For many, life seems unmanageable and almost impossible. We witness everything from devastating hurricanes and profound loss to troubled relationships and financial difficulties. Suffering surrounds us, raising countless questions about the pain we experience. We seek understanding of why these hardships occur and long for relief from our emotional burden.
Peter Jensen
20 oct. 2024
Summary: The article, written by Jeannie Cunnion, addresses the perennial question of why God allows suffering in the world. Cunnion acknowledges the pain and difficulty many people face, from natural disasters to personal grief, and explores how these experiences relate to Christian faith(Hurricanes, Health Problems, Grief. Why Does God Allow Suffering? | Fox News, n.d.).
Key points:
Suffering is an inevitable part of life in a fallen world(Hurricanes, Health Problems, Grief. Why Does God Allow Suffering? | Fox News, n.d.).
Christ himself suffered, providing an example and purpose for our own suffering(Hurricanes, Health Problems, Grief. Why Does God Allow Suffering? | Fox News, n.d.).
Suffering can lead to deeper intimacy with God(Hurricanes, Health Problems, Grief. Why Does God Allow Suffering? | Fox News, n.d.).
God is present and near to us in our pain(Hurricanes, Health Problems, Grief. Why Does God Allow Suffering? | Fox News, n.d.).
Defending biblical christianity (no date) Reasonable Faith. Available at: https://www.reasonablefaith.org/ (Accessed: 20 October 2024).
Defending biblical christianity (no date) Reasonable Faith. Available at: https://www.reasonablefaith.org/ (Accessed: 20 October 2024).
Biblical Perspective: The article aligns well with several biblical themes and principles:
The reality of suffering in a fallen world: The Bible acknowledges that suffering is part of the human experience in this fallen world. As Romans 8:22 states, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.“ This aligns with Cunnion's recognition that life can be brutal and heartbreaking(Hurricanes, Health Problems, Grief. Why Does God Allow Suffering? | Fox News, n.d.).
Christ as the suffering Savior: Cunnion rightly points to Christ's suffering as central to understanding our own. This echoes Hebrews 2:10, which says, “In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered“(Hurricanes, Health Problems, Grief. Why Does God Allow Suffering? | Fox News, n.d.).
Suffering as a means of spiritual growth: The article suggests that suffering can lead to deeper intimacy with God, which aligns with James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything“(Hurricanes, Health Problems, Grief. Why Does God Allow Suffering? | Fox News, n.d.).
God's presence in suffering: Cunnion emphasizes God's nearness in times of pain, reflecting Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit“(Hurricanes, Health Problems, Grief. Why Does God Allow Suffering? | Fox News, n.d.).
Critique: The article provides a compassionate and biblically-grounded perspective on suffering. However, it could have delved deeper into the mystery of God's sovereignty and human free will in relation to suffering. Additionally, while the focus on personal spiritual growth through suffering is valuable, it might have been beneficial to address how Christians can actively work to alleviate suffering in the world, following Christ's example of compassion and healing.
Application: This article can serve as an excellent starting point for discussions on theodicy (the problem of evil) and the Christian response to suffering. It encourages believers to view their trials through the lens of Christ's suffering and redemptive work, potentially transforming their perspective on difficult experiences.
In conclusion, the article effectively illustrates the biblical principle that God can work through suffering to draw us closer to Him and conform us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:28-29). It reminds us that while we may not always understand the reasons for our pain, we can trust in God's presence and purpose through it all.
Data sources: Hurricanes, health problems, grief. Why does God allow suffering? | Fox News
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