[mizpeh]

Originally Posted by pelathais

In the first paragragh you give me something of a false dilemma. So, let me restate your question:

Either pelathais is a deist or he believes that an angry and easily irritated God kills small children. Which of these best describes me?

As I said in the post, I don't think I can adequately explain this issue within the small confines of this little box into which I am typing. Unlike some who would misquote Nahum, I do not attribute the wrath of a storm to the "wrath of God." I have seen the devastation of storms (both natural and political) and I am persuaded that the morality of God is at a higher plane than that of an oversized and ill mannered King Kong-like beast.

I was responding to the part I highlighted in your post....."it just happens" as though perhaps God is on a vacation and doesn't know/doesn't care and isn't really the ruler of the nations (setting some up, putting some down). I took you to be saying storms just happen and God has nothing to do with them, likewise evil happens and God is not involved whatsoever or perhaps He turns a blind eye.

I believe God sends rain on the just and the unjust and sometimes sends famine on the unjust, or pestilence, or sword, as chastisement. I believe it because I find it in the Bible. I agree that God is on a higher moral plane than we are and is not an ill tempered beast. He is just and holy.

I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. Isa 45:19

I quoted Nahum verbatim. I did not misquote him. If you're saying my understanding of that verse is incorrect, please tell me why you think that.