Information Related to "A World Plagued With Human Suffering"
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Suffering. It's not a pleasant subject to discuss, but a necessary one.
A dictionary defines suffering as the state of anguish or pain of one who suffers; the bearing of pain, injury or loss (The New International Webster's Comprehensive Dictionary).
Suffering plagues our world. In its many forms it affects us physically, psychologically and emotionally. Whatever its manifestation, extended suffering can crush the body and spirit.
Suffering falls on the just and the unjust. It afflicts innocent victims. This uncomfortable fact makes it difficult for us to reconcile such obvious unfairness with the existence or fairness of an intelligent divine being.
Some are so disturbed by this state of affairs that they try to remedy the situation. They devote much of their energy to performing charitable works aimed at relieving undeserved suffering. They long to make the world a more just and equitable place to live.
But, commendable as these efforts are, good works don't solve the world's problems. It appears that our efforts to stop suffering at best only delay the inevitable. And nobody, it seems, has a believable explanation of why so much human misery persists.
What is the answer? Why is suffering so indiscriminate? Why isn't it meted out only to those who deserve it? Why do the innocent suffer from actions and events over which they have no control and often cannot foresee?
Thinkers and philosophers have weighed in on the issue for years, but they have failed to provide a satisfying rational answer. Those in pain—including many reading this booklet—need answers to their questions.
The Bible view: Realistic and encouraging
Let's examine the causes of suffering from a biblical perspective. God's Word is the key source that can help us discover the reasons people suffer. The biblical view of life is realistic and encouraging. The Bible explains why pain has always been with us and why it will remain, at least for a time. At the same time the biblical view is also encouraging, especially when we expand our thinking to see life in terms of God's plan and His purpose for mankind.
Related Information on UCG Sites:
Sidebar: A Front-Row Seat for Suffering
Table of Contents that includes "A World Plagued With Human Suffering"
Pain: