If God exists how can suffering be accounted for?

1. 81

   Les Trois Chenesposted 9 years ago

   If God exists how can suffering be accounted for?
   
   I recently read an account of why God permits suffering in the Jehovah's Witnesses leaflet Watchtower and it totally failed to explain to me why the loving God who cares for his children, feeds the birds and clothes the lilies of the field allows the most innocent of his creatures to suffer so dreadfully.
   
   Image below - Public Domain - Wikimedia "Two battalions of Viet Cong systematically killed 252 civilians in a "vengeance" attack on the small hamlet of Dak Son. Tears are streaming down the face of little three-year-old Dieu Do, now homeless, and fatherless., 12/06/1967"
   
   

   replyreport
2. 0

   JThomp42posted 9 years ago

   God has given each one of us "free will" to do as we please while here on earth. The suffering that you are talking about is man made. Man is responsible for such suffering, genocide, hate, evil, etc.

   replyreport
   1. 59

      Link10103posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Why does god intervene with "miracles" then? Or do you personally not believe it is divine intervention?

      replyreport
   2. 0

      JThomp42posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Link.... I would think as an atheist/agnostic that you would not believe in miracles?

      replyreport
   3. 69

      Aime Fposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      So why is it that when humans do something good, they thank God, or people say "God gave that person the ability to _____." But when it's something bad, it's just humans being terrible by their own choice. Not giving ourselves much credit, are we?

      replyreport
   4. 0

      JThomp42posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      If you have so many questions why don't you just read the Bible. You could learn much more than I can write with only so many characters.

      replyreport
   5. 69

      Aime Fposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I have read the Bible. I'm asking you a question based on an attitude that I see a lot. If you don't have answer, that's fine.

      replyreport
   6. 0

      JThomp42posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Aime. this is something that you cannot wrap your mind around because you do not believe. If you were a believer you would already know what the answer is because it would be found in your heart. Giving all glory to God is being faithful to our creat

      replyreport
   7. 59

      Link10103posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      That's kind of why I put it in quotations JT. Do you have an answer for either of my questions at all?

      replyreport
   8. 72

      getitriteposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      JT,
      God intervened, and drowned Pharaohs entire army, yet you still use that free will scam to explain away this folly. Could you explain why God could suspend free will and intervene in ancient times, but cant intervene now?

      replyreport
   9. 0

      JThomp42posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Because of Moses perhaps. getitrite.. it seems that you have heard stories of the Bible without really following it up for yourself. Read these chapters and you will learn what you seek. God has performed many miracles for his people in the OT. Jews.

      replyreport
   10. 72

       getitriteposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Yep...God performed many miracles back then, right in the presence of many "eyewitnesses"  but not one single miracle since the invention of the video. Ever wonder why that is?

       replyreport
   11. 0

       JThomp42posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       getitrite... God has performed many miracles in people's lives that are not even documented. Jesus Christ performed many miracles that are documented in the NT. Again read it for yourself instead of listening to others.

       replyreport
   12. 72

       getitriteposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       JT, Please stop misrepresenting me as some uninformed novice. I was "saved" at the age of 10. Father was a minister. Went to Sunday all throughout my youth. I have read the OT & NT. This is a blatant straw man fallacy. I prefer honesty. Thanks.

       replyreport
   13. 0

       JThomp42posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       I thought you said you were christened/baptized as a baby? What denomination were you?

       replyreport
   14. 72

       getitriteposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       JT, No I was not baptized as a baby. Infant baptism is not a customary Pentecostal practice. In the Pentecostal faith, the stages are:
       Conversion
       Sanctification
       Baptism
       Receiving the Holy Ghost/Baptism By Fire
       ...I LOVED Jesus so much. Really. I did!

       replyreport
   15. 0

       JThomp42posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Why the conversion getitrite?

       replyreport
   16. 72

       getitriteposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       I was taught that conversion meant turning away from a sinful life, and accepting Jesus into your life, because its your conversion from a life of sin to a life dedicated to serving God, thru His son, Jesus Christ.

       replyreport
   17. 0

       JThomp42posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Being a Pentecostal I'm sure you were also taught that you could never do enough to please God or assure that you would go to Heaven based on works and salvation rather than just salvation. They follow more of what the Church says rather than God.

       replyreport
   18. 72

       getitriteposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Actually the Pentecostal faith is just as valid as any other denomination.  Its a matter of interpretation.  Every denomination actually follows the interpretation of the elders. The bible makes no sense anyway, so no one can actually follow it.

       replyreport
   19. 0

       JThomp42posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       The problem with "religion" is certain ways of living are passed down from generation to generation. Even if these ways are not biblical i.e. women wearing dresses. This is why we must be spiritual and read the Bible for ourselves to learn it properl

       replyreport
   20. 67

       tsadjatkoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       He understands the Bible well enough to know that he wants to reject its redemptive message. The best help one can get would be from the Holy Spirit 1 Cor 2.14 It is the Holy spirit who enables believers to *welcome* the things of the Spirit of God.

       replyreport
   21. 76

       Oztinatoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Link
       Please revise the "blame god paradox" whereby blaming god for misfortune implies god exists. Remember?

       replyreport
   22. 59

       Link10103posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Not sure why a whole conversation was skipped to address my one comment, but where was I blaming god Oz? People attribute good things to god, so is it not a logical question to ask why no one attributes the bad to him? Dont start deflecting now.

       replyreport
   23. 76

       Oztinatoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Apparently it is impossible either by math or logic or reasoning to get away from the "blame god paradox" which is a proof of god in itself. I understand your embarassment at constantly making the same error. Its like struggling in quicksand

       replyreport
   24. 59

       Link10103posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Of course the only thing you do is deflect, should have known better.
       Coming from someone who repeatedly makes the mistake in assuming atheists are pushing for infantcide and bestiality to be legal, cant really take that seriously.
       Unless you have sp

       replyreport
   25. 60

       Pam Ryanposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Why did he give is free will? Why did he bother creating us in the first place, come to that? Was he bored or something?
       
