Where Is God in Disaster Movies?

When was the last time you heard God’s name in a disaster movie? Have you ever watched a scene where a person sincerely prayed to God?

Most of the time, the “religious” person depicted in a disaster movie is one who seems to be out of one’s mind, someone preaching about the end times and scaring people to repent. There seems to be a stereotype to such characters that make it appear as though calling on God is illogical or won’t do us any good.

As such, there is a lack of main characters depicted who are seen as quietly praying and humbly asking for God’s help during such a catastrophe. The protagonists may be seen as heroic, but rare are the times that they were shown to be with faith in God.

The Impact on Viewers

I think that these depictions can influence many people in a negative way towards religion. People who watch these films may form the idea that religious people lack common sense and can’t be trusted in difficult times.

To call upon God could be seen as to be the “crazy one”. It is losing your cool image and being dependent on a non-existent deity.

Talking About Reality

When such times come, however, how would each of us really react?

Would we be among those who would rather forget mentioning about God altogether? Would we be too ashamed to pray for fear of being ridiculed for our beliefs?

I think that when such times do happen, we must not let the pressure from other people stop us from doing what we think is right.

If we believe that there is Someone up there who could help us, why not ask Him for assistance? After all, it isn’t pride that could save you in the end.

Prayer gives us strength and hope amidst the most difficult times. It encourages us to go on, believing that we are not alone.

It Isn’t Just About Doomsday

Being a religious person in the midst of a disaster isn’t just about preaching fire and brimstone. It isn’t about frightening people and being paralyzed through fear. Our faith should not make us dwell on illusions.

Faith should instead make us more grounded in reality. And that reality includes the existence of God. The God who sees us and watches over us. The God who can protect us from evil and harm.

It is true that we cannot fathom His wisdom or His reasons for allowing bad things to happen.

But we can have faith in His goodness. He is the Father who cares for His children. And He will never forsake anyone who calls upon Him with a humble and contrite heart.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—
from where will my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper;
the Lord is your shade at your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day,
nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.”
-Psalm 121:1-7 (NRSVCE)

You may also want to read:

Where Is God When Disasters Happen?

Jocelyn Soriano writes about relationships and the Catholic faith at “Single Catholic Writer”. She wrote the books To Love an Invisible God, Defending My Catholic Faith and Questions to God.