Free Will, Sin, and Suffering
Posted: Monday, March 29, 2010
by Jennifer Cuddy
Why is there suffering in God's world? This question lurks behind every failure, disability, death of a loved one,and every injustice; act of violence, heartbreak, starvation, and natural disaster.
But what if there is a greater good for every ounce of suffering in the world? What if there is a strange reason for it all that makes us more human, or more ready for God's world?
What would we be without sin and suffering? We would be apathetic, unable to love fully, unable to feel real sympathy.We might even be without identity. Have you ever thought of that?
Free will allows us into a world where we can make choices. And within these choices, there are consequences. Can you imagine a world without consequence? What point would there be?
Often times, it is the ones who have lived through some aspect of suffering who are the most mature. They often feel themselves to be better people because of the suffering. These people stick their necks out, get hurt, and resurface triumphant. But why? Could it be hope? Is suffering essential for the development of hope within the human mind?
Was it inevitable that Adam and Eve would sin when left to their own demise; however innocently they "rebelled?"
What would have been the original sin, if not the apple? And how arbitrary is an apple from a tree?
And if there was no sin in the world, would there be any real differences among us?
But what if there is a greater good for every ounce of suffering in the world? What if there is a strange reason for it all that makes us more human, or more ready for God's world?
Free will allows us into a world where we can make choices. And within these choices, there are consequences. Can you imagine a world without consequence? What point would there be?
Often times, it is the ones who have lived through some aspect of suffering who are the most mature. They often feel themselves to be better people because of the suffering. These people stick their necks out, get hurt, and resurface triumphant. But why? Could it be hope? Is suffering essential for the development of hope within the human mind?
Was it inevitable that Adam and Eve would sin when left to their own demise; however innocently they "rebelled?"
What would have been the original sin, if not the apple? And how arbitrary is an apple from a tree?
And if there was no sin in the world, would there be any real differences among us?
I'm not trying to advocate that we all go about sinning in God's world; but I do believe that free will makes us individuals with the ability to grow and mature. And I have to wonder then..."Could we be fully human without sin and suffering?"
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Excellent - if the Lord had wanted more pets he could have created them - instead he created us in His image with "free will". Great article on the topic.Thank you very much! Free will was necessary. Through it, I believe, we are being prepared.And boy is there much preparation to take place before we will be ready to "rule and reign" with Him,eh?yeah...a long time.
The answer for your last question is clearly YES. If we are free of sins there can be the positive free will present in our actions and lives.Really nice article!True..And it's a freedom that we've never experienced before. Thank you for reading!
Amen Jennifer, very well stated - You leave a lot of room for everyone to ponder this on their own level. It is great to read your heart. Hugs!! Teresa
"What would we be without sin and suffering? We would be apathetic, unable to love fully, unable to feel real sympathy." On the contrary, we'd be angels.A profound and redemptive piece; many thanks, Paul
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