       Doesn't wash; doesn't compute and  never bloody did.

       replyreport
   26. 0

       JThomp42posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       It does not compute because you do not want it to. But, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. They just have to live and die with it.

       replyreport
3. 58

   Allofher Skillsposted 9 years ago

   It is impossible to say, but I like the explanation that God experiences Himself through us. We each give God an experience of Life so that He may know His creation. Kinda like how do you know what Light is if there is no Darkness...or if you are All Things how do you experience yourself from outside yourself. Suffering seems so unfair and no explanation seems adequate when you are thinking of God as one who gives us what we experience (especially in terms of Children and Animals...or things like Genocide and Terrorism). This is why, I think, God forgives everything. This is why Hitler went to Heaven. All forms and experiences of Life are experiences of Himself through us. Nothing can be, in and of itself, bad or good. We can only hope that those who are charged with the duty of delivering the more painful experiences are some how rewarded or specially accounted for. Judge Nothing.

   replyreport
   1. 74

      MarieLBposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      sounds like another ACIM devotee here.  I took up the book many years ago, and it is always near me.  When I give it time - to read and reflect, I very often experience peace and contentment.

      replyreport
4. 59

   Link10103posted 9 years ago

   Either he doesn't exist, or he isn't as loving or caring as he is portrayed to be. I have yet to see any other explanations by believers that aren't contradicting to think of a third option.

   replyreport
   1. 67

      tsadjatkoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      That's because you are spiritually BLIND

      replyreport
   2. 59

      Link10103posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Wondering why this never showed up for me in my feed.
      
      So i guess atheists who were once devout christians were also spiritually blind then?

      replyreport
5. 85

   Buildrepsposted 9 years ago

   God has nothing to do with this. Like JThomp42 said - God gave humanity free will and all the suffering is indeed man made. Why should God intervene with miracles if humans are made in the image of God? Humans are in most cases totally ignorant and fell in love with matter, forgetting their origin. It's all very simple Les Trois Chenes, it's in your hands too.

   replyreport
   1. 0

      JThomp42posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      AMEN my friend!

      replyreport
   2. 87

      Zelkiiroposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, because the Guinea Worm, Brazilian Wandering Spider, and Box Jellyfish are human inventions. So are droughts, tsunamis, earthquakes, and firestorms. Yes, indeedy.

      replyreport
   3. 60

      cjhunsingerposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Build--As you make a decision based on free will, does this god not know the decision you will make, before you make it? What does all-knowing mean to you?

      replyreport
6. 61

   Sinbadsailormanposted 9 years ago

   Your Understanding should Come from your Knowledge of Our Father GOD and Not The understanding of the god of our World. GOD is allowing free will Yes but It is Not GOD who allows the suffering it is we the sons of GOD that allow the suffering. For one to fully understand why this is so the must seek the truth in the story of why we are here as we are here. They then must seek the truth in the scriptures and the Good Book.
   
   I try to tell the story as often as these types of questions arise. We are here of are own accord  we Fell or were pulled or cast out from the world that was.
   We follow another who proclaimed himself as our father and creator this would be Satan the former Lucifer. The Original Sin spoken of in the Bible is slightly skewed to favor the true owners of original Sin. the former sons of GOD that followed Lucifer and to this day will not repent from their mistake and pride in doing so. The original Sin was merely a trespass which they would not repent from. Not even when given multiple chances up into the crucifix of their GOD and Creator in the flesh on their terms.
   
   Suffering is caused by their falseness and even by their direct intervention because they seek to drive the wedge further between Father GOD the Creator and those who seek repentance and understanding of their former failure of not being able to tell Lucifer and Jesus apart for even in Heaven Father GOD has an avatar or a stand in in their like form as he did when he appeared here on earth. GOD always states this one to be the Word of GOD or the one who speaks for GOD. When this Word was made Flesh it was called Immanuel  the Christ our Lord Jesus which means Our GOD with Us or Our GOD among us. As we are so is the Father's form that communicates with Us in Spiritual Form or Bodies or in Flesh Form or Bodies. The true undumbed down version of GOD as Creator and or Father is so pure it shatters the forms around HIMSELF. GOD is Call a Consuming fire in scripture because of this. So one must  truly get to know GOD's nature. When GOD state we have free will It is an absolute truth we have it all of us here in the flesh have it and even those in the spirit have It  Yes GOD does intercede but this is only because we ask HIM to one for another and for ourselves. GOD loves all of his children and we all are working out a great betrayal that we all took some part in even those of us who were pulled from Heaven. GOD states this as we have all fallen short of GOD's/god's grace.

   replyreport
   1. 63

      Craig Suitsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Have you ever seen a seven year old child buried up to her neck in a mud slide and is about to die many days later from pestilence and dehydration?
      If you have and still insist god loves us I would be forced to classify your reasoning as insane...

