Nature or Creation?

Do people live in a secular sphere, nature, or a spiritual realm of God's creation? Beginning with the account of their son's birth which resulted in his having cerebral palsy, the author writes of his and his wife's reaction, questioning whether God had a hand in that tragedy. The book sets out how the belief that God causes or allows tragedy became deeply embedded in culture through the doctrine of Providence. Key biblical stories of nature miracles, such as the plagues in Egypt and Jesus stilling the storm on the sea of Galilee, are explored. There are many affirmations in the Bible that God has steadfast loving-kindness for all people. In response to tragedy the author proposes that instead of asking, "Why did God do this to us?" readers should ask, "Why on earth would God do that?" What would happen to faith if people accepted the principle that God cannot act beyond the physical laws of nature? What would it be appropriate to pray for? People of all world faiths share a concern for nature, our one world. The book ends, therefore, with a suggested way of modelling conversations across world faith traditions.