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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by TylerJ on February 1, 2006, at 10:19:32
Don't get me wrong, I love God very much and I know He loves me, but what I don't always understand is why I (we) have to suffer so much in this life. Look at all the suffering in the world..it's so sad. I have 2 children and I cannot stand to see them suffer at all, I'm talking even little bumps and bruizes. So, I can't help to wonder how God can look down on all the suffering here on earth-and He has the power to take it all away, and yet He doesn't...I just have a hard time understanding this. And, I know Jesus suffered horribly for us..to save us from our sins. I don't know There must be a reason, I just don't know why there has to be SO MUCH SUFFERING.
TylerJ
Posted by deirdrehbrt on February 1, 2006, at 14:08:17
In reply to Sometimes I just don't get it!, posted by TylerJ on February 1, 2006, at 10:19:32
Tyler,
What you are saking was the subject of a wonderful little book by C. S. Lewis, who, incidentally was the author of the Chronicles of Narnia too. The book is called "The Problem of Pain", and is available at Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060652969/drbobsvirte00-20
When I was a Christian, Lewis was one of my favorite authors and apologists. He approaches the problem in a way that is clear, understandable, and which doesn't make God seem either cruel or impotent.
The Christian Bible doesn't promise a life free from pain. Read Job, look at the persecution of the early believers. What the Christian Bible does ask of it's believers is to persever and to believe in a life after this one in which there will be no suffering (for the faithful).
The way I look at it is that we're here on earth. There is gravity and hard places and germs and viruses. We will all get hurt and sick at one time or another. We are temporal beings. Every plant and animal on the planet will eventually die. But there is also balance. Darkness allows us to see the light. Pain and sorrow allow us to know what well-being and joy really mean. Death allows us to value life. Experiencing pain and sadness allows us to have empathy when another experiences these things. And with every death there is re-birth.
Just my own thoughts.
--Dee
Posted by TylerJ on February 1, 2006, at 15:47:51
In reply to Re: Sometimes I just don't get it! » TylerJ, posted by deirdrehbrt on February 1, 2006, at 14:08:17
I Love C.S Lewis and thank you for the referal-I'll read the book. I couldn't help but notice you said, "when I was a Christian" do you mean you aren't anymore? Don't mean to get too personal so if you don't want to explain don't worry about it. Take care.
Tyler
Posted by deirdrehbrt on February 1, 2006, at 20:11:50
In reply to Re: Sometimes I just don't get it!, posted by TylerJ on February 1, 2006, at 15:47:51
No, not too personal at all. I'm just not a Christian anymore. I'm actually a practicing pagan, but have a deep respect for Christ, and much of what the Bible and many Christians have to offer. That's partly why I mentioned C. S. Lewis. You might want to check out Mere Christianity, and a really fun one of his was The Screwtape Letters. All good reads.
Another person whom I really liked was R. C. Sproul. He runs Ligonier Ministries out of Orlando, and I used to listen to him when driving home from work. He's trained as a philosopher as well as an apologist, and very easy to listen to. He knows alot about church history.
As for me though, there were some things that I just couldn't reconcile in my own mind. I found my answers elsewhere. I'm not saying that Christianity is wrong, just that it's not my path.
Thanks for the question.
--Dee
Posted by TylerJ on February 1, 2006, at 21:09:42
In reply to Re: Sometimes I just don't get it!, posted by deirdrehbrt on February 1, 2006, at 20:11:50
I've read mere Christianity and screwtape letters-both excellent books. Take care. Tyler
Posted by deirdrehbrt on February 2, 2006, at 0:08:36
In reply to Re: Sometimes I just don't get it!, posted by TylerJ on February 1, 2006, at 21:09:42
I'm glad you liked them. I read The Screwtape letters in a theology class in High School and had a real good time with it.
BTW, I just want you to know that I honor your beliefs, and would never try to sway you. I am quite sincere in what I have said and I hope it does not trouble you to chat with me. If it does, I can understand your viewpoint and I won't trouble you.
In either case, I sincerely wish you the best.
--Dee
Posted by TylerJ on February 2, 2006, at 11:36:02
In reply to Re: Sometimes I just don't get it!, posted by deirdrehbrt on February 2, 2006, at 0:08:36
Heck yea we can chat..I have no problem with that at all. I can tell you are a very nice and sincere person. Take care and stay in touch. Tyler
This is the end of the thread.
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