Human suffering.

I want to talk about human suffering. There is the intellectual Christian evidence: Can God's existence be proven? Can one prove the existence of atheism, or the existence of science in the Bible?

Yet they're intellectual discussions, and I would like to focus more on the heart.
I want to become more personal. The era of human suffering is one that involves the heart. It is the biggest obstacle to faith. Its most present and pervasive influence makes people discount God. I would know, because it's happened to me.

I began to lose my faith, when my father chose to castigate me for wearing a cross. He asked me if I were a Christian now. MY father is an agnostic.

I almost completely lost my faith when 9/11 happened. I asked God "Why did you allow this to happen?" I asked the same question with Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and received no answer. I lost my faith completely. Suffering pain and unanswerable questions affect non-believers, and believers alike. Because we ask, "How did a loving God allow this to happen?" "How did he cause these events to occur?"

I recall the pain I felt when I saw people jumping out of the World Trade Center on 9/11. I remember the anger that I felt, when the Government didn't move fast enough to help the people stuck in New Orleans during Katrina. And I'll never forget the pain and anguish I felt when my grandmother passed away on the day before Thanksgiving, in November of 2004. You can only imagine the sorrow and emptiness that I felt during her funeral in December.

People criticize God in the Bible. People claim that God must be all powerful and good. But given all the suffering in the world, he may be all powerful, but he's not doing anything. As George Carlin once said, he probably just doesn't care. That he is simply not doing anything. Or he might be good, but he lacks the power. That he's not all omnipotent, and that he's not all powerful. Now that is a powerful objection, and it is highly understandable, when you have extremely high expectations of what you want from God.

While the world is beautiful, majestic, and fun to explore, we have to deal with the reality of it. There is suffering all over the world. There is poverty. There are genocides being committed right now, as I'm creating this book. There is famine and hunger.

People like to point the finger at God and ask, "why is this happening?" Everyone realizes that there are enough resources to meet the needs of people around the world. The resources aren't the problem, it's the distribution of our resources. Some people sin and keep other people from obtaining certain resources, meanwhile keeping the precious materials for themselves; this is sad but true reality of our time.

Crime occurs all over the world. There is crime in the streets, unexpected crime in schools and places of business.
There is pollution, and a lack of ecological concern! This is what we are doing to our selves.

There is the tragic and dismal history of slavery, which has nearly been eradicated in the world today. There has always been tremendous suffering throughout history and people ask "Where is God?"

Alcohol and drug abuse takes many lives. People smoke and they get cancer. We do this to ourselves. I don't want to point the finger, or blame anyone or anything. I just want to talk about the suffering that we put ourselves through.

Then there is War and all the suffering it entails. The escalation of unspeakable atrocities done to others with each war.
The suffering that emanates from inflexible political ideologies.
In the 20th century alone, how many people have died from starvation or have been murdered by execution because of atheistic ideologies?
And I'm talking about the larger situations, like the old Soviet Union, or Hitler's power in World War 2. Nearly 100 million people have died under atheistic ideologies, which is more then the combine deaths of all religious wars put together.

In our world, we face the horror of terrorism. There has been genocide, after genocide throughout the world. Like in Rwanda, and in many parts of Asia. In the Holocaust, over 13 million people were exterminated. Half of them were Jews, others were gypsies, the handicapped, homosexuals, and people who were deemed undesirable. Where was God?

How much suffering have I gone through, when I become deeply depressed. I suffer from a severe case of OCD, I was diagnosed with PDD as a child and Aspergers, which draws similarities to OCD, and Bi-polar disorder.

I don't blame my disorders for my having had conflicts with people, and my family, but because of my disabilities, I've had to deal with suffering and conflict..

My mother has gone through a lot of physical and emotional pain, because of our family history. We had to move from San Antonio to New York City, because she felt that her life was being threatened by my father, when he hit her on her right arm. I wasn't there when it happened, but she told me about the incident. She called the police , and basically had him kicked out of our house.

I was over at a friends house playing X-Box when all of this was happening, and my friends family made sure that I wouldn't leave and go to my house and confront my father for what he did to my mother.

I've come to realize that maybe that's what my dad wanted me to do, so that I would be in jail. There have been times when I feel that he blames us for his girlfriend dumping him, and wanted to take his anger out on both of us. Where was God, when all this chaos was happening?

When people ask these questions, they're not looking for the answer. They are not looking for the "answer man." They are looking more for empathy, grace, and insight. And I can't give anybody a satisfying answer, just a perspective from the Bible.

The beginning of this answer is that God allows us to have free will, that's a part of humanity. If a person was preprogrammed to love me, and show affection towards me, that would not be love or affection. I don't know what that would be.

But because of free will, love means so much more, yet free will can be risky, because it can be abused.

Some of the Angels abused free will, and they fell from Heaven. Adam and Eve had free will and paradise, but they abused it, and caused the original sin to occur. I guess what I'm saying is that free will can be dangerous, even though it is apart of humanity.

