In Theory:

Cardinal Lopez Rodriguez was wise in quickly and emphatically dismissing such suggestions. Certainly there is no reason that the people of Haiti, or any other country, deserve to suffer. The scale of this disaster, and some others in recent years, is more indicative of the sheer mass of humanity, necessitating the whole world to respond with greater vigor than ever before, which they are doing, and to increase their capabilities for responding to catastrophes in the future.

My own church stresses the concept of God as divine love, full of grace and compassion, which are never absent. We read in the Psalms, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”

The prayerful attention of everyone in knowing that, through God’s love, needs will be met, loved ones found, homes provided and hopes restored will do so much to facilitate the fulfillment of the relief effort.

As far as punishment is concerned, the only thing that can be punished is sin, which has so many forms, but which we might define as mistaken or poor thinking, either deliberate or ignorant, which simply punishes itself until it is corrected.

The clearest thinking is that understanding of ourselves and others as individually created and governed spiritually by God, with an unbreakable spiritual relationship to him that, when appealed to, frees us and those in our thoughts. There is certainly evidence of answered prayer in the Haitian relief effort.

Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, wrote in “Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures,” “God never punishes man for doing right, for honest labor, or for deeds of kindness, though they expose him to fatigue, cold, heat, contagion.”

We can help those who are fearful to see that they, too, have God’s love surrounding them.

GRAHAM BOTHWELL

First Church of Christ, Scientist, in La Cañada

No. I do not believe that the earthquake in Haiti was a punishment from God. Nor do I believe that Hurricane Katrina was a punishment from God. Nor do I believe that AIDS or swine flu are punishments from God.