THE INTERSECTIONS OF RELIGION AND NATURAL DISASTERS: CONTRIBUTIONS TO UNDERSTANDING RELIGION’S IMPACT AND ROLE IN THE CONTEXT OF NATURAL DISASTERS
THE INTERSECTIONS OF RELIGION AND NATURAL DISASTERS: CONTRIBUTIONS TO UNDERSTANDING RELIGION’S IMPACT AND ROLE IN THE CONTEXT OF NATURAL DISASTERS

Summary/Abstract: The diverse religious contexts regard natural disasters-as not just physical phenomena of themselves-but also as manifestations of the will of the divines that attracts holistic responses to meet the physical, emotional, spiritual, and communal needs. Religion acts as a coping mechanism for both survivors and emergency responders, as seen in contexts such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, where religion contributes to emotional stability and life direction. With the intensification of natural disasters due to climate change, the influence of religion in disaster response is likely to grow, framing such events as tests of faith or opportunities for moral and communal transformation. This study examines diverse expressions of religion and how belief systems influence adaptive responses while evaluating traditional religious views that, in certain instances, may serve as obstacles to evidence-based intervention. Working towards establishing frameworks of natural disaster resilience that are culturally relevant and socially accepted is possible when religious interpretations align with scientific methodologies. Finding convergence between theology and science allows religious communities to become meaningful stakeholders in preparedness initiatives, with due consideration of spiritual values while advocating for best practices. This study emphasizes an often overlooked but highly indispensable role of religion in natural disaster response and recovery.

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