Augustine And Christians Views On The Causes Of Suffering

Even in the midst of suffering, we can experience hope. In order to understand why we suffer, we must understand what suffering is. Before suffering occurs there tends to be a warning. Sometimes the warning is obvious and sometimes it is hard to see. One way we are warned about suffering is through fear. As humans, we fear many things. The fear of starvation, physical injury, death, public speaking, separation from loved ones are a few listed. One fear that we all face is the fear of no control. As we all know from life experience, suffering occurs in and out of our control. "The causes of suffering have been divided into two main kinds of evil. Basic types of evil are natural evil – suffering caused as a result of nature, suffering caused by selfishness and cruelty.” Just like hope, suffering comes in many forms. These include, but are not limited to, physical, mental and emotional forms. From a religious standpoint, suffering is seen as a result of free will. Of course, this depends on your idea of free will, which is another conversation altogether. "St Augustine and Christians following his ideas connect suffering with the idea of free will. Although God is all-powerful and wholly good, he has allowed humans free will.” This argument concludes that people cause suffering. They have chosen to misuse the gift of free will and are responsible for choosing to do what is evil. This causes suffering to themselves and others. God is not to blame for suffering, people are." Specifically, Christians blame the fall of human kind. This idea was held by St. …show more content…
Even if we define these terms, observe the causes, we still are unsure of how to respond. The Church has a responsibility not only to God, but to the world. As believers it is important for us to listen to the suffering of others and offer them the hope that we have accepted in Jesus