From a Christian point of view, why do some people suffer more than others?
I know we live in a “fallen world” due to sin, etc., but I still have a hard time understanding why people don’t equally suffer. Many Christians say sin is sin and it’s all the same, but no matter what…I still have a hard time seeing stealing a piece of candy in the same way as murder. Also, I noticed a pattern that many happy-go-lucky Christian leaders seem to be people who’ve been brought up in “healthy” way…not so much that they were rich, but that they’ve come from a basically functional family and were never abused as Children. Maybe I’m wrong because not everyone talks about what they’ve been through, but based on the people I’ve met, it pretty much seems that way. But if I’m pretty much right, it doesn’t sound fair to me. That means that they didn’t face the same challenges as other people to feel the sadness and anger as those who’ve suffered more.
Please note: This isn’t so much about me. Well, in a way it is because I’m having a hard day coping with a family member who is an alcoholic. But, when I’m not looking at my own problems, I have a hard time reading news stories about babies who suffer and are mistreated, people in general who suffer, etc. Among all the news I’ve been listening to lately, nothing has made me feel worse than the story about the woman who was mauled by the Chimpanzee. And, it’s not just a story….it’s a REAL, TRAGIC situation.
Interesting answers so far and I appreciate any continued feedback. Just a short note: I accidentally capitalized “children” (probably b/c I still had the word “Christian” in my head), but oh well. There’s no way to edit it now.
I also want to add: Not everyone can “handle” what they are going through. If that were the case, then there wouldn’t be any insane people in the world. But, I do appreciate those of you who have suffered, or are suffering, and are able to stay strong.
Some people seem to suffer more than others but this is a matter of perception. We observe and place a personal construct on their situation – we see ourselves there inside of their suffering.
So, we do not – and cannot – really know the scope of another’s suffering. We can empathize.
When child is being abused, usually its by a human. That human had free will to hurt the child witch in turn effected the child in a negative way. The Chimpanzee attack was a choice the owner made by getting a chimpanzee knowing something like that could happen. One that drinks to much that was their choice when they took their first drink.
Humans that make good choices, bad choices effects the world, effects other humans. Most of the world sadness and pain was caused by humans that makes wrong choices. I am a christian, but what I said is very logical.
Consider life a “refining process.”
And truly, I didn’t find God until life left me humbled and broken.
Why do people suffer? Because there is evil in this world. And truly, people want to have the right to do evil if they want to…and so God lets them…just as He gives people the right to do good.
Perhaps we should ask people why they make the choices they make that ultimately lead to human suffering?
I’ve noticed this and wondered this, too. Among people in general, some suffer so much and some have a comparably easy life. And it does not always coincide with whether they believe in God or not. God must have a reason, but it sure is hard to understand from our perspective.
I can’t speak for anybody else who’s familiar with suffering, but I can speak for myself. I was acquainted with death from a young age, and I was betrayed as a child in the worst way possible by someone I trusted and even loved. I’ve had friends die, I’ve suffered from depression, anxiety, and PTSD, I’ve been witness to horrible accidents. I have a sick husband and a mother with cancer (she’s my only surviving parent).
So yeah, I’m familiar with suffering. And you know what? I praise God for it. First of all, it’s made me more compassionate towards others. We need to carry each other. How can we do that if we never suffer?
Secondly, it’s made me an incredibly resilient person. I can handle just about anything, and survive it. My family’s worried about me, because of my mom, and because I’m living a continent and an ocean away. But really, the first twenty-eight years of my life was a prelude to this. I’m okay. I’ll be okay. I’m glad it’s me dealing with it, and not somebody else. God chose this life for me, because He knew I could handle it. And I can.
Third, it’s made me thankful for what I DO have. I have a very special, close relationship with my siblings. We’re all very loving towards each other. I have some of the best friends in the world. Even living 7,000 miles away, knowing that their thoughts, hopes, good vibes and prayers are with my family and me means more than anything. I have friends I can lean on, and who can lean on me.
Fourth, it’s taught me that nothing is promised to us. If we love someone, we should tell them so, even if we have to do it through clenched teeth. They could be gone tomorrow. Life is so fleeting.
Sorry for the long answer, but this is obviously something I’m passionate about. I wouldn’t wish my life on anyone, but I also wouldn’t trade it. In a way, I think I chose it.
If God is all powerful and loving, why is there suffering in the world?
It is often asked why is there suffering in the world if God is all powerful and loving. Why doesn’t He stop it? Can He or is He weaker than we think? Suffering can fall into three simple categories: emotional, mental, and physical suffering. But, there are a variety of causes for suffering: morally corrupt (evil) people, disease, earthquakes, floods, famine, etc.
There are different explanations for why God allows suffering, but none of them can satisfy everyone. Therefore, I will simply list various reasons offered to account for suffering and evil in the world.
http://www.carm.org/apologetics/evidence-and-answers/if-god-all-powerful-and-loving-why-there-suffering-world