if there is a god why is there so much suffering?

Answer 1

People suffer because it's the nature of things. The highest god doesn't interfere with human affairs. It simply is the one force of energy that binds the universe together. We could definitely argue for or against sentience, but personally I think we're on our own and need to learn to solve our own problems, including suffering.

Answer 2

There are a few possible answers.

1) Suffering is a Divinely ordained part of life, possibly for the purposes of learning, or of atonement for misdeeds in a past life or the present life, or (in a Christian context) because of Original Sin.

2) Suffering exists because, quite simply, it is the nature of existence to include both pain and pleasure, darkness and light. This is a fundamental condition of the universe and not tied to the notion of learning or atonement as stated above.

3) Suffering exists as a result of the "action/reaction" equation. If you transgess, you shall be transgressed against in turn, for example.

4) Suffering exists because human happiness simply isn't #1 on God/dess's hit parade, and perhaps also because options 1, 2, and/or 3 are in effect.

There are many other possibilities, but those are the ones that come to mind immediately, at least for me. I look forward to seeing what other people will come up with.

Answer 3

I don't believe there is an anthropomorphic being somewhere that controls the universe. It seems to me this is still a rather primitive philosophical premise.
The Buddhist approach seems much more sound. It expains that "all the elements in the universe are contained in the eternal cosmic life, which is the Mystic Law."
"It is not a case of our being set down within a vast previously existing expanse of time and space called the universe or the cosmos. On the contrary, we are an integral part of this expanse, drawing our energy from the single fundamental life-force that creates and motivates all other elements in the universe."
Nichiren Buddhism explains, "All individual selves are fused together in the cosmic self, and the fundamental entity endowing them with the energy to become manifest in the ordinary world as individual selves is eternity, which is the Mystic Law...
The question of suffering according to Buddhism has to do with the most deeply rooted illusion inherent in life. Fundamentally we could say it is the inablility to recognize the truth that all people's "lives are endowed with the limitless power to overcome and triumph over suffering..."

Answer 4

Adam & Eve's sin was one of disobedience because they were convinced by Satan that they could rule themselves and brought God's very sovereignty into question.

Fast forward to the days of Job. Satan brought his loyalty to God in question, saying that the only reason Job served God was because of the protection God granted him. Let me at 'im, Satan basically said and see if he won't turn against you.

Both of those situations combined explain why there is so much suffering. Adam & Eve's disobedience cost us the perfect human life God intended for us to live. That is why we grow old, get sick and die. God has allowed all this time to pass to let the issues raised by Satan in the Garden of Eden and with Job play out. When God acts, no one will be able to say we didn't have a chance to try this or that or the other. Once and for all God will have been proven right, after which he will restore humanity to the condition he always intended it to be in.

Answer 5

There is suffering because of all the sin in this world. God is being put out of schools and such, when that is where he needs to be included. People make their own choices. We choose whether to sin or not. We have to choose whether to go to God or not. Those who are saved will have suffering too, but only to keep trusting in God and to become stronger as a blessing.

Answer 6

~~~mmh ,,,,To the Eastern Mind, Pain & Suffering are considered essential to Soul Growth. This is the Law of Karma. However, since you apply a "god" in your equation then one must admit to the historical facts of "Vengeful and Malevolent Gods" to punish those who do not "follow god's word" (as interpreted and dictated by The Clergy or The Crown.)

Answer 7

If it was Adam’s decision to disobey God that brought sin into the world, why do we ALL have to suffer punishment?
If we are honest with ourselves, we will realize that Adam is a fair representative for all of us. If a perfect person in a perfect place decided to disobey God’s rules, none of us would have done better. Romans 5:12 says, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” We all inherit Adam’s sin nature. We all sin, so we all deserve to die and suffer eternal punishment in hell. We must understand that not one of us is innocent before God. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Not one of us is worthy to stand before the Creator of the universe because we would each bring a sinful, rebellious nature into His presence.
In the beginning God completely sustained His creation without blemish. That’s why it was perfect. He held every atom together in a perfect state. He kept the planets in their orbits. He kept animals from tripping and breaking their necks. He did not allow people to suffer and die.
Deuteronomy 8:4 gives us a little glimpse of how things might have been in the original creation. “Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.” God is omnipotent and perfectly capable of sustaining and protecting his creation.
When Adam sinned, however, the Lord cursed the universe. In essence there was a change and along with that change God seemingly took away a little bit of his sustaining power and allowed things like suffering and death into His creation. Now He permits bad things to happen—and this is a reminder that sin has consequences and that the world needs a Savior. Romans 8:22 says, “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.”

God took pleasure in all of His creation ("http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?passage=revelation+4:11&version=NKJV"), but He loved people most of all. He allowed the created universe to deteriorate so we would see the consequences of our sin. If we did not see the consequences of our sin, we would never see that we need salvation from our sin, and we would never accept His offer of mercy for our sin. Most people easily recognize that there is a problem in the world. This can be used to show them that there is one who has overcome this problem of death and suffering—Jesus Christ.

Answer 8

Many people ask this question. But have you ever thought perhaps your suffering is for something bigger. Peter Kraft wrote that perhaps you are like a bear caught in a bear trap. You do not know how to get out, all you know is you are in pain. Then a hunter comes along and feels sadness for your pain. To get you out a bear trap, he must push your feet in further, giving more pain, to relieve you of your pain. Perhaps pain is just is to help us

Answer 9

People suffer because of their folly.Don't blame God .In fact God is gracious to help when one suffers .

Answer 10

I know, I know!

I just read a question out here that says that disease is the result of sin. Therefore, if you have a cold, you have sinned. Flu=sin. Cancer=really really bad sin.

I imagine suffering is the same. You suffer because you've been very very naughty.