2006-11-22 09:17:43 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't know who told you Protestants say suffering is evil, but that is not a true characterization in the least.
There is a small Protestant group ("Name It & Claim It"), however, that ascribes to the idea that suffering is only a result of a lack of faith. It's completely unbiblical, but there are a few who believe it nonetheless. But to say all or most Protestants ascribe to that is a gross mis-characterization.
2006-11-22 09:20:40 · answer #1 · answered by KDdid 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
False gospels, really. Though it's wrong to stereotype them totally, traditionally many Catholic saints not only suffered but sometimes inflicted suffering on themselves. I think this was probably because they saw suffering as a way of identifying with Jesus, and in times of great global suffering it was probably best to preach that suffering was holy - makes it easier to bear! Also perhaps they saw suffering as a way of purging sin from the body.
Protestants started with Martin Luther, who promoted grace and salvation apart from works. It probably sold very well with the people who'd been beating themselves up. Over time, alas, it's turned into a prosperity gospel of God making people's lives perfect and them not having to lift a finger.
I don't believe suffering is a blessing or evil. It simply is. I doubt I could honestly say, "Thank you God, for all this pain I'm going through". Neither could I honestly say that I believe God is going to take me out of all this suffering, because why should I believe I'm special? There are times of suffering and times of joy. Christians have to deal with both!
2006-11-22 17:31:51 · answer #2 · answered by Helen B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is why Catholics are called catholics and Protestants are called protestants.
Suffering we cause to people is evil.
Suffering we bear in serving people is a blessing.
Suffering seems very fearful, but all the Messengers of God gladly bear it to awaken mankind to the Divine Purpose.
2006-11-22 17:26:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Every joy and suffering, every event and need can become the matter for thanksgiving which, sharing in that of Christ, should fill one's whole life.
"Give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thess 5:18).
Happy Thanksgiving!
With love in Christ.
2006-11-23 00:01:32 · answer #4 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