Pain isn't a bad thing; it's good to feel pain. People pray to be "free from pain," but that's not the spirit of Christ. Jesus suffered, and went through pain that we'll never fully comprehend to be a ransom for us. My being a Christian, means that I have to suffer and go through pain as Jesus promised in the scriptures.

Luke 9:23 says,

"23
Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

Whatever pain, and suffering we are dealing with, that is the cross that we have to carry. The things that we struggle with in life, is the cross that we must always carry.

Colossians 1:29 says,

"29
To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me."

Suffering is apart of being a Christian. We've not only been granted to worship him, but to suffer for him as well.

John 16:19-24 says,

"19
Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, "Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, 'In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me'?
20
I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
21
A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.
22
So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
23
In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
24
Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."

Pain is always a great thing to have, because we learn from it. We grow from it, and if we persevere through it, we become even better and wiser as individuals. When you put your hand in a fire, it hurts, and it hurts so that you won't do it again. Pain enables us to stop doing hurtful things to others, because if you treat others badly, it ruins friendships and relationships.

If you've been hurt in a relationship or friendship, that pain reminds you to never go through that again.
Therefore, work must hard on finding a better friendship, or a better relationship. Pain is our reality. But pain is one of the greatest gifts that God has ever given us.

Pain also helps us to form bonds with others, and to help other people. Pain enables us to care for others, to shine, and relate to one another. We all respect those who have overcome their pain, risen up, and not have become embittered, but instead have been transformed by pain.

Romans 5:1-5 says,

"Peace and Joy

1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2
through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
3
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
4
perseverance, character; and character, hope.
5
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Through pain, character is built. And with a hopeful attitude, that scripture doesn't disappoint.

Even death itself is a gift from God, because that is an end to suffering. And according to my faith, when we die, we meet our maker. When we die(believers and atheists), we will see God. So even death is a gift, that makes us appreciate life.

There are no easy answers. Formerly people thought that Christianity offered easy answers, and an escape from pain. But if that were true, more people would be flocking to it. But no, authentic Christianity is not an escape from pain. Christians need to be more honest about the reality of following Christ, and that it can be very painful at times. Because Satan will constantly attack us with myriad temptations and struggles.

Some Christians like to say "just pray about it." Well, while prayer does help, giving that advice is not empathy. Some say that it's better this way, or that it's because of our sinful nature. Those are cheap answers, and they don't help anybody. Some Christians will say that God only protects true believers. That isn't true.
A Christian might say that God blesses people who do good, and punishes those who do wrong. Well people who do wrong, seem to be blessed by God, and aren't suffering that much; While people who do good, constantly suffer daily.

There are hard realities in this world. Sin is a hard reality. There are laws in this world, moral laws, and the laws of gravity. A person can be dishonest with himself and jump off a cliff and say "I don't care." Well that doesn't matter, because you will either hurt yourself, or die. Dishonesty will create separation, i.e.cheating on your spouse. That is God's moral law, and a contract in America. Dishonesty destroys relationships, and friendships in any culture and generation. Dishonesty is wrong, and that's an absolute law.

These are hard realities, and there are no really good answers, but pain is still a blessing. Even things that one might consider to be curse, can also also be a blessing. I consider Earthquakes to be a bad thing, but according to scientists, without Earth Quakes, there would be no life on Earth. Storms frighten me sometimes, but without storms, there would be no life on Earth.

People also seem to blame God, while ignoring the fact that they probably caused their own suffering. Like the fact that alot of people live right next to Volcanoes, and then blame God for the Volcano erupting and destroying their homes. So then they'll probably blame God, and forget the fact that they were dumb enough to build their houses right next to Volcanoes.

There is also purpose in suffering. Romans 8:28 says,
"28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

So good comes out of evil. Good comes out of evil? Of course. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ was an evil act, but it lead to our redemption, our rescue, and ransom. Through Jesus's suffering, he took on the burden of our sins, in order for us to have a personal and loving relationship with God. He died, to save us, and then he conquered death by being resurrected. After all of that suffering, good prevailed. So good does come from suffering.

From a Biblical perspective, there are no easy answers. There are answers, but not cheap answers. And it is not wrong to question. Even the prophets and the people written in the Bible constantly questioned God.

Look at Habakkuk 1: 2-4. It says,
"2
How long, O LORD, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, "Violence!"
but you do not save?
3
Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.
4
Therefore the law is paralyzed,
and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
so that justice is perverted."

Habakkuk sounds very disturbed, and wonders why all of this destruction is happening.

Jeremiah's complaint in chapter 12:1-17 says,
"1
You are always righteous, O LORD,
when I bring a case before you.
Yet I would speak with you about your justice:
Why does the way of the wicked prosper?
Why do all the faithless live at ease?
2
You have planted them, and they have taken root;
they grow and bear fruit.
You are always on their lips
but far from their hearts.
3
Yet you know me, O LORD;
you see me and test my thoughts about you.
Drag them off like sheep to be butchered!
Set them apart for the day of slaughter!
4
How long will the land lie parched
and the grass in every field be withered?
Because those who live in it are wicked,
the animals and birds have perished.
Moreover, the people are saying,
"He will not see what happens to us."

