Climatological Resonance: Acts of God

The phrase Acts of God was first introduced in the 1581 English court case of Wolfe vs Shelley and quickly absorbed into common law. It was used successfully as a defense when an unforeseen event made it impossible to fulfill a business contract. This phrase and defense have been adopted by insurance companies regarding natural disasters. Interestingly, the concept implies that humans are not in control and there is a God who is willing to intervene and disrupt human affairs. This legal term is clearly rooted in the Biblical text and the idea of divine intervention. Interpretations of the text form differing opinions surrounding natural disasters—their cause, meaning and divine purpose.