Comments on: John Piper’s Tornado: Exaggerations and Doubts

By: Ariah Fine

Ariah Fine — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:59:41 +0000

Ryan, I'd say specifically points 5 and 6 I do not agree with. In point 5 he uses a verse where Jesus' explicitly does the opposite of what Piper is doing, that is, he's saying the calamity has nothing to do with the sins of the individuals it affected. I have no idea how he thought that helped his point.

And 6 is the crux of the post and the thing I disagree with the most, where he says: "The tornado in Minneapolis was a gentle but firm warning to the ELCA…" I completely disagree.

By: Ryan,

Ryan, — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 21:43:36 +0000

Would you not agree with Piper’s points 5 and 6. Concluding that calamities in general serve as a reminder of God’s providence and everyone needs to repent of wrongdoing.

By: Ariah Fine

Ariah Fine — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:28:04 +0000

Goose,
yeah, thanks for the link. Felt Boyd did a good job of addressing the post head on. My thoughts were sort of a tangential point. Should have included Boyd's post in there though.

Funny though, I find both of those two have been very influential in my life and theology even though they often seem at polar opposites on things.

By: Ariah Fine

Ariah Fine — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:27:05 +0000

Chelsey,

Thanks for popping in. I agree, his post was quite frustrating, for many more reasons then what I'd posted above. Glad to find others who felt the same way.

By: Chelsey Tebbs

Chelsey Tebbs — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:16:51 +0000

I was angered along with many of my friends about his post, he like many out there take the opportunity of an act of nature or disaster, to glorify their name and not God's, in turn pushing more people away from belief in him (GOD).

By: Goose

Goose — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:42:23 +0000

Ariah,

Check out Greg Boyd's response. I think you will find it a good read.

http://www.gregboyd.org/blog/did-god-send-a-torna...

By: God and destruction « .Elise.Anne.

God and destruction « .Elise.Anne. — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:52:42 +0000

[...] month, and busy with stress and life at home as well (hence me not writing much here either). Ariah Fine’s blog has an article and a comment up that I cant get outa my brain. He starts with: If you haven’t [...]

By: crossn81

crossn81 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:09:32 +0000

Interesting. I would agree that Piper's comments were off base, much like his ones after the 35W bridge collapse and those after 9/11. It is interesting because we know that God judged Israel through disaster and war in the OT. But how does that work now that Jesus' blood covers over our sins?

I believe God does miracles as well, but it seems more miraculous that no one was seriously injured during the tornado – especially since the tornado warning system didn't work.

Thanks for your thoughts. I wish I could easily write out and articulate mine.

By: jamie

jamie — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:09:37 +0000

Good thoughts, Ariah.