September 2, 2005

MINNEAPOLIS – In Act of God/Active God Dr. Gary Harbaugh raises the faith-related questions that the victims/survivors of natural disasters have as a result of this experience. Is the disaster an "act of God"? Did God cause the disaster? If God is all-powerful, why did God allow it to happen?

Following examples of people who have experienced a variety of disasters, he confronts the faith issues from a profound theological perspective. Instead of seeing disasters as "acts of God," he shows that when disasters occur, God in fact is active: active in and through our questions, confusion, and doubts; active in and through our responses and actions; active in and through the community; and active in and through people of faith. He discusses the dynamics of the caregiver/care receiver relationship from the perspective of the care receiver to provide insights into how natural disaster victims can face an uncertain future with hope and faith. He offers seven ways people of faith can transform disasters into times of blessings, and he provides helpful spiritual and biblical resources to strengthen Christians in times of disaster. A final chapter for caregivers provides help for the emotional and spiritual health of those who assist others in times of disaster. Appendices provide practical, close-to-the-ground tools.

"Disasters come, sometimes with a feverish pitch that not only strip us of our internal strength and community resources, but also our ability to believe. How can there be a loving God with tornadoes, earthquakes, fires and other related disasters? Throw in wars, violence, genocide, disease, trauma . . . the questions are endless and so, it seems, is the pain. Gary Harbaugh speaks forthrightly about the terror of despair and doubt and lifts the concerns to a God in a spiritual dialog that is not about answers "Why," but of "What." Act of God/Active God is a book of faith and comfort, and also a wakeup call for religious communities to be more active in life's disasters and other complexities, and to offer that prophetic word of faith and hope in the midst of those events that frequently leave little room for either." –Rev. Dr. Richard B. Gilbert, The World Pastoral Care Center.

"Gary Harbaugh has provided blessings to many over the course of his ministry, as a pastor, seminary professor, and writer. In times of disasters he serves as a Lutheran Disaster Response resource. Over the years he has offered Care for the Caregiver ministry to pastors, counselors, and staff impacted by disasters and involved in the church's response to disasters. He is a valued colleague and a trusted friend. His thoughtful and caring ministry has blessed many people. I trust this book will be a blessing for you and for all who, in times of disasters, are people of an ‘active God.'" –Gilbert B. Furst, Director, Lutheran Disaster Response

Gary L. Harbaugh completed an interdisciplinary Ph.D. at the University of Chicago and a postdoctoral program at the School of Professional Psychology, Wright State University. Dr. Harbaugh is Professor Emeritus of Pastoral Care at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio.

Act of God/Active God, By Gary Harbaugh; $9.00, Paper; ISBN 0-8006-3215-X; Publisher: Fortress Press.

To order Act of God/Active God please call Fortress Press at 1-800-328-4648 or visit the Web site at http://www.fortresspress.com/.

Fortress Press