessings and calamities alike may fall on all. A place of worship’s holiness is not a guarantee against the normal workings of the natural world.

1. Natural Laws and Consistency

Observations in geology and meteorology reveal that earthquakes, storms, and other phenomena adhere to consistent natural laws. While Scripture affirms God’s intervention (e.g., Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:39), divine involvement is not always manifested as permanent sheltering of specific buildings.

2. Historical and Modern-Day Miracles

There are accounts where unusual protection seems to occur, and many regard these as miracles. However, the Bible never presents miracles as universal or routine to every place of worship. They are instead specific acts of grace or signs directed by divine sovereign will.

V. Testing, Refinement, and Witness

Although tragedies strike without apparent discrimination, Scripture points to the profound ways such events can refine faith, provide opportunities for service, and display hope.

1. Refinement Through Trials

1 Peter 1:7 explains, “so that the authenticity of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Calamities can strip away false securities and drive communities toward deeper reliance on God.

2. Witness in Affliction

In the wake of disasters, compassion often blossoms within and beyond the faith community. Relief efforts, prayer, and tangible aid provide a living testimony of love and hope. Historical examples of Christian service after earthquakes or hurricanes illustrate how believers take the lead in rebuilding, reflecting the Savior’s sacrificial care.

VI. Christ’s Resurrection and the Ultimate Hope

Followers of the risen Christ find their ultimate security in the Resurrection rather than in an earthly structure. 1 Corinthians 15:20 proclaims, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” No matter what natural disasters occur, the resurrection of Christ proves that this broken world is not the end of the story.

1. Eternal Perspective

Revelation 21:4 promises, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.” Accordingly, believers anticipate a new heaven and new earth free from corruption and calamity.

2. In the Meantime, We Endure

Until that final renewal, earthquakes and storms still occur. Even sacred spaces can collapse, echoing the reality that the Church is ultimately composed of people, not brick and mortar. Natural disasters remind humanity to place hope in God’s eternal kingdom rather than in temporary structures.

VII. Conclusion

Places of worship are honorable, but they are not inherently immune from the fallen state of creation. Scripture and experience alike affirm that nature’s forces do not discriminate among those they affect. Ultimately, the truths found in the Bible encourage us to trust in God’s perfect wisdom, remain steadfast in trials, and remember that our true sanctuary is found in our relationship with our Creator through Jesus Christ.

In this light, the question “Why do natural disasters not avoid places of worship?” points us to a deeper reality: though sanctuaries may sometimes crumble, the faith of those who cling to the resurrected Christ—and the eternal promises of God—stands firm.