In times of crisis or emergency, men—even the most morally bankrupt men—have a tendency to turn to God. It has always been so.

In the winter of 1811-12, the monstrous New Madrid Fault in Southeast Missouri and West Tennessee sent three major earthquakes and thousands of aftershocks through the region. The quakes were estimated at 8.6, 8.4, and 8.7 on the Richter Scale, all larger than the famous San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Eyewitness accounts tell of the ground breaking open with sand and mud and coal spewing up, and entire forests being leveled. The huge Reelfoot Lake in Northwest Tennessee was formed as the ground collapsed and the mighty Mississippi River flowed backward for a time. Settlers in the area thought it was the end of the world.

During these panic conditions men turned to religion in record numbers. "It was a time of great terror to sinners," wrote a preacher of that day. The Methodist Church grew by 50% in the region. But, after the crisis passed, many of the converts fell away and were referred to with contempt as "Earthquake Christians."

Times have not changed much. Let hardships come and watch as men rush to God. It may not be a collective emergency like an earthquake. It is more often some personal crisis of danger or illness. Then we see some of the most ungodly folks push the religious panic button. "I was praying like I've never prayed before," they'll say. But when the critical moment has passed they give no more thought to God.

We have our share of "Earthquake Christians" today, too! Are you one? Think!