A scientist in Britain studies large disasters. Simon Winchester researched the 1883 volcanic eruption in Indonesia and published in 2003 a book titled: "KRAKATOA - the day the world exploded - August 27, 1883". He covers the science of the eruption and the physical results in terms of humanity.

But in his research he discovered a social phenomena. After the human element was assessed the Islamic clerics made profound announcements - mankind was being punished for their sins. The Dutch had colonized Indonesia and the government was quick to jump in with money and resources to rebuild their businesses on Sumatra and Java. The rebuilding was of course going to help the local economy so the natives should also benefit.

However, the Dutch government did not hold the natives in the highest regard and probably only indulged the religious fervor that swept the islands. Thousands converted to the Islam religion. But it was not the opiate to put the people in a prayerful catatonic state as Marx and Hitler practiced. The clerics pointed out that the greatest sin was to have let the Dutch rule and the uprising began. The Dutch were driven out. The Islamic religion dominates Indonesian society today.

Winchester researched other disasters with the same in-depth manner and discovered that religion often overtakes reason in the aftermath. An event in China resulted in a resurgence of a religion in that area. Most recently Winchester is deeply into the effects of the San Francisco earthquake on April 18, 1906. In studying the social repercussions in the aftermath of that disaster, Winchester discovered data on religious activity. In a small Pentecostal church the week after the quake, followers numbered under one hundred. The minister boldly and widely announced that god had sent a message - you have sinned - repent. The following week the church was overflowing with hundreds of worshipers. And the unreason has spread nationwide.

On a Public Television interview, Friday, January 7, 2005, Winchester stated that he believes the fundamental movement in the US began in that moment. The message was spread and embraced. The bible is the word and the word is clear. We are upon this earth to prepare for the Armageddon. Use the natural resources, when they are gone, Christ will return.

The interviewer had one last question - Is the recent earthquake and tsunami in Sumatra likely to spawn another such resurgence of religious movement?

Winchester responded with a no. Technology of communication is almost instantaneous. The news and the scientific explanations are quickly spread around the world. There is no time for social growth of fanaticism.

We can only hope.

Naomi Sherer