This question is often asked with deep emotion, but let’s stop and examine the logic behind it. The assumption here is that God is all-good and therefore should eliminate pain. But what if that assumption is flawed? What if God isn’t defined by our human concept of goodness at all?
To believe that God is all-good is to impose a human trait onto something absolute. Goodness is subjective—it’s shaped by our emotions, perspectives, and desires.
But God isn’t a being who prioritizes comfort over reality. God is absolute—the unchanging, infinite foundation of all existence. To question why an absolute God ‘allows’ pain and suffering is to misunderstand what absolute means.
In math, the concept of absolute value is simple: regardless of the sign—positive or negative—the value is always positive.
God, as the absolute origin, isn’t ‘good’ in a moral sense. God is. And math shows us every action having an equal and opposite reaction isn’t just some law of thermodynamics. It is an inherent quality of reality.
Pleasure and pain are inseparable sensations that are obviously and objectively opposed. Physically, they are undeniable and unavoidable. Emotionally, they are a choice. Once the initial shock of disappointment subsides, there is no source of pain except a continued negative view of reality. You could argue that pain is real, but suffering is definitely a choice!
Our power lies in perspective. Those who worship God can see challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation, and pain becomes a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. Those who wish for what could be in spite of what is amplify disappointing events into cause for emotional distress and find difficulty in seeing past their self-inflicted wounds.
God isn’t all-good—God is absolute. And absolute value is inherently positive. Instead of asking why does allow pain and suffering, ask yourself: Why would hold onto the pain instead of changing perspective and adopting an attitude that alleviates it?
Pain and suffering exist not because God fails. Pain exists because things happen and not all of them will be pleasant. You’ve failed to take advantage of your power over perspective if you can’t find enough meaning, growth, or clarity in times of adversity to end your suffering.
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