More than once since Hurricane Katrina hit, I've heard people ask why this had to happen. Often it's phrased "Why did God allow such devastation to occur?" It's an ancient question. Pat Robertson and others have given their concrete answers, saying Hurricane Katrina was God's punishing response to the human sinfulness of people in the Gulf Coast.

I don't find that helpful. I did find this blog entry by Chuck Gutenson, professor at Asbury Theological Seminary, helpful today:

Excerpt:

There were those who attributed the tragedies of September 11, 2001 to divine judgment, and there are now some voices attempting the same thing in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. If and when you hear these claims being made, keep two things in mind. First, the connection between suffering and wrong doing is not nearly so easy to figure out, and those of us who seek to follow Jesus should know that. The bible and history are full of cases where the wicked prosper and the good die young. Second, Jesus gives no basis to think that those who do not suffer tragic circumstances are any better morally than those who do. In fact, he explicitly denies the connection. So, when you hear someone attribute the suffering in New Orleans to divine judgment on particular sins, feel free to quote God: Who are you to obscure God’s designs with empty-headed words?

The whole thing is very much worth a read.