Posted by deirdrehbrt on February 23, 2006, at 16:51:56
I'm wondering if anyone would like to discuss parts of the human experience, and how they relate to their faith.
The first one that comes to mind is suffering. Every human being experiences this on some level.I suppose I'll go first.
To me, from my readings and my experience, suffering is universal. Part of it comes from the fact that we are here on earth, with no complete set of instructions. We will make mistakes. With mistakes, suffering will happen, be it physical or emotional or spiritual.
There are no books to tell an olympic athelete exactly how to do an element that has never before been successfully done. There is no book that can tell a young lover precicely how to respond to her beloved in every circumstance. No tome to make parents aware of every danger that might befall their children in this wonderful but sometimes dangerous world.
We are bound to make mistakes.Likewise, there are unscrupulous and hedonistic persons who will take advantage of us if they are able. There are thos who might drink and drive and cause injury or death. There are illnesses, and ultimately death that must be dealt with.
Should all of these things be taken as evidence that the world is intentionally cruel? I don't think so.
In many instances, suffering does bring with it blessings. It can make us stronger, or more sensitive to the needs of others. Or, it can embitter us, weakening our faith. It really depends on perspective.
I think that if we approach suffering with a faithfull heart, it will ultimately bring us closer to each other and closer to deity.
I don't think that suffering is necessarily placed in our way purposefully by any divine being, but if we let it, it can bring us closer to divinity.
It would be nice to hear other thoughts.
Blessings,
--Dee
poster:deirdrehbrt
thread:612519
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20051105/msgs/612519.html