Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Mudslides: Extreme Events - What do they Mean?Written by C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot
In lieu of recent, tumultuous occurrences, people are more compelled than ever to discover mystery of these modern-day, earth-changing events. One day, Earth is experiencing fourth largest earthquake in a century - a 9.0 tectonics plate shift off coast of Sumatra, next day - Tsunami. A Report from NASA explains how poles have permanently shifted by an entire inch. According to Dr. Benjamin Fong Chao, "...Any worldly event that involves movement of mass affects Earth's rotation, from seasonal weather down to driving a car." Per findings of Doctors Chao and Gross, North Pole has shifted by an inch in direction of 145? East Longitude. Based on their report too, was that Earth's oblateness (gravity field) was also decreased by a small amount. To translate into laymen's terms, change in mass distribution can effect long-term global climate changes; (See here for more info) thus, El Nino/La Nina effect is strengthened due to unusual mean sea level pressure. The Journal of Geophysical Research published an abstract on data analysis from Earth's gravity field. In their profound study, results showed that Earth's gravity field has undergone significant variations during past 28 years alone. The largest (of these fluctuations) occurred during 1996 - 2002 time frame. Again, we have a scenario of mass redistributions in atmosphere and ocean in a relatively short period. Personal research from National Earthquake Information Center showed that between December 5, 2004 and January 5, 2005 there were over 170 earthquakes across globe that measured over a 5.0 (on Richter Scale). According to Volcano Information Center, 77 volcanoes have erupted or are experiencing ongoing eruptions since 2002 - 2004; of which, 57 began erupting during 2004 alone. The recent California Mudslides, torrential downpours, and extreme winter precipitation begs one to try and comprehend what exactly is occurring and why it is happening at this point in time. Once again, we return to statement made by Dr. Benjamin Fong Chao, "...Any worldly event that involves movement of mass affects Earth's rotation, from seasonal weather down to driving a car." Based on this analogy, we can clearly define that magnetic field composition and movement can and does affect global weather (on a broad scale). But what other effects can magnetic field have on planet as a whole? Interestingly enough, I was able to retrieve different reports that may somehow involve magnetic field proponents: In February of 2004, `...over 10,000 Bramblings dropped dead in a `bird rain' in Eastern Province of Jiangsu - Yangzi,' as reported in BBC News. In addition, in November of 2004, 100s of Whales and dolphins were found stranded off coast of Tasmania and New Zealand (Australia Broadcasting Corp ). Reporter Jocelyn Nettlefold stated, "...The weather appears to be central to stranding cycle. Every decade or so, atmospheric changes bring cooler, sub-Antarctic waters further north..." Professor Mark Hindell further elaborated, "...there have been suggestions in past that seismic exploration may have been associated with strandings in US..."
| | SOBERING DISCIPLINARY WARNINGWritten by Maureen Metcalf
The transition from 2004 to 2005 has been electrifying. The international ramifications of deaths of so many people, and wrecked livelihoods of multitudes of survivors, has brought about an international outpouring of concern and aid in wake of massive earthquake and tsunamis that destroyed coastlines of many nations in southeast Asian region. This response, even toward an area of world which of late has exhibited antagonism toward Christians and Jews, is encouraging, amazing, and comforting. The outpouring of concern, aid, funds, and love, reveals truth that those who have grown up in nations that traditionally adhere to Judeo-Christian ethics understand value of human life, and willingly desire, and are even compelled, to help others in need, even if majority of those affected do not hold same ideologies or religious affiliation. Even those who do not adhere to Christianity or Judaism within many nations have caught urgency, and are willingly giving of their resources to assist in clean-up and rehabilitation. It seems all mankind has been mobilized by this event! Therefore, as often has been historically demonstrated in such disasters, in midst of tragedy, God's love, grace, and mercy are extended, and many people find themselves willing to listen to gospel message. However at same time, many still ask, "Where is God?" ""If God indeed exists, why do tragedies occur?" Or we hear sentiments such as, "A loving God would not let this happen! Therefore, God either does not exist, or He is a big bully! He certainly does not live up to His loving reputation!" So man's perception of God is directly challenged. In minds and hearts of many, since this disaster was caused by natural phenomena rather that either man-made political strife or misplaced idealism, God is singled out. After all, someone must be responsible! In desire for explanation and justice, there must be a perpetrator to accuse. Therefore, for lack of any other suspect, God is blamed! The questions and accusations cannot, and should not, be dismissed. Rather, we must realize these are honest cries of suffering humanity, revealing frustration and anger at apparent injustice of such obviously tragic devastation and loss of life. But, was earthquake and resultant tsunamis an "act of God?" The answers are neither a simple "yes" or "no." Is God really perpetrator? Can we pin this "crime" on Him? And, is mankind totally exempt of any "blame"in face of natural disaster? Is this actually a "crime?" Or is it simply nature out of control? Obviously, planet we live on has its imperfections, or earthquakes and tsunamis, volcanic activity, storms, avalanches, mudslides, and other natural disasters, would never occur. God created this universe and everything in it, and He pronounced it all "good." Therefore, why is it so terribly flawed and dangerous? God Himself is essence of "goodness." He therefore is not author of evil. But He also does not dismiss evil as inconsequential. He is God of righteous justice, and as such, impurity cannot dwell in His Holy presence. Rather, He requires justice be done. In this life, this justice takes form of natural consequence of curse. In that sense, rigors of justice do come from His hand. But He does not create evil. Evil entered in form of deception and disobedience to His directive, therefore, when mankind sinned, perfect balance of this natural world became tainted with imperfection. All creation fell under curse. The curse is not an evil itself, rather it is a consequence of evil. This curse has plagued all creation ever since Adam and Eve sinned. So yes, mankind, by reason of his fallen nature, must take some of responsibility for natural disorder because of sin, and yes, God's justice plays a part also.
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