Is the United States More Sinful Than Other Nations?

Some folks have suggested that the reason Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans is the decadence and the sinfulness of the city and our nation. I think that is certainly one element of God's providence. But it should be noted that we are all sinful, even the best of us. God could allow natural disasters to strike us even if we are on our best behavior. Let's not forget that Job suffered tremendous losses in finances, family members and health and he had been a righteous man. Yet, God can and does punish sinful individuals and nations.

Luke 13:1-5 (NIV)1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”[1]
[1] The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

I do not pretend to know the mind of God. However, this disaster ought to be a wake up call to the United States. Perhaps we ought to examine our hearts to see what God would have us do? I do not think God is pleased with divorce, adultery, abortion, fornication, domestic violence or a host of other sins prevalent in our society.

May God grant us the grace to repent and to return to our first love. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

"O merciful Father, who taught us in your holy Word that you would not willingly affict us, look with pity upon the sorrows of the victims of Hurricane Katrina for whom our prayers are offered. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

From the 1979 Book of Common Prayer
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