When humans suffer due to natural disasters such as earthquakes then how is that a result of "our" actions ?
when a child gets bone cancer then how is mankind at fault?
Animals suffer greatly when they are ripped apart by their prey. What does God think of their agony?
The entire world is in a state of decay because of our sin.
Scripture indicates that as the day of Christ's return approaches that natural disasters such as earthquakes will be more and more prevelant. Within scripture we see that in instances of God pronouncing judgment upon folks that he waited and allowed for some to turn in repentance from their sin and for others to come into the fullness of their sin. I would guess that prior to the Lord's return the world will be in a more rapid state of decay as sin is approaching it's fullness and as scripture indicates the frequency of natural disasters will increase.
Although, earthquakes do also serve a beneficent purposes for our environment.....better ability to reach natural fuels, churning of minerals and other natural materials in soil and layers of earth.
The decay occurs in our physical bodies as well and disease can be passed genetically.....bone cancer is an example of this.
Humanity is meant to govern the earth including its various resources of which animals are a part. Some animals are intended for labor, some food, some are what the hebrew defines as "nephash" or "soulish" creatures that bring pleasure to humanity via relationship (and in turn we provide them a loving relatioship). Animals in the wild that kill and tear each other apart and bring pain and suffering are also results of a world in decay because of sin. God's new creation indicates that the "wolf and lamb with live together", "bear and cow will graze together", "the calf will be safe with the lion" and a "child will lead them all". That's a new creation without sin or its effects.
Hope that is helpful.