      replyreport
   2. 61

      Sinbadsailormanposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      See many Horrific scenes n do not hold Our Father accountable for a single 1 Because of HIS love we are still Here still growing n learning 2 trust HIM n not  the god of our world. There R 2 One is n one claims 2 be do you not understand why U r Here

      replyreport
   3. 63

      Craig Suitsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      What you claim Sinbad doesn't make sense. Sure we are still here, the ones that are STILL ALIVE that is...

      replyreport
   4. 61

      Sinbadsailormanposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Known that None of Us has yet died in GOD's Kingdom Only the Illusion of Death no matter how real has occurred. This Illusion has been greatly multiply by the god of this earth Satan. We are here to figure this Out who shall we follow Satan or GOD

      replyreport
   5. 63

      Craig Suitsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Stick to one point. How can you justify the torture of that one 7 year old girl. There is no Satin. He's simple a invention designed to scare the pants out of you believers and fill in where religious doctrine can't be explained. Works doesn't it?

      replyreport
   6. 61

      Sinbadsailormanposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      True Believers believe in Satan they Must if they understand Why we are here as we are here. The Little Girl has nothing to do with Us or is she Dead Spiritually All flesh dies for we were never design as Flesh beings but Spiritual Bodies uncorptabl

      replyreport
   7. 63

      Craig Suitsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I give up. It's like your from another planet. I'll leave with this; I can prove just about anything I say way beyond any reasonable doubt. I challenge you to scientifically prove absolutely ANYTHING religious you believe in.

      replyreport
   8. 61

      Sinbadsailormanposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      An GOD said Let there be Light  GOD Created the Moon the Sun and The Stars GOD Placed a Bow in the Sky after every heavy rain to remind Us of His Promise. The Season Have not Cease or will they Until HIS return The abundance of Life andthe variety of

      replyreport
   9. 63

      Craig Suitsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I respectfully suggest you see a cult deprogrammer...

      replyreport
   10. 61

       Sinbadsailormanposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       I'll go as far to say that the BIG Bang Theory is also in the Good Book. We believers call it "the Fall" or the "Katabole" Heaven United and Then divided by war. Tiny weeny living space infinitesimal amounts of Power and stuff now spewed about Space!

       replyreport
   11. 67

       tsadjatkoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Craig, you don't understand,those little children who suffer and die wind up in heaven for eternity "He will wipe every tear from their eyes.There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain..." Rev 21:4

       replyreport
7. 0

   RTalloniposted 9 years ago

   No one is immune from the effects of this fallen world. Behind the photo you included there were people working against the odds of that time and place trying to help the tiny boy and the many others who were suffering in that situation, but most will agree that this knowledge is little comfort as we look at the suffering through his little eyes. Some good reading for anyone who is honestly seeking the answer to such questions about pain can be found below:
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Trusting-God-Even … life+hurts
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Suffering-Soverei … eignty+god
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Not-Chance-Learni … bert+books
   
   http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Suffering- … gy_b_img_y
   
   http://www.amazon.com/God-More-Than-Eno … XQPEHHQHS0

   replyreport
8. 0

   Colin323posted 9 years ago

   It assumes an external deity, looking down on us, intervening or not if we pray hard enough. I don't believe this. I believe there is a life force for good or evil it is within us all, and individuals have to decide what action to take for or against others: altruism versus egoism, or even evil. We have to believe in justice and retribution in this world, on this earth - and strive toward this end for those guilty of misdeeds in the here and now - rather than believe in a God driven retribution after death.

   replyreport
   1. 85

      Buildrepsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I fully agree. Amen, brother.

      replyreport
   2. 67

      tsadjatkoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      "We have to believe in justice and retribution in this world, on this earth" but not believe in God? Where do you think those concepts come from? The whole reason for the existence of evil is rejection of God from whom morality originates.

      replyreport
9. 60

   flpalermoposted 9 years ago

   Because God does exists, He allows suffering.
   Deuteronomy 30:19 “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore CHOOSE life, that both thou and thy seed may live.”
   The unwillingness of man to believe and obey God is the real reason for suffering in the world.
   In our modern age, people are not willing to submit themselves to God’s will.
   Jesus explained: “These people draw near to me with their mouths, and honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.”
   God reveals by Jeremiah: “O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walks to direct his steps.”(Jeremiah 10:23).
   Until we return to the tree of life, there will be suffering.

   replyreport
   1. 85

      Buildrepsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      This is the God of the Old Testament - the revenging God of the Jew, Yahweh or Jaldaboath. Just forget this whole Old Testament, for Jesus came to earth to show the way to the God that stands above the revenging Yahweh.

      replyreport
   2. 67

      J - R - Fr13m9nposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      As I mentioned in the previous paragraph God is a concept which humans interpret with their own theories.

      replyreport
   3. 65

      James King 32posted 9 years agoin reply to this

      No, Buildrep Jesus came to fulfill the law not abolish it. He was the only one that could live by the law (in this fallen world). That is why He came, to give us a way to Heaven. The reason for evil is that we live in a fallen world.

      replyreport
10. 63

    PhoenixVposted 9 years ago

    All of mankind's greatest qualities are juxtaposed to adversity. Without those adversities, those greatest qualities would not happen. eg compassion, courage, perseverance, generosity, forgiveness etc. all  require a corresponding adversity. Because of this man can show his true colors and character. And what of love? Does it not oftentimes cause suffering? Why would God allow such a strong emotion and ironically and paradoxically call themselves loving? A lot of the things we take for granted as being a good thing can also cause some of the most pain. If we did not have these dichotomic choices we would just be programmed robots anyway.

    replyreport
11. 63

    Craig Suitsposted 9 years ago

    I wrote a whole book on the subject a few years ago called "Up One Level."
    I don't need but a few lines to answer this question.
    
