Why does God let us suffer?

Chris Stefanick

5 Dec 201305:00

Summary

TLDRThe script delves into the universality of suffering and the challenges it poses to faith. It acknowledges the role of human actions in causing pain and the inherent frailty of life, such as natural disasters and diseases. The speaker explores theological perspectives, suggesting that suffering is part of a larger plan to achieve a greater good, as exemplified by the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. The script emphasizes the Christian belief in God's presence during suffering, the purposefulness of pain when united with Christ's sacrifice, and the promise of hope and victory over death, symbolized by Easter Sunday.

Takeaways

🌟 Life inevitably involves suffering, and this is a common human experience.
🤔 The existence of suffering raises questions about the nature and presence of God.
😔 Suffering can result from the selfish actions of others or from our own poor decisions.
❤️ Human beings have the capacity for both love and its opposite, which can lead to harm and abandonment.
🌍 Natural disasters and diseases are part of the human condition and contribute to our suffering.
🙏 The story of Lazarus illustrates the belief that God's presence could prevent suffering.
📜 Theological explanations suggest that God allows suffering to occur for a greater purpose.
✝️ The crucifixion of Jesus represents the idea that God can use suffering for good, as seen in Easter's redemption.
🙌 Christianity offers the promise of God's presence during suffering, not necessarily freedom from it.
🕊️ The hope of Easter and the victory over death provide a perspective that suffering can be meaningful and purposeful.

Q & A

Why does suffering exist according to the script?
-Suffering exists because life is not perfect, and people have to deal with the frailty of the human condition, including natural disasters, diseases, and death.
What is the role of free will in causing suffering as mentioned in the script?
-Free will allows for both love and its opposite, such as selfishness and the ability to harm or abandon others, which can lead to suffering.
How does the script address the question of God's existence in relation to suffering?
-The script suggests that God doesn't cause suffering but allows it with a plan to bring about a greater good, even if that good is only seen from an eternal perspective.
What is the theological explanation given for why a loving God would let suffering occur?
-The script explains that God allows suffering to occur as part of a greater plan, with the intention of creating a greater good that may not be immediately apparent.
What is the significance of Lazarus's story in the context of the script?
-Lazarus's story is used to illustrate the human tendency to question God's presence during times of suffering, and to highlight the belief that God allows suffering for a reason.
How does the script relate the concept of 'Good Friday' to the idea of suffering?
-The script relates 'Good Friday' to suffering by explaining that although it represents the worst evil imaginable, it leads to the greatest blessing, symbolizing that suffering can lead to something greater.
What promise does God make regarding suffering according to the script?
-God promises his presence with us during our suffering, allowing us to unite our pain with his on the cross, giving our suffering a purpose and hope for redemption.
What does the script say about the finality of death in relation to suffering?
-The script asserts that death does not have the final word, implying that there is hope and meaning beyond physical death, especially through the promise of Easter Sunday.
How does the script suggest that Jesus' suffering on the cross relates to human suffering?
-The script suggests that Jesus' suffering on the cross is a testament to God's understanding of human suffering, providing comfort and a sense of companionship in times of pain.
What does the script imply about the purpose of suffering when united with Christ's suffering?
-The script implies that when suffering is united with Christ's suffering, it can be offered to God for the salvation of the world, giving it a profound purpose and meaning.

Outlines

00:00

🌱 Suffering and Faith

The paragraph delves into the universality of suffering and its impact on faith. It questions the presence and role of a higher power in the face of human suffering, suggesting that suffering is not always a result of personal choices but can also stem from the inherent frailty of the human condition. The narrative contrasts the idea of a benevolent God with the reality of natural disasters and diseases, leading to a profound questioning of faith. It uses the biblical story of Lazarus to illustrate the human tendency to blame God for suffering, while also presenting theological perspectives that suggest suffering is part of a greater plan to achieve a greater good. The paragraph concludes with the Christian belief that Jesus' crucifixion, a symbol of immense suffering, ultimately led to the redemption of humanity, offering hope and a purpose to suffering.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Suffering

Suffering is the experience of pain, distress, or hardship. In the context of the video, suffering is presented as an inevitable part of human life, raising questions about the existence and role of God. The script explores how suffering can be caused by external factors such as other people's actions or natural disasters, and it challenges the viewer to consider why a loving God would allow suffering to exist. The concept is central to the discussion of faith and the human condition, as seen in the examples of Lazarus and the broader theme of dealing with life's hardships.

