Let me say that first of all, I have nothing personal against Piper. So the idea of vendetta does not even occur to me. I’m not going to argue hermeneutics with you because the historical context and intention of James is vastly different in every way than Job’s authorial situation. Let’s just leave it at that. I’ll leave you with a lot of books to read regarding both in the latest academic research. This is not something we can argue over and hash out at this point.

Regarding reading Piper, I think I’ve seen on and off what he’s pronounced in every single disaster (OK maybe not EVERY single disaster but a lot). There has been a pattern. I can’t read this tweet without thinking of the intertextual pattern Piper has created in the past, including some of his comments about the Asian Tsunami and other manmade disasters. This pattern leads me to my interpretation of that tweet. YOu may think that I’m being unfair to judge him over one tweet but remember, I can’t read Piper’s mind in such a short blurb. IF he intends to write a theological treatise instead of tweeting, he perhaps should try to do that to prevent any misreading, but that tweet is what he quoted. Based on his previous logic, I can’t say that i’m being unfair to him because that has been his pattern. I’d like to be proven wrong especially regarding his previous pronouncement about the Asian Tsunami.

The fact is this. We should NEVER attribute to God natural disasters just because SOME disasters were attributed to this or that or perhaps even God in Scripture. Scripture was not meant to explain every single natural disaster. Piper’s previous pronouncement plus this unfortunate tweet have been nothing but offensive to the victims. I would love to see him go to Asia where islands of families have been washed into death and tell their relatives that the tsunami is a reminder of God’s wrath or worse. IF you can encourage people to turn to God, such an announcement does not help.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t encourage people to turn to God. Obviously, I want nothing less than that. My point is, our rhetoric, our timing and consideration of the feelings of the recipients are the real keys of whether our mission will reach its goal. I guarantee you, after having worked in Asia for a number of years, his pronouncement would NOT turn anything to God. Instead, it turns people completely off from the Christian faith. How do I know? I’ve seen it. That’s how.

There are many points of contention I have with “academic and pastoral works” here, but I will limit them to a few points. Though, I must proceed with caution lest I equally rant… Oh, and the part about telling your viewers not to answer your “rhetorical questions” but instead answer those who are suffering to their face seems a bit prideful and pointless.

1. It is never a good idea to pluck a few lines out of someone’s writings and then build an entire case around just that excerpt. For instance, I have quoted your article already, but it is on this same page for people to go back and verify. I believe you are taking Piper’s words, motive, and meaning completely out of context. And you might say, “Well, he might have the wrong motive, but it simply useless…” Though I guess you might prefer us to shut our mouths completely (while “keeping our hands and feet moving”), even when there are many direct parallels in Scripture that can offer hope. I agree that there are times when we should shut up and do just that, but especially for a pastor, you must ultimately give people true hope. Non-believers and Christians alike can run around all day with their hands and feet doing “good” things and they may be no better than a Pharisee.

2. James 5:11…C’mon, your kidding, right? It is “NOTHING” to do with natural disasters? Not only does 5:11 speak directly of Job and his endurance (endurance through what: disasters, natural and divine), but the rest of the chapter speaks of suffering and hope–5:13 specifically…

3. To equate what Piper was trying to do with the likes of people who say, “Such and such happened because that areas was cursed and full of sinners, etc.” is grossly incorrect! I believe you ought to be careful when you make such broad generalizations. I agree that these people exist and are an annoyance to our cause, but to group Piper in with that is not well thought out on your part.

4.I do not believe Piper is saying it is God’s grace and mercy that your house was destroyed (or something along those lines); is this really how you took it? It seems pretty obvious that he is pointing to God future and ultimate grace and mercy–the fact that in times where there are no answers as to “why,” we can always bank on the truth that God is good, and He will compassionately give help and hope. But even if Piper suggested God’s grace and mercy withing those storms, I’m okay with that too! It is merciful that more lives were not lost. It is compassionate to see God’s people in action in the relief efforts. It is a merciful and compassionate thing to have God remind people, especially non-believers, that there lives are fragile and apart from God, this suffering will continue. (…just to name a few)

5. What about Luke 13 where the people are desiring some sort of comfort from Jesus Himself; what were His words in response to the Tower of Siloam fell and killed 18 people–Repent or you’ll perish too! Whoa, Jesus, your supposed to comfort, right? I believe he was offering true comfort, ultimate comfort. In the preceding chapter he drives home this point, to be ready for the end, seek your treasure in heaven because this stuff fades away–He said he came to cast fire upon the earth, to bring division! Now before you misunderstand my meaning, I’M NOT SAYING WE SHOULD REPEAT THIS FORMAT VERBATIM, IN EVERY SITUATION, AT ALL TIMES. I’m merely pointing out that Jesus Himself was found to offer such words even in sad times; and that the worlds idea of comfort is not the Kingdom’s idea of comfort. But if “This is the truth. Life is complex. Suffering is difficult” and I am not able to “theologize,” you would just have me shut up? But even then your arguments are circular, for in denying leaders to “theologize” you are making a truth claim of your own–this is your practical theologizing, I’m thankful for pastoral care such as Piper’s that rightly balances grace and truth. If we can’t encourage people to turn to God in times like these, where can we encourage them to turn?