The Problem of Pain
By C. S. Lewis

   Many of us wonder why a loving God allows people He loves to suffer all of the pain and misery that exists in our world. C. S. Lewis attempts to answer that question and many others in his book, The Problem of Pain.

     Because of his love, it is impossible for God not to allow us to suffer. Just as we train our pets and won't put up with their obnoxious behavior, so God allows us to suffer pain as a result of our bad behavior. Yet sometimes bad things happen to good people. Does that mean they have done something wrong? In a child who is born with a disease, what could he have done wrong that would cause God to allow him to suffer?

     It's because of man's nature. He is a selfish being, who does not think outside of himself. He disregards the effect of what he does to others. This will cause harm to other people. Why doesn't God keep the harm from happening? Because of the nature of our universe, which is His creation: the equal and opposite reaction for every action taken must be allowed to happen.

    Even so, all things are possible with God. Any limits on His power are those He has placed there Himself. Mr. Lewis's insight into Christian faith is quite interesting, and very deep. At first I did not agree with some of his ideas, and am not sure I still don't disagree. But if you are of the Christian faith, or even if you are not, C. S. Lewis makes a powerful case for believing in Jesus and in God. Pick up a copy of The Problem of Pain. You'll find it quite enlightening.