Answer: Christians believe the root of evil in the world is humanity's fall into original sin. But Chap Clark, a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, an evangelical school in Pasadena, Calif., says the explanation cannot stop there. He said people need to acknowledge their responsibility for environmental degradation, poverty and other problems that contribute to disasters. "We've been called to be stewards of what God has given us," Clark said. "We are responsible to do everything we possibly can to help one another, to relieve the pain."

Question: The outpouring following the tragedies has brought together people of different races and faiths. Did God inflict the disasters to unite humanity?

Answer: Terrence Tilley, a professor of religious studies at the University of Dayton, a Roman Catholic Marianist school, called that notion "morally repugnant." He said the overwhelming generosity shown to victims regardless of background was a bright spot in the devastation, but it would be wrong to say God caused widespread suffering in order to achieve this goal.

Question: Are the disasters a sign of the End Times, the end of the world?

Answer: The Rev. Jerry Falwell, who was condemned after saying the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks were God's punishment for abortion, homosexuality and other sins, says no. Only a fool claims to know the hour or the day Christ will return, he says.