    1...I can fathom if there is a god, what we humans do on our own may be a dastardly plan to help us to evolve and learn...
    2...An easy million of us (god fearing) believers die horrible deaths each and ever year from natural causes we humans had absolutely nothing to do with. The Indian Ocean tsunami is but one (think about it) just one of the disasters that occur each and every year. This incident took out 230 thousand people. (think about that too) and there are still 10,000 people missing and buried under mud from the Japanese tsunami.
    3...There are two simple conclusions that can only be drawn by these events; (A) If there is a god and creator as most of us believe there is, he or she must be a diabolical, merciless son of a bitch to cause or allow things like this to happen to us, or: (B) There is no creator or god that created us, is watching over us, and that loves us in the context or fashion that most of us believe there is especially since there is ZERO proof that one or more of these mystical beings exists now or EVER existed...
    
    That's it in a nut shell. I don't need BS ancient scripture fairy tales or anything other BS from the Pope to The Budda. What you just read is the bottom line truth. Like it or not, (B) is the only possible conclusion for me and should be for you as well before we kill all of us in wars defending our hundreds of religious beliefs. We have been doing just that in all of recorded history and beyond. Now we have the technology to annihilate all of humanity and possible our very own planet in a matter of days.
    Keep up the insanity and you might just see that happen sooner than you think...
    
    
    
    3...

    replyreport
    1. 81

       Les Trois Chenesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Perhaps the Jehovahs Witnesses were right - if we can believe in God we can at least  make some sort of sense of the suffering and if not then we have someone to share the suffering with. Maybe the suffering comes first and God comes from that?

       replyreport
    2. 63

       Craig Suitsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       If that's the case, then he's all yours...

       replyreport
    3. 67

       J - R - Fr13m9nposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       God is a concept created by us humans. I feel that some rich and powerful corporations have exploited humankind and our planet's resources.

       replyreport
    4. 61

       LoisRyan13903posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       @Les I think you hit it.  Without sufffering we would have no need for God

       replyreport
12. 93

    davidlivermoreposted 9 years ago

    Some say that without suffering we will never know His joy.  I don't think that is intended, but that could very well be it.  These could just be our physical bodies, which in the end may not matter.  The soul could matter so much more after we die in the physical realm.
    
    Do I believe this?  I am still trying to figure that out.  But that's what I am starting to think.

    replyreport
13. 60

    cjhunsingerposted 9 years ago

    To answer this question, we must first define this god and what attributes are given to it. Some gods are not omniscience or omnipotent and are confined with specific powers, as too, thunder or lightening, moles or, perhaps, trees.
    The Christian god is given all the powers that may be contained in or out side of the universe and  only limited by the imagination of Man. Such a god is omniscient, which means that he/she/it knows all things, to include the past, the  present and the future, as is indicated in  Luke 12:7, "even the hairs on your head are numbered."
    That a creature, Man, can be created in an inferior form to this god, by this god for the purposes of testing his love and devotion, to this god and  this omniscient god does not know  the end result  of the test is a bit silly.
    In this context this god is either omniscient or ignorant or incapable of knowing what you will do. You cannot have a god who is omniscience and ignorant of your actions and decisions at the same time.
    Most assuredly an omniscient god knows before you are born where you will end up, heaven or hell or he is not all-knowing and, perhaps only a thunder god.
    If one can justify human suffering, as this baby pictured her, with a loving god, then you have a greater imagination then I do.

    replyreport
    1. 61

       Sinbadsailormanposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Omnipresent is How I see our Father Creator and GOD. GOD is the very fabric of Space and Time but until a freewill being chooses the Knowledge is or can not be Known even of by GOD the fact is GOD knows IT before You act upon It and can stop it

       replyreport
    2. 60

       cjhunsingerposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Sin
       Thats really good. What good, though, is a god if he/she or it is not all-knowing? But then  you say god does know it. A bit confusing, no?

       replyreport
    3. 61

       Sinbadsailormanposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       GOD lives in HIS ever present NOW there is no Past or Future for GOD He Knows Our future for It is HIS present Hence The Knowing comes into play. Until we choose there is no present for GOD to Know we are in a state of flux or vibration out of sync

       replyreport
    4. 93

       peeplesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       By far the best answer in my opinion!

       replyreport
14. 81

    Les Trois Chenesposted 9 years ago

    So this little child, who must certainly be innocent, has to suffer because of something that Eve did how many thousand years ago?
    
    If Dieu Do could pray would God anwser? Why wait? 
    
    If the suffering is to know joy does that mean that if we don't suffer we can't know joy? Would it make this child feel better to know that the suffering they are undergoing is so that they (or others) can feel greater generosity or compassion? Would you volunteer for the suffering so that humanity can  enjoy the fruits?
    
    Is this child able to seek out and obey God?
    
    What about natural suffering - earthquakes, ebola, floods ..... not caused by the evil within humans at all.
    
