I think I finally understand his point of view. He cannot fathom the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, or holy angels causing harm. I can appreciate this. I prefer to think of the inhabitants of heaven as peace-loving beings. But the Bible and SOP depict times when they are forced to punish sinners. It's not my favorite part of history but I cannot, in good faith, conclude it didn't happen. The idea that such passages must be interpreted to mean something other than what is clearly stated is unsettling. I must take God at His word even when it portrays Him punishing sinners.

Is God punishing the Philippines with the Typhoon?

The same creative energy that brought the world into existence is still exerted in upholding the universe and continuing the operations of nature. The hand of God guides the planets in their orderly march through the heavens. It is not because of inherent power that year by year the earth continues her motion round the sun and produces her bounties. The word of God controls the elements. He covers the heavens with clouds and prepares rain for the earth. He makes the valleys fruitful and "grass to grow upon the mountains;" Psalm 147:8. It is through His power that vegetation flourishes, that the leaves appear and the flowers bloom. {CT 185.3}

God has finished his creative work, but his energy is still exerted in upholding the objects of his creation. It is not because the mechanism that has once been set in motion continues its work by its own inherent energy that the pulse beats and breath follows breath; but every breath, every pulsation of the heart, is an evidence of the all-pervading care of Him in whom we live and have our being. It is not because of inherent power that year by year the earth produces her bounties and continues her motion around the sun. The hand of God guides the planets, and keeps them in position in their orderly march through the heavens. It is through his power that vegetation flourishes, that the leaves appear and the flowers bloom. His word controls the elements, and by him the valleys are made fruitful. He covers the heavens with clouds, and prepares rain for the earth; he "maketh grass to grow upon the mountains." "He giveth snow like wool; he scattereth the hoar frost like ashes." "When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures." {ST, March 20, 1884 par. 6}

Mike, it's interesting that APL quotes Waggoner as saying that those who thus fought are an example of unbelief, when Hebrews 11 cites them as an example of faith.

The only way God causes disease is that He does not prevent it.

God is the RESTORER - Satan is the DESTROYER.

PS - Please address 158057 and 58. Thank you.

It's not my favorite part of history but I cannot, in good faith, conclude it didn't happen.