Good point, Roger. Russell Dynes at the Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware wrote a lovely essay in 2003 on the Lisbon event (http://dspace.udel.edu:8080/dspace/bitstream/handle/19716/294/PP?sequence=1).
Just to stir the pot, what if I suggest that a 'religious' belief in a cosmic origin of (and protection from) natural hazards still exists even among avowed atheists. It is simply transformed into a belief in science and technology (both as the origin of hazards -- see Ulrich Beck's "Risk Society" and also Charles Perrow's "Normal Accidents")?
All the best,
BEN
-----Original Message-----
>From: "Musson, Roger M.W." <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Nov 24, 2012 2:55 AM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Religion and Disaster Reduction -- A Call for collaboration and action!
>
>There is an interesting historical perspective to this. In Europe it was common to see natural disasters interpreted as expression's of God's displeasure, at least up to the mid 18th century. It was the 1755 Lisbon earthquake that largely changed things, as people celebrating high mass in the churches were largely killed, and those amusing themselves in parks escaped. I believe that the order was given in the immediate aftermath that anyone preaching that the earthquake had been sent by God was liable to summary execution.
>
>Within 100 years, the idea that natural disasters had supernatural causes was considered laughable, at least in Europe. But judging by some comments made after the Haiti earthquake in 2010, it hasn't completely been eradicated from the developed world. There is a pernicious doctrine going around that argues that God made the poor poor because they are wicked, and the rich are rich because they are good, therefore the rich should not help the poor. By extension, if God chooses to punish the wicked by sending disasters, the victims should be left to stew.
>
>Regards
>
>Roger Musson
>BGS
>
>________________________________________
>From: Natural hazards and disasters [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kimberley.Hagen [[log in to unmask]]
>Sent: 23 November 2012 19:21
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Religion and Disaster Reduction -- A Call for collaboration and action!
>
>Dear Ben, all,
>
>This is an issue of great importance that should indeed be taken up more and the idea of organising a panel for a second time would be a good step in that direction.
>Doing research in Melanesia, I find that the marginality of studies on the role of Christianity in development/disaster risk reduction or recovery from disastrous impacts is more than noteworthy, considering the vital role churches play in this region.
>I would definitely be interested in taking part in this panel.
>
>Best,
>Kim
>
>----
>Kim Hagen
>Postgraduate researcher
>Department of Geography
>Open University
>Milton Keynes, UK
>MK7 6AA
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Ben Wisner [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
>Sent: 16 November 2012 00:21
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Religion and Disaster Reduction -- A Call for collaboration and action!
>
>Dear all,
>
>As you may be aware, some of us helped organise the first ever panel on religion and disaster risk reduction at the World Parliament of Religions in Melbourne, Australia in 2009 (see:http://www.odihpn.org/humanitarian-exchange-magazine/issue-48/acts-of-gods-the-role-of-religion-in-disaster-risk-reduction).
>
>Would any of you be interested in taking this further and proposing a similar panel at the next World Parliament meeting in Brussels in 2014? Highlights of the 2009 Parliament are at http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/index.cfm?n=7. Advance info on the 2014 Parliament is at http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/news/index.php/category/2014-parliament/.
>
>If you would, please get in touch. Also please let other know that this is afoot.
>
>Whatever one might personally think of the (quite destructive) role of institutionalised religion (discrimination against women, homophobia, religious wars, inquisitions and fatwas, etc., etc.), the fact remains that (a) there are also progressive social forces at play in all the world's faith traditions, (b) faith communities play a significant role in disaster response and recovery (and could also in risk reduction) and (c) faith leaders are often influential in urging secular political leaders to 'do the right thing' (see, for example, various statements on climate change http://fore.research.yale.edu/climate-change/statements-from-world-religions/).
>
>I think the potential role of faith communities in disaster risk reduction is so great that it is not enough at all to do something like this every 3-5 years. It would be good to have a permanent network that would catalyse regional and local events and dialogues among faith leaders and lay people as well as concrete projects on the ground. At a minimum shouldn't all the world's temples, churches, mosques and religion-funded schools be made seismically safe, stable against high winds and located where they will not be flooded, destroyed by storm surges or tsunami, and not buried by landslides?
>
>Do consider entering into a dialogue with me and others on the best use of the great energy represented by faith communities in the reduction of disaster risk.
>
>All the best,
>
>BEN
>
>Dr. Ben Wisner
>Aon-Benfield UCL Hazard Research Centre, University College London
>
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