    I thought about using a picture of a starving dog. Why should animals suffer when it was humans who turned away from innocence and light?
    
    If Satan is ruling the earth (and I agree that this does make some sense) then surely an intervention is in order.
    
    Is the problem that God is our Father? As a mother I'd move heaven and earth to stop the suffering of this child, the starving dog and the suffering of all the countless others.

    replyreport
    1. 81

       Les Trois Chenesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       But I can understand the need to make sense of chaos, to have someone out in the darkness watching over us, to be there when we feel lonely and to go to after all the suffering...

       replyreport
    2. 67

       J - R - Fr13m9nposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       The ancient people had no scientific answers to explain nature and human behavior.

       replyreport
    3. 67

       tsadjatkoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       The answer to all your questions are in the Bible, our miniscule brief time on earth is not even significant compared to eternity which God promises all believers. A life of suffering is well worth the reward. The apostles didn't have it easy.

       replyreport
15. 73

    lone77starposted 9 years ago

    The answer to your question is quite simple, yet most people do not listen.
    
    The answer can be found in Genesis 1:26, that God created man (us) in His image and likeness, yet He is not Homo sapiens. He is not Homo sapiens. These Homo sapiens bodies are not like Him.
    
    So, if your child is in a car accident, would you rush down to the car junk yard to see how the automobile is doing? Or would you rush to the hospital where your child is being cared for? The same with God. He cares little for the temporary vehicles we wear -- these human bodies.
    
    Suffering is borne out of ego (separateness and self-concern). For suffering to end, we need to choose Love over Ego -- altruism over self-concern. We need to change ourselves as Christ asked us to.
    
    But as Christ said, the path is narrow and difficult. Most who proclaim to be Christians do not follow Christ, but follow Ego instead. This is not a bad thing, if we wake up, recognize this, repent and correct our selves.
    
    When we love others as ourselves and wish for them everything that they desire, even if it is to slap our faces, then we will heal the world. This is the truth behind turning the other cheek.

    replyreport
    1. 63

       Craig Suitsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       This answer is far from the best for one simple reason. It begins by quoting scripture that to some "thinking" people not brainwashed as a child totally disagree with. Ancient scriptures have no proof as to their authenticity.

       replyreport
16. 43

    cer1056posted 9 years ago

    The Physical Universe - the Earth domain is a type of spiritual school.
    Suffering many times speeds spiritual learning.
    
    God gives us free will - in the learing process.
    
    It's not that God permits so much suffering, it is the result of our own bad decisions - in this learning environment.
    
    The Bible also tells us that we die for lack of knowledge.

    replyreport
    1. 81

       Les Trois Chenesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       What bad decisions did this child make to warrant his punishment?

       replyreport
17. 52

    modestreject22posted 9 years ago

    There is an underlying duality in the human experience. God has blessed us with the attribute of free will as humans living on this earth. We must realize that in order to have good we must have evil. Its all perceptive. I believe that the pain and atrocities experienced here on earth are just temporal and really do not compare to the bliss and harmony we feel in the afterlife. In other words, i believe that God has planned everything for a reason. The pain we feel is what makes us human. If we lived in a utopia there would be no such thing as the human experience. We would be Gods in a sense. Our free will dictate the horrible things that happen on this earth. School shootings, the holocaust, wars, etc are all due to the free will of man. I believe that God views us as children and he wants us to freely glorify his hame through the power of love and good. We must purge on with love and not blame God for everything. In that respect,  it is as if we are whinny teenagers blaming their parents for the problems of their life. God has blessed us with the power of good. We just not to practice it in our free will.

    replyreport
    1. 0

       JThomp42posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Best answer in my opinion!

       replyreport
    2. 67

       tsadjatkoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Ditto

       replyreport
    3. 76

       Oztinatoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Thats right. If we blame god we are therefore admitting He exists. Thats one small step for atheism one giant leap for honesty.

       replyreport
18. 67

    J - R - Fr13m9nposted 9 years ago

    This is an age old question which deals with the belief in God and how the different religions interpret the concept of God. John Lennon composed and sang a song that started with the lyrics, "God is a concept by which we measure our pain". We tag God as loving yet tragedy happens. Another interpretation is God gives us permission to have a "free will" and allows us to confess our mistakes or sins. God is actually a concept and we interpret this concept with our own human theories. Does God exist? We humans constructed a god human in form according to our traditional beliefs. What if God did not have a human form. How would the human race depict the Supreme Being? After all, many believe that God is the Supreme Being, infinitely perfect, who made all things and keeps them in existence. I recall that answer when I was the exact age as the photograph to the left. Our catechism class was studying for confirmation. God is an abstract concept which cannot be proven by scientific means. There are those who do not believe in God and there are others who are not sure whether God exists at all.
    Going back to your question I want to emphasize that some humans believe God to be good and just. What comes into play is the free will. I can think of those who committed awful and tragic crimes yet punishment is not  always handed out.

    replyreport
19. 74

    MarieLBposted 9 years ago

    Dear Le Trois, I feel for you truly.  I am like that too, in that the suffering of innocent people really distresses me.  I also agree with the responses you have received, each true in its own way. 
    It is such a huge and complex subject that who can expect to answer it in a paragraph or two?  We are talking about the reason for our whole existence, our whole world. 
    I think I can hope to reach you with this.  You said that you would move heaven and earth for your child.  You are feeling for this child, and no doubt many others.
    Can you be part of the solution by finding something to do to make the world a better place?
    I am not suggesting you search for this child and rescue him.  That would be wonderful, but how possible is it?
    Can you keep your eyes and ears open and do some good to someone in your area, you neighbourhood?  There is always someone who needs something, and if we are open to it, there are many ways we can give 'love' to others.
    And that is all it is really.  We all need love, and need to learn to love each other, whoever, and wherever we can find the opportunity.
    Try it Les Trois, it will most likely leave you feeling good.

