Chapter 3 - Earthquakes and Religious Thoughts

Abstract

Abstract Natural disasters (especially catastrophic earthquakes) addressed in the sacred religious texts and hymns are specially tailored to convey strict religious orders and messages by using dynamic terrestrial phenomena as cosmic warnings or punishment. The aim is to show the immense divine power and the ability to control people’s deeds in the society, and to preserve the power over the followers. Therefore, the Religious Earthquakes mentioned in the scriptures cannot be connected directly to certain natural historical or prehistoric earthquakes. Nonetheless, the religious catastrophic earthquakes have definitely originated from long-term observation of natural phenomena causing destruction and deformation on the surface of the Earth. This chapter reviews earthquake references in the following religions and scriptures: (i) pre-Zoroastrian/Zoroastrian (ca. 1200 BCE); (ii) Buddhism (ca. fifth century BCE); (iii) Old Testament (ca. 45 BCE-200 CE); (iv) New Testament (ca. 50–150); (v) Islam (ca. 644–656), and includes discussions on the divine wrath, punishment, and mercy as well as earthquake superstitions. The ancient pagan beliefs in evil spirit, idols, and deities responsible for creation of earthquakes was later transferred chronologically to Yahwah, God, and Allāh in the monotheistic religions. The religious thoughts have evolved in acceptance of fatalism and earthquakes as predetermined destiny. Unfortunately, the doctrine of fatalism and religious seismicity has prevented the people and the states in the developing countries from becoming actively involved in earthquake risk minimization.