Thanks for reading and taking the time to leave your thoughts.

Fascism, realpolitik, slavery and white supremacy are not compatible with Christian faith, especially since the nation of OT Israel was itself founded on a slave rebellion when God brought His people out of Egypt. The Gospels and Acts make it abundantly clear that God’s people are not called to lord it over those of other nationalities and ethnicities, but are to embrace them as brothers and sisters under the Lordship of Christ.

That said, evil Powers are real and not merely the objects of superstition. However, the “Christian” colonial powers that have oppressed Haiti for centuries now are no less evil than the voudou priesthood that presided over this ceremony. As Jesus said in Luke 13:1-5, we need not interpret disasters as judgment for the sins of a people, and unless we all repent, we will all perish along with them.

“Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13b) This is not the time for condemning Haitians for their ancestors’ sins, but for showing compassion in delivering maximum aid in the minimum timeframe, and helping to rebuild the city. I would second the words of Compassion blogger Tim Green last week, saying that it’s time to start over in Haiti. Let’s all get on board and make that happen!

The comments from others on his post make for interesting reading.

“…fundamentalist preachers who are apt to glibbly say things like— “Haiti is the center of voodoo in the Western hemisphere therefore God judged them.” This hardly explains why all the Christian relief agencies, and various orthodox Christians in Haiti are also reeling from the blow just now. Were they just in the wrong line of fire, or is God’s aim that bad???”

http://blog.beliefnet.com/bibleandculture/2010/01/haiti—a-case-study-for-theodicy.html for the whole deal

For those interested, here’s the direct link to Donald Miller’s response:
http://donmilleris.com/2010/01/13/1513/

It’s well worth a read.

I think it’s a great compassionate response for lay people..