[soc.religion.christian] A Suggestion on "why there is suffering"

iba@ptolemy.arc.nasa.gov (Wayne Iba) (11/23/90)

{Our moderator responds on the question of why some suffer?}
>              I've never seen a complete Christian answer to this.
> But there are some pieces that I think represent typical Christian
> views:
> 
> 1) People do not suffer simply as a punishment for their sins.
> 2) Suffering is an opportunity for spiritual growth and for helping
> others.
> 3) While suffering is not part of God's ideal for us, he responds not
> by removing it but by helping us get through it and use it for our
> benefit.

Here is a fourth possible anwser which does not depend upon
Christianity.  That is, it can be a "complete Christian answer" and
also stands alone as an answer.

4) People suffer because they are people.  

Suffering is simply one of the phenomena we experience as human beings
equipped with the given sensory, motor, and cognitive facilities.
Consider suffering as an experience with a strong negative affect, not
unlike a burn on the skin.  Does it not seem reasonable that Adam/Eve
(pre-fall) were capable of experiencing this type of pain?  Then why not
the suffering type?  One might just as well ask the question, "why do
people laugh?" or "why is an orgasm pleasurable?".  These are states, or
experiences, with a stong positive affect.  

> In general I would agree that the fact that some people suffer and
> others do not is unjust.

I would not agree.  Is it unjust that I am 6'5" and most men are 5'10"
or so?  Did God intend a race of clones?  I don't think so (based upon
a line of reasoning I'd be happy to share if anyone seriously thinks
that it is a possibility).  Is it just (fair) that some people laugh
more than others?  Does God have a sense of humor?  Yes (based on
what I read about Jesus in the Bible).

--wayne (iba@ptolemy.arc.nasa.gov)

"You entered a life like ours to give us back our own.
 You wanted us like you as choosers -- not clones.
 You offered up Your flesh and death was overthrown.
  Now salvation is ours, salvation is ours."
					--Bruce Cockburn