In this article we will review The Problem of Pain by Clive Lewis.
Book Plot
“The Problem of Pain” is a nonfiction theological work by C.S. Lewis that explores why pain exists in a world presumably ruled by a just God. The book was Lewis’s first Christian work, published in 1940, and it was followed by two more widely read Christian works— A Case for Christianity in 1942 and Mere Christianity in 1943. In the book, Lewis examines the nature of God’s divine love, of man’s evil, of heaven and hell, our relationship to animals, and what role suffering plays in the lives of animals. Lewis attempts to reconcile God’s goodness with the evil and suffering in the world, a theological problem called theodicy. The book is an attempt to “solve the intellectual problem raised by suffering”.
The Problem of Pain Rating : 4,12
Also book has 176 pages
The Problem of Pain Review
During my youth, I did not have much interest in reading nonfiction on my own. However, I chose to read The Problem of Pain by Lewis voluntarily, making it the second nonfiction book I selected independently (following The Abolition of Man), and my first book on propositional apologetics by any author. This book has had a significant impact on my opinions, as it was formative in shaping my views. Despite believing that Lewis’ essays are generally stronger than his books, I consider The Problem of Pain to be his best work in propositional apologetics and one of the top books in its genre.
The book, with its straightforward title, addresses the challenge of reconciling the existence of human suffering, evil, moral imperfections in the world (including animal suffering), and the concept of Hell with the belief in a benevolent divine Creator. It does not aim to provide definitive answers or comfort readers, but rather presents well-researched and morally satisfying hypotheses that offer a potential resolution to the apparent contradiction between Christian faith and the reality of pain in the world.
If you are troubled by this paradox, The Problem of Pain may offer some assistance, even if you do not find it completely convincing. Books like this one help us expand our perspectives beyond the confines of our own thoughts, where errors in our education or the narrow focus of our inner musings can hinder us, and lead us toward a broader outlook filled with hope. It is not just about speculation, but about realizing that many intelligent individuals have deeply considered these issues and found certain beliefs to be reasonable even after thorough examination. While I may not have all the answers, the pursuit of understanding is not futile, and I am not alone in this journey.
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