Why Bad Things Happen

 

I wrote a discussion response for my college class. I am reposting it here, because I would like feedback from others.

The fall metaphor and the sinful nature of man explains the evil and selfishness that possessed the perpetrators of 9/11. Since, I believe that we were created through a process of guided evolution, the fall metaphor does not explain natural tragedies like tsunamis and deadly viruses. Death is a natural part of our existence, so, God created things like viruses, poisons, venoms and deadly diseases that kill us. The Earth was created to support life and as such has processes that maintain the atmosphere and the land that we live in. We have learned through science that things like earthquakes, volcanos, and hurricanes contribute to the ecosystem that allows for life to exist. We are aware that these natural processes are dangerous, yet, we still choose to live where they can kill us. If death didn't exist and humans lived forever, what would life be like on this planet? We are overpopulating this planet as it is, much less if every human that was born was still alive. As the fall metaphor explains, we are out of balance with nature. Fortunately, God has provided a way to avoid death spiritually and encourages us to grow in love in this lifetime.