Katrina - Wrath from God?

Before Pat Robinson shoots off his mouth again, I'd like to make it clear that common Christian beliefs do not accept the idea that Hurricane Katrina is somehow divine punishment for Mardi Gra or Bourbon Street. This concept seems acceptable at first but it is flawed but not for the reason you might think.

First glance gives credence to the idea of holy wrath. First, it is certainly within the power and authority of God to administer such punishment. Both the Old Testament and Revelation confirm this power. Second, if God were to exact such wrath it would in no way be unjust. God's justice is perfect and we can not be the judge of His actions. Similarly the punishment of 'innocent' people does not make the action unjust. Third, the sins of New Orleans are certainly worthy of such punishment. The wages of sin are death and few can argue with the presence of sin in this city (or any other city, town, nation or person for that matter).

Why then can I say that Katrina is not God's judgment on Mardi Gra and such? First, if God was trying to wipe out the sin, he missed. The French Quarter was one the areas that faired the best in the onslaught of the hurricane. So if we say that God was punishing He would be ineffective. This is impossible. Second, in Scripture there is clear warning to cities and peoples before God uses natural disaster. Think of Sodom or the Tribulation? God used Lot and will use the 144,000 witnesses to warn His intended targets of destruction with clear command to repent. No such call for repentance was made. So if we say that God was punishing He would be inconsistent. This, too is impossible. Third, now is not the time for divine judgment. When we read the Bible we can easily see that God acts in different ways at different times. In the Old Testament God acted through a singular nation and today He acts through His Church. Simply put, God is not in 'destroy' mode right now. He has been and will be but is not presently.

So what can we learn Katrina? In a way Katrina was punishment for sin, but not for New Orleans'. Hurricanes, tsunamis and other natural disasters are the result of the Fall. When Adam and Eve ate that apple they brought destruction and death into the world. Sin is serious stuff.