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Ask Pr. Sophie
Abstract: Pr. Sophie is asked if an earthquake is a divine portent.
Pr. Sophie Fortresson, our resident expert on all matters of theology, Lutheran etiquette, and social protocol, answers questions submitted by our readers and occasionally simply volunteers advice when no question has been asked. If you have questions (and who among us doesn't?) send them to pr_sophie@lutheranconfessions.com.
Dear Pastor Sophie, At the exact moment that I was uploading the new elm.org website the earth began shaking with a 5.6 magnitude earth quake. I know that there are many biblical references to earthquakes; the most memorable to me are when Jesus dies and signs of the end times. Is it possible that the launch of elm.org really shook the earth to its Lutheran core, or was it just a coincidence? And if God(dess)monitors the internet as closely as the CIA, is an earthquake a sign of weal or woe (Isaiah 45:7)?
Webmaster, www.elm.org
Dear Webmaster, Pr. Sophie is reluctant to confirm your earthquake experience as a divine portent for ELM. After all, with a few exceptions, everyone was doing something at that exact moment. If everyone tried to interpret the earthquake as a divine commentary on what they happened to be doing at the time, just imagine the hermeneutical Tower of Babel that would result.
Pr. Sophie recommends, as always, that you count your blessings. Had the temblor (as they say in California) been stronger than 5.6, you might have had the spectacle of a Lutheran Disaster Response intervention at the birth of ELM. True, that could have resulted in a link to elm.org on the ELCA home page, but, if Pr. Sophie may speak plainly, it would have sent the wrong message.
Of course, the magnitude of the quake could itself have been a sign to look at, for example, Isaiah 5:6: And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. (KJV)
Oh dear, most regrettable. Better by far to consult Matthew 5:6: Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (KJV)
Much better.
