'Why does God allow suffering?'

'Why does God allow suffering?' Dec 29, 2019 0:52:02 GMT theravenking likes this

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Post by rizdek on Dec 29, 2019 0:52:02 GMT

Dec 27, 2019 14:11:32 GMT OldSamVimes said:

I find the question 'Why would God let us suffer' to be a strange one.

First, when we ask that question we're assuming for the sake of argument that 'God' exists.

However, if 'God' exists then any suffering in this world gains a different perspective. There is no religious scenario where God exists but when you die 'that's it'.

So if we're presuming that 'God' exists to ask 'Why does He allow suffering', any amount of suffering we have here is nothing when measured against an eternal afterlife.

You might as well ask 'Why do we allow people to get scared on roller-coasters'?

Because if 'God' exists then any suffering here is as transient and temporary as a feeling of fear on an amusement park ride.

It actually doesn't assume God exists...because the question is "Why WOULD God let us suffer?" So the question is conditional of there being a god. But the question does assume a kind of God who might give a rats ass if people suffer. Perhaps God doesn't care at all about people who, to him/it, are no more than ticks on a horse's ass or the fungus that grows under a log in the swamp. So it might be indifferent or it might even kind of enjoy making things suffer...just to watch the response since god itself can't suffer.

I don't think the "any amt of suffering is nothing compared to eternal life" works because THAT assumes an afterlife...an afterlife of supposed bliss. Just because a god exists is no indication of any afterlife...much less one of bliss.

But the question then would be why would a God that gives a shit about humans bother with the "3 score and 10" of suffering if it is dwarfed by an eternity of bliss? It seems a big waste of suffering that a god with any benevolence at all would avoid if for no other reason than to keep from looking like a dick. What would be the point? But as above, perhaps God wants to look like a dick.

But as for suffering here...I'm perfectly happy and have suffered almost none at all. So, I'd have no bone to pick with a god. But I am aware of many who seem to have suffered extensively...horribly...an in many cases not at all due to any fault of their own. I guess I can be relieved and not worry about them because...you know...any amt of suffering those dweebs endure is nothing compared to an eternal afterlife. Presumably said god is gonna make up for all those children suffering chronic malnutrition and abuse just so I can have my slice of fucking free will.