    replyreport
    1. 81

       Les Trois Chenesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Such a kind response, Marie. It would be nice to do some good - at least.

       replyreport
    2. 67

       J - R - Fr13m9nposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       How can we make a better place for all? Let us start in West Africa and clean their polluted water along with the other unhealthy conditions. This is what caused the rise of Ebola in that region. Whatever became of the World Health Organization?

       replyreport
    3. 52

       Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Because the world is not responding to "humanity issues" according to the Word of God, there will continue to be consequences!  Thanks Jane for that comment!

       replyreport
20. 78

    cebutouristspotposted 9 years ago

    it is the product of Free Will which is the greatest gift that God have given us.
    
    No intervention

    replyreport
21. 61

    LoisRyan13903posted 9 years ago

    Hi.  Excellent Question.  There is a book called "If God Is Good . . . Faith in the Midst of Suffering and Evil" and it gives excellent answers to your question.  It is written by Randy Alcorn.  I am about halfway through it and if I am am still writing for Hub Pages I will be writing a book review on it when I am done.  It is a Christian book but it no way tries to convert you.  It does seem that you have tried to get the answer through the Watch Tower, but I think you might learn something from this book.

    replyreport
    1. 81

       Les Trois Chenesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Post it here when you've written the review!

       replyreport
22. 76

    Oztinatoposted 9 years ago

    People, not God, cause suffering.
    Other religions also point to karmic forces as an added explanation.
    Many atheists use "blame God for suffering" as proof of Gods non existence: if you think about it however they are actually admitting God exists because they are blaming Him for suffering!
    I call this the "blame God paradox". It is actually another proof of Gods existence ie the fact we cant disprove God unless we admit he exists first.

    replyreport
23. 73

    Gypzeeroseposted 9 years ago

    I wish I knew. I have written a similar lens (now Hub) 'what to do if you are angry at God." I think there is some mystery in our existence, and I don't think there is any glib answer to the question of suffering. Somehow, I do think that our lives have meaning and I think we can influence the outcome of our lives. If nothing else, suffering helps us learn compassion.

    replyreport
    1. 74

       MarieLBposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       I have over the yrs found understanding in books like " A Course in Miracles"  [at first very difficult to grasp,& books of Neale Donald Walsch, -written in ordinary layman's language.  You will find a lot of info on the net abt these if interest

       replyreport
24. 72

    Darrell Robertsposted 9 years ago

    I have read many good answers, thank you for this question.
    
    If we argue that God is all knowing, all powerful, and everywhere, then the conclusion would have to be that we suffer because God wants us to suffer, and there is no free will.
    
    I am not a fan of absolute terms because they allow no wiggle room, no gray area. 
    
    A. If God knows everything then all results are already calculated.  GOd would know past, present, and future on all levels, in all worlds etc.  God would know everything without exception. So if we "think"that we have chosen "A", that is not really a choice it is an illusion that we experience, because God would have already know we were going to choose "A". In addition, God would know why, and the results of the choice before we even make the choice, as well as what we would experience. 
    
    B.  If God is "All powerful", then forget it there is no free will. Where would we get our "will" from?  It would not be "free", because God has all the power or the only "Will" so what ever God wills would happen.  Our idea of "free will" would only be an illusion,but of course God would know that because God know everything.
    
    C. If God is everywhere then that surely seals the deal.  God would have to be in all the atoms, particles of every size in the hearts, minds, and bodies of all that is.  God would have to be in the animate, and inaminate, all elements etc.  This feature combined with the other two would make us all art of God (including planets, stars, galxies etc.)
    
    so if God is indeed omniscient, omnipowerful and omnipresent, there is no free will and all situations are created by God, so are the results.
    
    I know it does not sound so great, but from a logical stand point, that would be the conclusion I would come out with. Oh, if for those who believe in karma, God knows the past, present, and future so God would already know the karma of all living beings.
    
    To sum up God makes us "suffer"and experience "joy".
    
    If anyone finds flaw in my logic please let me know.  This is not based on emotion just and analysis of words.
    
    Best wishes.

    replyreport
    1. 76

       Oztinatoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       This is the "blame god paradox" whereby those who blame god are admitting He must exist.
       Fascinating.

       replyreport
    2. 58

       C.V.Rajanposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       At the absolute level of awareness of spirituality, what you have stated indeed is true. Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a famous Hindu saint says that for one who has realized God there is nothing like free will. Everything is God's will.

       replyreport
25. 66

    Tusitala Tomposted 9 years ago

    Lone77star has answered it so accurately.  I doubt I can add more.  We are dual as far as our decision-making is concerned.  If you doubt me, try the following experiment:  Look at something - truly look! - and see if you can keep your attention afixed on that something you're looking at for just three whole minutes.   Bring your entire attention, your entire focus on that thing but do not label it.  Do not react to it with approval or disaproval. Just see it AS IT IS.
    
    How did you go?
    
