Veritas Forum addresses 'Acts god God'

God’s responsibility in natural disasters and ‘Acts of God’ are viewed differently depending on one’s world outlook.

A panel put together by the Veritas Forum discussed this idea and questions relating to it. The discussion, entitled “Natural Disaster: Act of God?” brought representatives Sikh, Christian, Muslim and Humanist to discuss their perspectives.

The questions brought differing views from the panel.

William Young, representing the humanist perspective, said his view is different from the rest of the panel.

“Perhaps there is no supernatural creator responsible for hurricanes or otherwise,” Young said. He said he is an agnostic, and described his humanist views as based on logic.

“If God had wanted me to understand, he would have provided better evidence,” Young said.

The three other panelists said a divine presence is evident in their beliefs.

Judge Singh Brar said according to Sikh views, one cannot understand what God’s intentions are when events such as Hurricane Katrina happen. For this reason, he said he couldn’t tell if the event was good or bad.

“Who are we to judge what’s good or bad in Gods eyes? How can the creation judge the creator,” Brar said.

According to the Christian perspective, Pastor Edward Lee, Jr. said hope during difficult times lies with Jesus Christ. He said Satan is responsible for evil, but God is in control.

“Sometimes you go through things to bring God into your perspective,” Lee said.

Sheikh alSayed Ramadan, who spoke from the Muslim perspective, also said God is in control.

“God is all powerful,” Ramadan said. He also said God has a purpose. “When God strikes us with something, he tests us.”

The Veritas Forum brings together different world and religious perspectives to different colleges around the nation, Moderator Francine Oputa, coordinator of the Women’s Resource Center said. Its purpose is to answer and discuss different questions.

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