Sometimes the simplest questions can have very complex answers. The question, “If God really loves us, why is there such great pain in the world?” is such an example. In his book The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis provides an unsurpassed rational, theological and philosophical answer to this simple query.

What sets this book apart from many other books on the subject is that, rather than rushing to give an answer, Lewis first explores the depths of the question. Whole chapters on the definition of pain and our nature as free creatures lay the foundation for a profound and cosmic explanation to a seemingly simple question. This is necessary because, while in the depths of debilitating pain, we often don’t grasp the complexity of our question.

Regardless of race, faith, ethnicity, gender, or culture, across all borders and in every nation, the one tie that binds the human race is that we all suffer. In our current fallen state it is part and parcel of the human experience. Lewis not only recognizes this but also realizes that it is utterly necessary. To be free creatures means that there must be a choice and that, as long as our will is separate from God’s, these choices can have undesirable and painful consequences.

Far from being cold or overly analytical, Lewis’ book provides comfort. He reminds us that once (before the fall) there was no pain and that through Christ we may once again be free from its grasp."
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someone else said " If there were no pain to begin with, we wouldn't need to have compassion for others' suffering, because there would be none."

It's like nasty medicine, you hate it but it's useful. Sometimes if you really believe that 'pain' is just signals from nerves and bla-de-bla, it's easy to ignore. With enough practice you could probably ignore it pretty well.

Maybe someday we'll be able to set our brain to only experience unexpected pain, but to ignore it if we're already aware of it (like pulling out a splinter), but by the time we can do that it probably wouldn't be a problem so nvm. Would be handy though.

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6 "This is what the LORD says --
Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty:
I am the first and I am the last;
apart from me there is no God.

7 Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it.
Let him declare and lay out before me
what has happened since I established my ancient people,
and what is yet to come—
yes, let him foretell what will come.

8 Do not tremble, do not be afraid.
Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?
You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?
No, there is no other Rock; I know not one." -- Isaiah 44:6-8, NIV

now, less of the weird attitude,

without pain you could lean on a burning stove and not realise, it would still burn your skin, but the only time you will know about it is when you smell the burning flesh. your hand would be ruined. so really, pain is a distress signal to your brain to tell it to move so your body does not get damaged anymore.

*Kiwee out*

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I Am God's Kid!!

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The learned man knows that he is ignorant - Victor Hugo

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proverbs 17:28
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

proverbs 25:7
open rebuke is better than secret love.

www.gfa.org - Gospel for Asia

www.persecution.com - Voice of the Martyrs

quote:

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your emotions might say "stay with your wife, she'll be lonely"...where your spirit would say "follow the giver of life."....ok...that was way off subject...

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but nice points there

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I Am God's Kid!!