    I'm betting your mind was up and away and YOU were up and away with it.   You were absorbed into and identied with that thought.  The REAL you was your intention to focus on that something you brought your attention onto.  The ego-you (that restless, unruly, recalcitrant mind) is that which refused to do what YOU told it to do.   This is the ego.
    
    It is that ego-mind, that self-image mind, that causes all the suffering.  Multiply your ego-mind with seven billion others, and bearing mind the ego has no conscience or concern for anything other than itself, and you'll see the result in that heart-rending picture you're showing to us.

    replyreport
26. 60

    Nickesha Baileyposted 9 years ago

    Mankind sin is the reason for the pain and suffering.

    replyreport
27. 75

    m abdullah javedposted 9 years ago

    The sufferer is a human and the place where he is being suffered is earth. God is the 'agency' that in your view is accountable for, right? Now just go through the three factors involved. One, purpose of human existence is worship of God, through rough phases he is being tested to know how far he is true to his faith, so suffering is inenvitable here. Second the world is imp coz of human existence, sometimes the insensitiveness of someone becomes a cause of suffering for others, here human as whole need to be admonished of a humane attitude. Lastly God does not want His servants to be in a state of sufferings but people do suffer coz of their own bad deeds or as test from God. In view of this 1) sufferings for someone is test and for some other is a repurcussion of their bad deeds 2) sufferings also due to ill behaviour of others 3) God put into test to strenghten the faith. Same as loving mother & a caring teacher takes stern actions just to help development of the child.

    replyreport
28. 85

    ComfortBposted 9 years ago

    Say, you love your children so very much. And if you have children, I sincerely believe you love them. Back to my point.
    
    You love your teenage children so very much, and you very well provide for their needs, and jealously watch over them and protect them. They want so bad to do as others (their peers do). You know; the partying, drinking, experimenting with drugs. You've explained to them out of love why doing those things would only bring pain and harm their way. You've pleaded and prayed and hope they listen to you, but they don't.
    
    They soon cross the path with drug dealers, users, drunks, and became a part of that unfortunate world. Now they suffer as drug addicts, thieves etc.
    
    My question to you is, "If YOU exists how can the suffering of your teenage kids be accounted for?"
    
    Jesus Christ is Love. Our definition of love is so much different than God's definition of love.

    replyreport
    1. 59

       Link10103posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Its called bad parenting. Happens quite a bit actually. Is gods definition of bad parenting diffetent from ours as well?

       replyreport
    2. 67

       tsadjatkoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Very well said ComfortB. Man's ways are not God's ways and the answer to all questions can be found in the Bible, but I wouldn't recommend consulting a cult like the Jehovah Witnesses for wisdom. Just search"Jehovah Witness cult" and you will see.

       replyreport
    3. 61

       LoisRyan13903posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Great answer comfort.  @Link how is it bad parenting if the parent does all they could and the child still does that?  In some cases agree that it is bad parenting but not all cases

       replyreport
    4. 52

       Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Comfort: Great parenting!  Once exposed, children make choice, as we do today-called "free will!"  Making wrong "choice" = consequences as with us today!  God loves us as we do our children, but we will suffer consequences from our actions!

       replyreport
29. 71

    kevin murphy-87posted 9 years ago

    Only in the darkest of times can we truly see the light. Suffering is a part of life! As hard as it is to accept it. Everyone will suffer at some stage in their lives and if you look back on those times you will see that a lesson will be learned or a change will happen. It is sad to see so much suffering in the world but we must learn from our mistakes and become better people for it! We are God! We are the sons of man. We have the power to give life and to take it away. It's what we do with this power that really brings out the divine in all of us.

    replyreport
30. 60

    Hannah Rose Whiteposted 9 years ago

    Go allows bad things to happen to us because He knows that it will strengthen us. After our suffering is over, we are now able to help those who may be suffering the same thing, or maybe even worse things.

    replyreport
31. 59

    Ben Aidooposted 9 years ago

    It's strange that you are blaming God for the suffering caused by man/woman's free will. It's like blaming GM for making a car driven by a drunkard who hits a bus and killed 10 people. God will not interfere with the exercise of our free will. We may well be reduced to robots if he did that. But we can ask God for help, and his condition is that "we should treat others as we would want to be treated". If we did that there would be no suffering on the face of the earth, and you would have no suffering to complain about.

    replyreport
32. 69

    sassydeeposted 9 years ago

    God gave up his only begotten son to die on the cross for us in order for us to live now that is something he chose to do! As far as let the innocent suffer or be hurt that is not his doing it was the people in the military who chose to do so. People need.to take responsibility for their actions stop blaming god

    replyreport
33. 80

    Vvittaposted 9 years ago

    We don't get more troubles than we can bear. Everything happens for a reason. Hindus believe in karma or past sins. All we can do is to make the best of any given situation and live an honourable life. Suffering is not merely physical, there is also the mental and emotional suffering which at times can be worse. God decides what is best.

    replyreport
    1. 76

       Oztinatoposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Karma is the only scientific explanation for unknown causes of suffering. Cause and Effect.

       replyreport
34. 66

    Dressage Husbandposted 9 years ago

    The thing is we do not know what God is let alone if he exists or not. He is probably just the force that is necessary to create the whole of the Universe, and if this is so, then he does not actually have the ability to intervene directly. The Bible says we can not look upon God and live, which would be true as he is all the power of all the black holes and red dwarves and everything else in the Universe.
    
