Symbolism in Temple Square Tornado

[jos...@absalom.com]

From: "Sterling D. Allan" <sterl...@GreaterThings.com>

I imagine you have heard by now that there was a TORNADO IN
DOWNTOWN SALT LAKE CITY today just after noon. A big one.
F-2, which means winds exceeding 113 mph. Tornadoes are
rare in desert Utah. I've spent several hours today
listening to radio and watching television news coverage of
this storm not far north of where I am.

I personally find this highly unusual tornado to be VERY
SYMBOLIC on several counts.

First, this day is the day of the ECLIPSE. I can't help but
believe that this convergence of two rare events is
significant. There is a message is in this for us from God.

Second, THE PATH OF THE TORNADO IS VERY SYMBOLIC.

It touched down just the other side of the Delta Center
events center, which is a hub of idolatry -- worshipping
sports and singers and such more than God. The tornado then
completely demolished one of two convention tents -- a
symbol of materialism.

After that, the tornado left the ground, sparing temple
square from major structural damage, though it was just on
the right of its immediate path, but knocked down a crane at
the massive LDS assembly hall under construction, which
represents religious idolatry, worshiping the church and its
leaders more than God.

The tornado's path then went to the right of the state
capital, giving it a shot across the bow.

Then the tornado headed for the avenues where the ritzy
homes are located, completely tearing off the roof of the
home on the highest tier. Again, a symbol of materialism
and lifting up in pride of one over another.

Considering the extent of damage and the number of people in
its path, I find it amazing that there were so few serious
injuries, and only one fatality.

This was a "message" disaster. A merciful warning shot over
the bow.

Sterling D. Allan
http://www.GreaterThings.com

--
Salt Lake Tornado Relief
Father of Peace Ministry
Post Office Box 336
Plain City, Ohio 43064

Tornad...@Absalom.com
http://www.absalom.com/tornado.html

[Pinkly]

Interesting view on the tornado choosing its targets (materialism versus the
temple). However, I understand it also damaged many homes and destroyed
several, leaving people homeless. What is your take on this? Teaching them
about the power of God? Making the folks appreciate the things they had (but
isn't that a form of materialism, too?)? Punishment? And one other question,
not answered in the press in the Midwest -- were all the homes owned by LDS,
non-LDS, or a mix?

[Karol McKenzie]

I like to think that when disasters such as the Salt Lake tornado occur,
that it is an opportunity to see how well-prepared we are for such events.
I believe things happen for a reason, and I choose to make the best of them.
Hopefully, all will be well for residents of Salt Lake City, and life and
preparedness will take on a new meaning.

Pinkly wrote in message ...

[Bruce Walton]

Interesting. In July 1994 a microburst hit the Provo area with winds over
80 MPH. At that time some people on the Net said the exact same things:
this is a sign, we need to repent, etc.

Now remember, the windows next to the Christus statue were blown out.
Would you take that to mean we are idolatrous by having a statue of the
head of the Church?

I agree Karol McKenzie's comment: this is a great opportunity to show how
organized the Church can be and how quickly a community can come together
with a unifying force like the Church.

One thing I found interesting was how some things never change: the Salt
Lake Tribune barely mentions the Church's involvement in the clean up.
CNN's Web site has several articles about it.

[fmhlaw]

jos...@absalom.com wrote:
>
> I personally find this highly unusual tornado to be VERY
> SYMBOLIC on several counts.
>

>

> This was a "message" disaster. A merciful warning shot over
> the bow.
>

A message so vague as to be susceptible to a dozen equally valid
interpretations is no message at all.