💡Faith

Faith, in this video, refers to belief in a higher power or divine being, often tested by the presence of suffering. It is the trust and confidence in God's existence and goodness despite the challenges and pain that life presents. The script discusses how suffering can lead to an 'intellectual problem with faith' and the 'gut wrenching question' of God's presence and care. The concept of faith is integral to understanding the video's exploration of the relationship between human suffering and divine purpose.

💡Human Condition

The human condition encompasses the characteristics, experiences, and circumstances that are common to all people, such as mortality, emotions, and the capacity for both good and evil. The video script uses the phrase to highlight that humans are not immune to suffering and must deal with the realities of life outside of an idealized state, like the Garden of Eden. It emphasizes the inherent frailty and limitations of being human, which contribute to the experience of suffering.

💡Theodicy

Theodicy is the theological study attempting to reconcile the existence of evil and suffering with the concept of an all-powerful, all-good God. The script touches on this concept by discussing 'good theological explanations' for why a God of love would allow suffering. It suggests that God does not cause suffering but allows it with a plan to bring about a greater good, which is a central tenet in theodicy.

💡Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday is a Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolizing victory over sin, death, and despair. In the video, it represents the hope and promise that come from enduring suffering. The script contrasts 'Good Friday,' the day of Jesus' crucifixion, with 'Easter Sunday,' suggesting that the ultimate good (resurrection and salvation) can come from the greatest evil (the death of an innocent).

💡Good Friday

Good Friday is the Christian observance of the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary. Despite being associated with the worst form of evil imaginable according to the script, it is paradoxically termed 'good' because it leads to the resurrection and the overcoming of death. The video uses this term to illustrate that suffering can have a redemptive purpose and can lead to a greater good.

💡Presence of God

The presence of God refers to the belief that God is actively involved in the world and with individuals, providing support and comfort. The video script emphasizes that while God does not promise freedom from suffering, He promises to be present with those who suffer. This presence is exemplified by Jesus' own suffering on the cross, indicating that God understands and shares in human pain.

💡Redemption

Redemption in the video is the act of making up for the wrongs or sufferings of the past, often associated with salvation and the transformation from a state of sin or suffering to a state of grace. The script describes how Jesus' suffering and death on the cross serve as a redemptive act, allowing for the salvation of humanity and the promise of Easter Sunday.

💡Salvation

Salvation, in a Christian context, refers to being saved or delivered from sin and its consequences, typically through the grace of God. The video discusses how uniting one's suffering with Christ's on the cross can offer a path to salvation. It suggests that suffering can be given purpose and can contribute to the greater good of the world's salvation.

💡Heroic Love

Heroic love, as mentioned in the video, is the selfless and sacrificial love that endures and overcomes suffering and hardship. The script points out that Jesus' suffering was voluntary, done so that humans would not have to suffer alone. This act of love is presented as an example of how to endure suffering with hope and purpose, even in the darkest moments of life.

Highlights

Suffering is a universal aspect of life, and it raises questions about the existence and nature of God.

Theodicy explores why an all-loving God would allow suffering, suggesting that it is not caused by God but permitted for a greater good.

Human capacity for love and its opposite, such as the ability to harm and abandon, is a source of suffering that is not always divinely caused.

Natural disasters and diseases are examples of suffering that stem from the human condition rather than personal choices.

The story of Lazarus illustrates the emotional struggle with faith when faced with the death of a loved one.

Theodicy posits that God allows suffering as part of a plan to achieve a greater good, which may only be understood in eternity.

The death of Jesus on the cross is presented as an example of God allowing suffering to bring about a greater good, namely salvation.

Good Friday, marking Jesus' crucifixion, is paradoxically named because it led to Easter Sunday and the triumph over sin and death.

Theological explanations for suffering may seem insufficient during times of intense personal pain.

Christianity's central symbol, the cross, acknowledges the reality of life's difficulties.

Jesus' promise is not freedom from suffering but his presence during it, offering a sense of companionship in pain.

Uniting one's suffering with Christ's on the cross can give pain a purpose and offer it up for the world's salvation.

The hope of Easter Sunday and the promise of an afterlife where death does not have the final word provide comfort.

The example of heroic love during suffering is exemplified by Jesus' own suffering on the cross.

Even in the darkest moments, Jesus' presence on the cross offers solace and understanding, ensuring one is never alone in their suffering.