The Tragedy in Japan

The recent earthquake (9.0 on the Richter scale) and subsequent tsunami in Japan combined to create a horrible tragedy for that nation.  The possible meltdown of four nuclear reactors in Fukushima adds even more concern.  The current probable death total is upwards of 30,000.  We should all be praying for these people during their ordeal.

Several people I know have expressed surprise, or even shock, at a statistic which came out during discussions about the tragedy after the current emperor, Akihiko, offered Shinto prayers for his countrymen.  The majority of the people of Japan no longer follow the Shinto religion; in fact, seventy percent are believed to follow no religion at all.   Only two percent of Japanese identify themselves as Christian.

Christian orthodoxy believes that there is salvation only in Christ.  Of the probable thirty thousand dead, twenty-one thousand (70%) had no religious beliefs at all.  Two percent, six hundred people, were Christian.

Voodoo vs. Christianity

Tensions are rising between Christians and followers of Voodoo (or Vodou) in Haiti. Voodoo devotees say that the many Christians who have poured into Haiti following the recent catastrophic earthquake are not just distributing aid; they are using the situation to evangelize. Well, duh!!!

The horrible situation in the island nation should not be intentionally exploited by missionaries (and listening to a sermon should never be a prerequisite for receiving aid) but, when they are asked why they are helping, they should be quick and eager to answer.

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" 1 Peter 3:15.