The problem of pain, that of reconciling suffering with a benign deity, has never been satisfactorily solved, at least to my mind. The below is a thought on the subject.
Cheers!
John
The broken wings of butterflies do not
Cause much concern to us, who live and learn,
Through love and life, to value what we’ve got,
Until we find that we must take our turn
Of suffering, like the beetle trod upon.
Where is god’s purpose here? I sometimes wonder,
Does he want us to praise him and be gone
To his great heaven, full of rage and thunder?
Or is he now a gentler god, who loves
Each one of his creations, equally unblessed –
The prisoners of war, the turtle doves,
The starving children, those who know no rest?
Where is a god who would assuage my thirst
For one that truly loves? I’d greet Him first.|
Written by Mr_E_Writer (187 comments posted) 16th July 2008 | A nicely constructed piece. One for Josie to ponder/answer, perhaps?
Regrds,
Eric.
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Written by NathanRoberts (277 comments posted) 16th July 2008 | Good piece this. It's the eternal question isn't it? If there is a personal God who takes an interest in every creature and every instance, how can this God bear to witness such intense suffering, not to mention the seeming unfairness (some people coast through life, comparitively).
It's possibly one of the main factors that tips people towards Atheism (though that's an even bleaker vision, in my mind).
I think Panentheism, the concept/belief that creation (the 'big bang') was a process of Involution...God spilling out into the universe and Evolution is a process of God remembering 'himself', has some merits. As opposed to pantheism, it maintains that God is transcendent (therefore, it would seem, it doesn't rule out the possibility of a personal God, albeit one that sits back a little bit!)
It places a responsibility on each one of us, rather than the notion that we our God's children. It also encourages us to see our similarities and connections, as well as God in everything and everyone.
To put a contemporary philosophical spin on it: we are all Holons - whole/parts, or parts that are also whole that are also parts of larger wholes in limitless holarchies (all the way up, all the way down). Evolution is principally a process of increasing holarchy or inclusiveness.
As for suffering...it's an inate characteristic of our perceived seperateness (which is ultimately an illusion).
If we didn't suffer, we wouldn't evolve. Problem of suffering solved: it's good to suffer, in the long run! |
Written by Phil (6683 comments posted) 16th July 2008 | The problem with religion is that we invent it as we go along. I guess some would say the same of science - but at least good science is based on empirical evidence and recognises the fact that what is 'true' today may be proven false tomorrow.
Personally - I don't see atheism as bleak - rathe, liberating. I suppose differences in belief, and belief itself, is what what makes humanity human - and vicious.
If there is a personal god, then I guess I'm screwed.
Well put together, John.
Phil |
Written by mia_ms_kim (997 comments posted) 16th July 2008 | I found this poem very touching. The broken wings of a butterfly, the beetle trod upon - insignicant creatures until we find ourselves crushed underfoot or have our wings torn off. Then we become aware of the "unimportant and unseen" ones who suffer quietly in their corner, and of the silent and not so silent suffering in the world.
The question of suffering seems to lead to the question of God in all reglious thinking, both in the east and the west. It seems to both compel us towards God in search of hope , comfort and meaning, as well as repel us from God because of the contradiction between the suffering we see with the loving and merciful God we desire, and the sense of betrayal that engenders.
The questions asked in this piece are painful ones.
I believe in the personal God introduced by Jesus Christ, and I've decided he is the answer to my questions, which I am still asking and I believe, are being unfolded to me a little at a time.
I'm currently reading a book by Henri Nouwen on the subject of suffering, so far the most profound book I've come across on the subject.
Anyway, a very moving piece, John. You make me want to pray!
Mia  |
Written by Adam_S (11 comments posted) 17th July 2008 | I really enjoyed this subject matter and the fact the poem wasn't too long as I'm sure you could easily write a poem about this subject that would be pages and pages long.
The last two lines are my favorite ones in the poem as for the subject i brought something similar up once and someone said maybe god is just a spectator and which I replied then why do so many people fear and prey to him, if he is a spectator he cannot help us more than a fan can help his football team when they are losing.
All in all a great poem i am inspired to write my own similar piece.
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