I've probably thought that. Why do people who deny God, or do bad things seem to prosper, while believers who attempt to do God's work, always suffer for it? I constantly ask myself that question, and then I tell myself to trust in him and stay focused on what I must do as a Christian. If a Christian has never wondered about this, I don't think they've been honest about their feelings or thoughts.

Psalm 73 says,

"A psalm of Asaph.

1
Surely God is good to Israel,
to those who are pure in heart.
2
But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold.

3
For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4
They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong. [a]

5
They are free from the burdens common to man;
they are not plagued by human ills.

6
Therefore pride is their necklace;
they clothe themselves with violence.

7
From their callous hearts comes iniquity [b] ;
the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.

8
They scoff, and speak with malice;
in their arrogance they threaten oppression.

9
Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
and their tongues take possession of the earth.

10
Therefore their people turn to them
and drink up waters in abundance.

11
They say, "How can God know?
Does the Most High have knowledge?"

12
This is what the wicked are like—
always carefree, they increase in wealth.

13
Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure;
in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.

14
All day long I have been plagued;
I have been punished every morning.

15
If I had said, "I will speak thus,"
I would have betrayed your children.

16
When I tried to understand all this,
it was oppressive to me

17
till I entered the sanctuary of God;
then I understood their final destiny.

18
Surely you place them on slippery ground;
you cast them down to ruin.

19
How suddenly are they destroyed,
completely swept away by terrors!

20
As a dream when one awakes,
so when you arise, O Lord,
you will despise them as fantasies.

21
When my heart was grieved
and my spirit embittered,

22
I was senseless and ignorant;
I was a brute beast before you.

23
Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.

24
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.

25
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

26
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

27
Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

28
But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds."

This psalm talks about why the world is so attractive, and the temptation of living a sinful life. He felt like giving up at one point. But he finally understood, buy being in the light of eternity.

Abraham, who was the father of the faithful, had a problem with God. And this was long before the birth of Jesus Christ. Read Genesis 18:25. And Abraham basically bargains with God, in Genesis 18. Here's what it says.

"1
The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day.
2
Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.
3
He said, "If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. 4
Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree.
5
Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant."
"Very well," they answered, "do as you say."
6
So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. "Quick," he said, "get three seahs of fine flour and knead it and bake some bread."
7
Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8 He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.
9
"Where is your wife Sarah?" they asked him.
"There, in the tent," he said.
10
Then the LORD said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son."
Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him.
11
Abraham and Sarah were already old and well advanced in years, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing.
12
So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?"
13
Then the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really have a child, now that I am old?'
14
Is anything too hard for the LORD ? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son."
15
Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, "I did not laugh."
But he said, "Yes, you did laugh."

Abraham Pleads for Sodom.

"16
When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way.
17
Then the LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?
18
Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him.
19
For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."
20
Then the LORD said, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous
21
that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.
22
The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD.
23
Then Abraham approached him and said: "Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?
24
What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?
25
Far be it from you to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?"
26
The LORD said, "If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake."
27
Then Abraham spoke up again: "Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes,
28
what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city because of five people?"
"If I find forty-five there," he said, "I will not destroy it."
29
Once again he spoke to him, "What if only forty are found there?"
He said, "For the sake of forty, I will not do it."
30
Then he said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?"
He answered, "I will not do it if I find thirty there."
31
Abraham said, "Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?"
He said, "For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it."
32
Then he said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?"
He answered, "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it."
33
When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home."

Abraham was real, he had a problem, and he was very honest with God.

Many Christians, and most none-believers have problems with God's justice, and what is said in the Bible. I'm troubled that only a few will get into Heaven. But if we don't talk about them, or be genuine and authentic about our issues, I don't think it will help us spiritually. If we talk about them and study them accurately, then it will definitely help us spiritually.

I think the Book of Job is the classic story of suffering in the Bible. Sadly, I haven't read the entire book yet, but it's definitely a story to read and understand. Did the story really happen? Maybe. But anybody who has ever suffered or gone through any type of pain, can relate to Job and understand what that story really means.

But I will mention that God does not tell Job why he was suffering. I've had to learn to not ask so many questions to God, and learn to trust him, and leave it in his hands. Because living a life of ambiguity with God, is not always healthy. It's great to ask questions, but it's better to just let things go, to get out of God's way, and allow him to do his work, and follow him.

Another Biblical perspective is Jesus Christ dying for us. And that God relates to our suffering.

Hebrews 2:18,
"18
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."

Hebrews 4:15,
"15
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin."

Acts 2:23,
"23
This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross."

Acts 2:36,
36
"Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

2 Corinthians 5:17-19 says,
"17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation."

In the cross, God reaches us, to hold us, to embrace us, and help us deal with the emotional pain. We must understand the crucial role of the cross, the cross in which relates to our suffering and pain.

As we learn to imitate Christ, we must take responsibility. We must actively do something to help others, and to help the world. This can be done, by being open, honest, and sharing our pain with others.

I pray that this part of my book reaches out to you, and opens up your heart. God bless you all, and let's attempt to obey Jesus's greatest commandment. Which is to "love one another."