In the wake of the catastrophic and deadly 2025 floods in Texas, that caused widespread devastation, fresh questions are being asked about divine justice and human suffering. This classic episode of the Unbelievable? podcast from 2010 grapples with the topic of natural disaster in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake, which claimed over 150,000 lives. The discussion brings together Roger Forster of the Ichthus Christian Fellowship, atheist Gordon Livesey, and philosophy student Nick Peters to explore the theological, philosophical, and emotional dimensions of suffering and natural disasters. While Forster and Peters suggest that suffering may have a place within God's greater plan, Livesey challenges the coherence of belief in a loving, omnipotent God in light of such tragedy. The conversation remains strikingly relevant today, as communities continue to wrestle with the meaning of good and evil in a broken world.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
00:09 The Haiti Earthquake: Facts and Figures
00:41 Panel Introduction and Initial Reactions
00:53 The Problem of Evil and Suffering
02:52 Personal Stories and Perspectives
04:38 Atheist Perspective on Suffering
09:10 Philosophical and Theological Debates
10:41 Listener Reactions and Further Discussion
13:43 God's Role in Human Suffering
17:25 Debating God's Omnipotence and Love
24:52 Summarizing Arguments and Next Steps
31:21 The Problem of Evil and Natural Disasters
31:55 Human Responsibility and the Role of God
33:55 Nancy's Perspective on God's Power
35:35 Gordon's Skepticism and Human Limitations
37:43 Roger's Explanation of Human History and Divine Purpose
43:25 Debating the Nature of Good and Evil
50:14 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Released on 15 Jul 2025