Problems Of Suffering In Religions Of The World

A comparative general study of the problems of suffering as treated by Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Marxism, Hinduism and Buddhism.

All religions face the challenge of explaining, in view of God's goodness, the existence of evil and suffering in the world. They must develop theories of the origin and the overcoming of evil and suffering. The explanations in Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism of evil and suffering and their origin, as well as these world religions' theories of how to overcome evil and suffering, differ from one another, but are also similar in many respects. The human person is always considered to be the origin of evil, and also to be the focus of aspirations to be able to overcome it. The conviction that evil and suffering are not original and can be overcome is characteristic of and common to the religions. The explanations of the origin of evil are closely related to the explanations of the continuation and propagation of evil in human persons, in nature, and in our technology and culture that have been developed in the religions - in Christianity, for example, as the doctrine of original sin. Finally, the world religions are concerned with how to cope with suffering and offer guidance for overcoming evil and suffering. Leading scholars of five world religions, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Hinduism, have created with this volume a first-hand source of information, which enables the reader to gain a better understanding of these religions' central teachings about the origin and the overcoming of evil and suffering.

One Bible, Many Answers In God's Problem, the New York Times bestselling author of Misquoting Jesus challenges the contradictory biblical explanations for why an all-powerful God allows us to suffer.

Do Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Jews, and Muslims tend to experience pain in fundamentally different ways? Are suffering and human evil equally difficult problems in these particular religious traditions? How is each person to deal with or overcome suffering? In Evil and Suffering, acknowledged experts in each religion offer clear answers to these and similar questions. Through their discussions, the history and diversity of the traditions are also revealed. In this volume, editor Jacob Neusner address the topic from the standpoint of Judaism, Bruce Chilton presents the perspective of Christianity. Jonathan Brockopp discusses Islam, Brian K. Smith presents Hinduism, and Charles Hallisley discusses Buddhism.

Author Gregory Schulz speaks as a Christian father, sharing the very personal, difficult struggle of dealing with years of pain, suffering, and questions. As he shares his struggle, he bares his soul with a jarring honesty seldom heard in the church. His protest is against "Gods abusive actions," and it rings true to anyone whos suffering of body or spirit.

Dennis Jensen looks at two very important problems that have led many to reject religious belief generally and Christianity in particular: Why has God allowed the extreme suffering we find in our world? And Can religion be blamed for much of this suffering? He looks at not only the evil so often associated with religions--inquisitions, holy wars, pograms, witch hunts--but also some of the difficulties found specifically in the Bible. Did the God of the Bible command or advocate mass murder, homophobia, slavery? Is the New Testament anti-Semitic? Jensen argues persuasively that a fully biblical teaching does not advocate subservience of women in today's society, church, or family. It does not condemn all same gender sexual relations or transgender identity. It does not teach an eternal hell. As just one of the many fascinating topics he tackles, one of the more important biblical reasons suggested for the existence of evil is that God wants to know whether we will seek to stop or alleviate the suffering we see, whether we will learn to have God's heart, whether we will hate evil and anguish over the hurting as God does.

How we feel is as vital to our survival as how we think. This claim, based on the premise that emotions are largely adaptive, serves as the organizing theme of Why We Need Religion. This book is a novel pathway in a well-trodden field of religious studies and philosophy of religion. Stephen Asma argues that, like art, religion has direct access to our emotional lives in ways that science does not. Yes, science can give us emotional feelings of wonder and the sublime--we can feel the sacred depths of nature--but there are many forms of human suffering and vulnerability that are beyond the reach of help from science. Different emotional stresses require different kinds of rescue. Unlike secular authors who praise religion's ethical and civilizing function, Asma argues that its core value lies in its emotionally therapeutic power. No theorist of religion has failed to notice the importance of emotions in spiritual and ritual life, but truly systematic research has only recently delivered concrete data on the neurology, psychology, and anthropology of the emotional systems. This very recent "affective turn" has begun to map out a powerful territory of embodied cognition. Why We Need Religion incorporates new data from these affective sciences into the philosophy of religion. It goes on to describe the way in which religion manages those systems--rage, play, lust, care, grief, and so on. Finally, it argues that religion is still the best cultural apparatus for doing this adaptive work. In short, the book is a Darwinian defense of religious emotions and the cultural systems that manage them.

Are you ready to unravel the mystery behind suffering? Gain a deeper understanding of why we suffer, why evil, sickness, suffering, and pain exist in this world, with the eye-opening book "Why We Suffer: Why Does God Allow Evil, Sickness, Suffering, and Pain to Exist in this World?" written by an expert in religious philosophy and the study of human suffering. In this thought-provoking book, the author acknowledges the different beliefs surrounding God and challenges readers to question the kind of God they believe in. As someone who has studied multiple religions, the author brings a unique perspective, emphasizing the importance of understanding different beliefs systems to uncover universal truths. Drawing from personal experiences and research in the field of exorcism, the author delves deep into the core of suffering, enlightening readers on its purpose and providing a path to transcend it. Through captivating storytelling and emotional resonance, "Why We Suffer" establishes a powerful connection with readers. The author's journey from doubt and despair to finding inner peace and happiness resonates in each page, touching the hearts of those seeking answers to life's greatest challenges. With profound insights and wisdom gained from studying various religious philosophies, including Buddhism and Hinduism, the author reveals the intricate workings of suffering and imparts powerful knowledge to help readers navigate through life's hardships. This book goes beyond faith and explores the universal truth that God wants us to learn. It challenges readers to embrace the realities of suffering, even though they may be difficult to accept. "Why We Suffer" offers a clear and concise description of the reasons behind suffering and provides practical guidance on how to overcome it. Whether you have been grappling with personal suffering for years or are simply searching for a deeper understanding of the human experience, this book has the answers you seek. Unlock the secrets to a life free from suffering and discover the path towards true happiness and fulfillment. Don't miss this life-changing opportunity to gain profound insights into the mysteries of existence. Take the first step towards a life of peace and fulfillment by reading "Why We Suffer" today.