The Lisbon Earthquake A Natural Disaster That Evoked...

The Lisbon earthquake was a natural disaster that evoked mixed responses from various eighteenth century thinkers. Although some opinions were birthed from historical perspectives, others were a product of new ideas brought about during the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment era. The selected excerpts show this range of thought through the written words of clerics, scientists, and philosophers. History gives insightful information into how ideas have changed since the beginning of time as we know it. New challenges and goals have brought about different ways of doing things, and in some instances also new ways of thinking about life. However; the Renaissance era seems to be a time in which people began to question what had†¦show more content†¦As a result, he assumes many of the dead were in Hell because of their sins. Even in the Enlightenment era with the changing religious climate this shows evidence in the Catholics’ belief that those in authority shoul d be listened to, heeded, and obeyed by those under their authority. In the wake of the disaster which he felt could have been avoided, Malagrida, again, as an authority figure, urges that the focus be on repentance first – even before rebuilding. This would be the way to avoid future disasters such as the earthquake. God wanted to show love but He was just as willing to show judgement if changes were not made. Wesley had a stance similar to Malagrida in some ways. He cites other catastrophes along with the Lisbon earthquake as examples of God’s judgement being executed on the world. He believed people’s entire lives should be centered around and sacrificed to God. Wesley, too, touches on repentance being the avenue to avoid these types of disasters in the future. Though they differ somewhat in their religious beliefs, both of these men are examples of the general historical view of God and His authority. However; Wesley speaks out against Catholicism through h is mention of men being murdered as a result of the Inquisitions and brings this forward as another reason for God’s judgement in Lisbon. Wesley’s words more directly challenge the thinking of the