Chapter 30

Along with the problem of evil, many people struggle to understand the problem of pain and suffering. The reason it is commonly referred to as a problem is that it provides yet another excuse to refuse belief in God, or a sufficient reason to be angry at God, and thus refuse belief by protest. This is a difficult area in philosophy, as many great thinkers over thousands of years have struggled with a concept that works for everyone. It is a very personal issue with strong emotional attachments, and when people are suffering, they don’t need words, they need comfort. Jesus is the only true comforter.

Philosophically speaking, perhaps the failure to understand pain is due to a lack of discernment or use of proper perspective. God, in His infinite wisdom, foresees that we sometimes need pain for reasons which we may not understand but which He foresees as being essential to some ultimate good. Even though God is good and He loves us, sometimes to be good is NOT to be kind. Ever since the ancient Greek thinkers (Plato, Aristotle, Socrates) first posited the problems of evil, pain, and suffering, they realized that sometimes wisdom is taught through suffering, and moral character is formed through hardship by overcoming obstacles. Oftentimes we learn obedience through suffering (addicts are notorious for learning things the hard way, for example). But the important point is this: Learn from it, grow from it. Be who God wants you to be. In Romans 5:3 we find this lesson, “… suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (NIV)

Many people have uttered bewilderment at why good people suffer, if there is a God, and why evil people sometimes get a “free pass.” The quick and simple answer is, first of all, that there are no good people, so the point is moot. Some people claim to see no justice in this world. Once again, due to lack of philosophical guidance or lack of independent deep thinking, people tend to focus on what is seen rather than on what is unseen. God tells us (in the Bible) there WILL be a judgment day, when evil WILL pay the ultimate price. Please keep in mind that justice delayed is NOT justice denied. This brings up my next point: Since God does not judge man until his life is over; perhaps we should follow that example.

(for further study: please read The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel, Making Sense out of Suffering by Peter Kreeft, and Where is God When It Hurts by Phillip Yancey)