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This article appeared in the September 20, 2001, edition of the Catholic Herald, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee's weekly newspaper. Rev. Nelson is the rector of Saint Francis Seminary, where he also is a professor of moral theology.
Why would a good God allow such horror to occur?
We cannot help but search for some answers in the face of the horrendous
tragedy of the past week. However, we must resist the temptation to
accept the quick explanations that have surfaced which identify the
underlying cause as either a vengeful God who is inflicting deserved
punishment, or our evil capitalistic system and consequent foreign
policy. These seem to me to be either theologically untenable, or unduly
harsh, and premature and needlessly divisive.
Only slowly will we be able to come to terms with the magnitude of this
utterly unwarranted, catastrophic event. Perhaps we need to live
patiently with our thundering questions for a while, lest we be seduced
by ready interpretations that merely corroborate some people's
predetermined mindset. Must we subscribe to what seem to me to be
simplistic approaches - whether an allegedly widespread godlessness or
secularism in this nation before a punitive God resembling more the God
of the terrorists, or an inherently sinful economic system the guilt of
which we share in enjoying its benefits?
We need time - and much wisdom - to sort out this situation. We must
first direct our attention, our energies and our deep emotions to this
sudden, overwhelming loss of innocent life, this suffering and grief -
and for many - the terror that will not go away. We must mourn with our
sisters and brothers. We must acknowledge the magnitude of the
destruction that has confronted us, the human capacity for devastation,
the potential for global conflict. In the light of our faith and hope we
struggle to face squarely the awful mystery of evil among us, yet not
concede to its power.
We must struggle to determine which attitudes shall dominate our
pondering. The rage of many seems to be subsiding, the anger of many
lingers. To our shame, the insulting prejudice of some has been exposed
to us. Our prayer should be for the dispositions of quiet contemplation
and reflection - the precursors of wisdom. "The future of the world is
indeed in danger unless wiser people are forthcoming" and only with God
given wisdom may we "come to contemplate the mystery of God's design."
(Pastoral Constitution, # 15)
Even as we search for answers, the profound witness of remarkable,
heroic persons emerges from the scene of the tragedy. So many public
servants, firefighters and police, doctors and nurses, chaplains such as
Fr. Mychal Judge, put their lives on the line - and many have paid the
supreme price. All who have volunteered their services in the bucket
brigade are working around dangerous "ground zero." The unsung heroes
who personally rescued and protected many of the victims must touch our
hearts. Can we see this and still maintain that we are largely a
godless nation? Where so much love of neighbor is evidenced, can love of
God be far behind?
As I write, major U.S. corporations are pledging millions of dollars for
the victims of this disaster. Personnel, vehicles, sustenance and
shelter for the rescuers continue to be provided freely from both
individuals and corporations. Major television networks continue to try
to address the event in truly human terms, to allow people to share
their stories, their insights, their concerns. The children whom Peter
Jennings interviewed on Saturday morning often displayed stunning
insights and asked some hard questions we otherwise may never have
heard. Meanwhile other nations are making statements of support and
solidarity with our nation. Granted we must address the serious
criticisms of our foreign policy and our economic system, yet are there
not many indications of goodness there as well? Do we not see the values
and generosity of our country in the actions of our citizens and
institutions in this moment of crisis?
Let us live patiently with the questions, refrain from hasty, angry
reactions, and acknowledge that even in all our wisdom we simply do not
understand fully the purpose and design of our God whom we have known to
be loving and just, nor the mystery of evil in our world. For now, let
us grieve with those who suffer and listen to their soul-searching
questions, providing the only "answers" we have now - our compassion and
love. Let us embrace our loved ones, especially our children, and gather
often as a community for prayer.
Be An Informed Catholic
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