“Across the country, people of various faiths drew on their beliefs of something beyond death to explain the disaster, and to find comfort.” That from this article titled Scientific Failure Leads to Search for Spiritual Comfort in the NY Times.
I understand the comfort part, but it’s not helpful to bring God into the picture to explain the disaster. Like this guy who, by logical extension, holds God accountable for the Columbia disaster: “I know where Rick is, and he’s fine,” said Jeremy Foster, a 25-year-old worshiper who has been going to church here since he was 12. “God is in control of all things.”
And it’s more harmful than helpful to ask God to keep your loved ones safe. “The Sunday before the mission began, Mr. Husband, Mr. Anderson and their families stood near the altar as the congregation prayed for their safety.” Many of those have to now be wondering. Their form of faith has to be shaken. What was God thinking?
I pray, but not like that. I pray that the families and friends of the crew find the strength to turn this horrible event into a positive force in their lives; and that those at NASA responsible for the errors that contributed to the disaster find the courage to face up to and learn from it.