All suffering from God?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Madaglan
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
M

Madaglan

Guest
I’m reading a book, The Meaning of Suffering and Strife & Reconciliation, by Archimandrite Seraphim Aleksiev. In this work, the writer several times emphasizes that suffering is given to us by God, because of our sins and as a punishment, so as to humble us and return us to the right course. God gives suffering as a gift, and we should be thankful to God for our sufferings. He even goes so far as to ask the rhetorical question, is not all of our sufferings a just punishment for our open and hidden, voluntary and involuntary, sins? As I read this I could not help but think about the depth of sufferings, and how there are sufferings I myself or others would not consider gifts for which to be thankful:

By this spiritual understanding, does a woman suffer rape, does a veteran suffer PTSD, does a child suffer at the hands of a pedophile, as just punishment for their sins? Did God send the Nazis as a gift to the Jews, to punish them for their sins? I find this categorical reasoning hard to reconcile with who God is revealed to be, and I am looking for a balance I am not finding in the book.

I agree with the author that God may at times allow suffering to humble us and to correct our sinful living, but I wonder if there are sufferings that are not from God, are not willed by God, with which God will work with us towards the accomplishment of a better good, but which are evil sufferings that are of the Devil.

What do the Eastern Fathers have to say on suffering?
 
It’s THE great mystery. God allows it, but doesn’t necessarily cause it. He sends blessings not just to the righteous but also the unrighteous.
His ways are beyond ours and we cannot comprehend why somethings happen. What we can say is that since the Fall creation has been in disorder and hence the world suffers.
We can also look at these occasions of tragedy as a reminder that life is short but eternity if forever and allow it to be a wake-up call for us.
 
Hi,

Read Paragraphs 309-314 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church as it has much to do with this question.

A wise priest told me that God does not nor can he will suffering or evil in His direct Will for it is contrary to Himself to do such a thing, however in his Permissive Will he allows it. Why? Becuase a greater good can come out of things, and it does if we but trust in His loving Providence.

Little One0307
 
Little_One0307 said:
Hi,

Read Paragraphs 309-314 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church as it has much to do with this question.

A wise priest told me that God does not nor can he will suffering or evil in His direct Will for it is contrary to Himself to do such a thing, however in his Permissive Will he allows it. Why? Becuase a greater good can come out of things, and it does if we but trust in His loving Providence.

Little One0307
Click to expand...
Then what about “victim souls?” If there is such a thing then God would permit a lot of suffering on certain individuals in atonement for sin…and not just the sufferers sins. Sins of others and the world as a whole.
 
If God is able to prevent suffering then why there is pain? Is he willing to stop it?
 
coco2 said:
Then what about “victim souls?” If there is such a thing then God would permit a lot of suffering on certain individuals in atonement for sin…and not just the sufferers sins. Sins of others and the world as a whole.
Click to expand...
There are such things as victim souls. My comment addresses them as well.

Little One0307
 
I must confess based on my personal experience, that most of the suffering I have had I caused myself. That being said, I believe that God allows suffering and bad or evil things to happen in order to bring about a greater good.
 
I think God allows suffering, I don’t think its his preference for our lives. Through original sin we are subject to it and can not completely avoid it in our lifetime. Many times the the result of suffering can be brought about by the result of our actions. Almost always, suffering results in our growth and understanding of the will of God in our life. It allows us to assess ourselves and our relationship to God. I don’t think that it should necessarily include sickness, as I think this is part of our redemption, but few avoid the instance of this either. Even the most pious usually undergo some form of suffering in their lifetime. Examine the lives of the saints. In many cases they even asks that burdens be placed upon them to better identify with the suffering that Jesus endured for our sins. For a better understanding of suffering, read the book of Job.
 
Morning All,

I came across this quote in researching for the quote of the week I post on Sundays. I thought it would be nice for this thread.

“For Almighty God…, because he is supremely good, would never allow any evil whatsoever to exist in his works if he were not so all-powerful and good as to cause good to emerge from evil itself.”

— St. Augustine

And another one

“Through his resurrection, Christ gives meaning to all our mishaps and sufferings, which help us to recover our peace of mind, and calm us down during times of trial and darkness.”
— A very wise priest

I was also told that to understand why there is evil in the world to look at it from the standpoint of eternity and eternal glory. It does not make sense if we do not consider eternity. If something could contribute to greater eternal glory then would we not opt for it, even though it would be painful and full of sorrow?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top