In the wake of the catastrophic and deadly 2025 floods in Texas, that caused widespread devastation, fresh questions are being asked about divine justice and human suffering. This classic episode of the Unbelievable? podcast from 2010 grapples with the topic of natural disaster in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake, which claimed over 150,000 lives. The discussion brings together Roger Forster of the Ichthus Christian Fellowship, atheist Gordon Livesey, and philosophy student Nick Peters to explore the theological, philosophical, and emotional dimensions of suffering and natural disasters. While Forster and Peters suggest that suffering may have a place within God's greater plan, Livesey challenges the coherence of belief in a loving, omnipotent God in light of such tragedy. The conversation remains strikingly relevant today, as communities continue to wrestle with the meaning of good and evil in a broken world.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:09 The Haiti Earthquake: Facts and Figures

00:41 Panel Introduction and Initial Reactions

00:53 The Problem of Evil and Suffering

02:52 Personal Stories and Perspectives

04:38 Atheist Perspective on Suffering

09:10 Philosophical and Theological Debates

10:41 Listener Reactions and Further Discussion

13:43 God's Role in Human Suffering

17:25 Debating God's Omnipotence and Love

24:52 Summarizing Arguments and Next Steps

31:21 The Problem of Evil and Natural Disasters

31:55 Human Responsibility and the Role of God

33:55 Nancy's Perspective on God's Power

35:35 Gordon's Skepticism and Human Limitations

37:43 Roger's Explanation of Human History and Divine Purpose

43:25 Debating the Nature of Good and Evil

50:14 Final Thoughts and Reflections