    To God life on Earth is transient and he knows no beginning or end therefore the sum total of all the suffering is irrelevant to him. Humans are a manifestation of the essence of God (if he exists) on Earth that is all. We have his commandments, and if we obeyed them, then this type of suffering would not exist. He gave us free will, so it does, but rest assured if he exists, and the Bible is true. The perpetrators will at some point in time face their judgement day before him. I like to think that then their suffering will make this seem like naught.
    
    There is also the possibility that time as we know it is irrelevant to God. Some current scientific advances suggest that time is indeed not constant. In which case of course God can and will if he sees fit, turn back time thus eradicating the suffering and it is quite possible he can and will do this for some, but not all, at some yet indeterminate future date.
    
    It is also quite possible that our Sun will fail destroying all life on Earth, and a new Solar system supporting life will start in another part of the Universe. We simply do not know, and it may be that we never will. Einstein pointed out that much of what we know and see is relative to where we are in time and space. This could be true and the Universe may indeed be infinite, so that God is preoccupied with many other lives around the Cosmos. It is possible that Space is so vast that to reach other life forces may be quite impossible for us, but of course God would be present in all parts of the Universe so all things are possible for him.
    
    I tend to feel that God exists, as the force from which everything else is possible. So may that force be with you and those that are in pain. It is written that one day we will all have to answer to him for our beliefs, and ability to follow his rules. On Earth we have the freedom to choose whether to believe or not. That will not always be the case. So choose wisely!

    replyreport
35. 62

    bwinwrightposted 9 years ago

    Personally, I believe we are all children of God (Psalms 82:6) and Karmic Law (Reap as you sow) is constantly at work.  We always experience exactly what we have created.  It is always perfectly fair too.  If we happen to experience the suffering of an innocent child we may or may not be related to, and that suffering causes us emotional pain, all of it was carefully orchestrated at a much higher level of our own consciousness and is absolutely perfect.  For whatever the reasons may be, we create everything we experience at some level.  Therefore, whatever happens is absolutely perfect just the way it happens.

    replyreport
    1. 59

       Link10103posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       So if a serial killer barged into your home, slaughtered your family, and maimed you for life, on some level that would be perfect because it was a circumstance you somehow Created?
       Or did i not understand your comment?

       replyreport
    2. 0

       Colin323posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       'Reap as you sow' - a nice idea, but is the triumph of hope over experience (to misquote Samuel Johnson). Life is quite, quite random. Wish, by all means, for good luck and fortune, but don't pray for it. You can get locked up for talking to yourself

       replyreport
    3. 65

       James King 32posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Evil also exists on its own in the form of "Original Sin".

       replyreport
    4. 52

       Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Galatians 6:8 for those that "believe" in Scripture!

       replyreport
36. 53

    MaryAnnKishposted 9 years ago

    Personally, I think people who ask this question have been fed a lie.  Satan is the father of lies. The truth is... what Satan meant for evil - destruction, despair, darkness, and ultimately death, God works for good!  He sent his only begotten Son - Jesus Christ who was born, died, rose on the third day so that we, too, may be raised to eternal life. Satan too was created, chose to compete with God - lost - was cast out of heaven - the earth is his playground, and as long as we allow him to keep us in bondage to fear, and despair, questioning the very One who created us, is all knowing and all powerful - he wins! We can't comprehend this with mere human intellect, it takes the work of the Holy Spirit to believe God's existence, and know that you know that you know... God is indeed good!  Call upon him today and truly live.

    replyreport
37. 57

    OutWestposted 9 years ago

    Your example has nothing to do with God.  It is humans shooting humans.  However it's still very narrow minded but human to think if God exists life is perfect.  But our purpose in life is deeper than that.   Trials and tribulations are part of the reason we live this life.  But do not forget about the good in life either.  And I do find it funny myself that when something good happens the people who say God doesn't exist for the bad don't now say He does

    replyreport
38. 59

    Lynne Uribe Rossposted 9 years ago

    If our world were perfect, we would have no need for God. When sin entered the world the suffering began. But that does not mean that God does not love us or is concerned. He knows each thought we think, he hears our cries. He has a plan, and if we would just reach out to him, he is there to comfort us in our time of need. Someday, when Jesus comes back, every tear will be wiped away, and there will not longer be suffering in this world. Till then all we can do is pray and depend on God, even when we don't fully understand the things around us.

    replyreport
39. 60

    Pam Ryanposted 9 years ago

    God doesn't exist and I am glad. Read your bible. God is depicted as a
    horrible, narcissistic, needy sociopath with highly questionable motives. Why was he always so angry with us? Surely it should have been the other way around.

    replyreport
    1. 0

       JThomp42posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Because you are a mere "human being" created by God.

       replyreport
    2. 65

       James King 32posted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Job went had somemotions in his fight against Satan in the Bible. Which is a good place to get this question answered. As you see Satan coming to the throne of God after looking whom he may devour (my interpretation).  God asks him if he noticed Job.

       replyreport
40. 58

    C.V.Rajanposted 9 years ago

    I have tried to answer this question from the Hinduism point of view in my Hub:
    http://cvrajan.hubpages.com/hub/Why-God … l-powerful

    replyreport
41. 82

    peachpurpleposted 9 years ago

    humans are killing each other everyday, innocent children are suffering and God is trying to save them but problem is Satan in interuppting

    replyreport
    1. 52

       Norine Williamsposted 9 years agoin reply to this

       Amen

       replyreport