God's earthquake

What do earthquakes tell us about God? Are they merely a blind, albeit creative, natural force that shapes entire mountain ranges, but has devastating consequences when it hits inhabited areas, or do they carry a deeper meaning? This book invites the reader on a journey between the natural sciences and theology – to a place where not only the earth shakes, but also our notions about the meaning of natural disasters.

In the book, the author combines scientific knowledge about earthquakes with biblical texts and questions of theodicy. She reveals that in the Bible, earthquakes often precede major events and accompany divine revelations and eschatological events, which testifies to God's power, greatness, and majesty, but only rarely represent a means of judgement. In the historical development of theodicy, she points to the changing view of natural disasters – from attributing responsibility to God, through seeing them as a purely natural phenomenon, to an emphasis on the human contribution, especially the structural sins of society. She thus shows that in today's world, the question “Where is God in this?” is becoming less urgent than the question “Where is man in this?” – that is, our responsibility for the consequences of natural disasters, which can often be prevented or mitigated.

In conclusion, she offers an inspiring reflection on God's “footprint” in earthquakes: on the power, glory, order, and beauty of the Creator, which are reflected in this natural phenomenon, and at the same time on the possible Christian attitude towards suffering – in the form of self-reflection, solidarity, and concrete help. The book thus offers the reader a unique perspective on earthquakes not only as a natural process, but also as a space for encountering God and a call to human responsibility.