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‘If God exists, why is there suffering?’
‘If God exists, why is there suffering?’
In true Christianity, even pain has meaning and purpose on certain circumstances.
By JENSEN DG. MAÑEBOG
SOME EASTERN RELIGIONS typically put sorrow, pain, and suffering in the category of illusion—that “evil and suffering are real only as long as the ego believes them to be real” and that “they will fade away as one gains enlightenment about the illusory nature of the phenomenal world” (Passionate Conviction, pp. 147–148). The Bible, on the other hand, bluntly confronts these profound issues from the very first pages of its first book, Genesis.
Those commanded to write the Bible affirm the presence of these things (Jer. 15:18; Rom. 8:22), such as the Psalmist who pronounced, “I am surrounded by many troubles—too many to count!” (Ps. 40:12 Good News Bible)
The fact that one whole book in the Holy Scriptures, the Book of Job, was even dedicated to the questions concerning personal sufferings proves without a doubt that Christianity does not dismiss misery, agony, and grief as false impressions, but offers a sound perspective for coming to terms with their undeniable existence.
So how does the Bible depict and explain pains and sufferings? While not considering them as illusory, how do true Christians view the unpleasant events that they, too, experience? Are sufferings and evil compatible with the existence of a benevolent God?
God is not the author of evil
The Holy Scriptures inform us of various causes and reasons why awful things take place. For instance, as much of the sickness found in newly born babies can be caused by their parents’ dependence on alcohol, use of illegal drugs, or crooked lifestyles, it can be said that some sufferings are man-made or caused by man’s rebellion against God’s warnings. The same is true, obviously, in cases of people doing crimes against other people. The Book of Ecclesiastes states, “God made man upright, But they have sought out many schemes” (7:29 New King James Version). Man, therefore, has brought upon himself sufferings by selfishly choosing his own way apart from God’s will.
Suffering also comes about as a consequence of succumbing to the ploy of the “tempter.” The “serpent” tempted Adam and Eve to break God’s command, and their consequent violation cost them their right to reside in the Garden of Eden and their privilege to live a trouble-free life (Gen. 3:1–24). So some sufferings come about because of the undertakings of this “tempter” or “serpent” who delights in turning people away from God and in dragging them to miseries—Satan, the devil (Matt. 4:3; Gen. 3:1; Rev. 12:9).
Some forms of sufferings
But one must also recognize the difference between the suffering that is caused by evil and the pain that comes with achieving growth and reaching maturity. There is a certain amount of pain when a body builder, for instance, strives to lift heavier weights. But there is also a tremendous joy when one finally breaks through into a higher level of accomplishment and attains the ensuing progress. In more ways than one, the same is true in one’s struggle toward spiritual maturity and in achieving better outlook in life. As Apostle Paul exclaimed upon encountering a certain predicament, “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God” (II Cor. 1:9 New International Version).
Some sufferings exist so that the works of God should be revealed in certain people (John 9:1–12). Some miseries could also be significant for people to be drawn closer to God. There are those who have to suffer in order to realize the importance of returning to God. Not until they have their wealth or health or a loved one taken away from them, that they will have the desire to serve the Lord and be saved consequently. Proving that afflictions can be helpful for some to learn God’s statutes and keep His words, the Psalmist expressed:
“It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes. … Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.” (Ps. 119:71, 67 NKJV)
Congruent with the Christian belief
Admittedly, Christians, too, are not spared from encountering troubles, sorrows, and pains as they take the journey through this imperfect world. But never is this fact incongruent with the Christian belief that gives emphasis on God’s saving power. The Bible explains that even faithful servants of the Lord, at times, do encounter tribulations, for “tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; And character, hope” (Rom. 5:3–4 NKJV).
On occasion, they also face trials, the result of which is “the ability to endure,” and their endurance “carries [them] all the way without failing,” so that they may be “perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:3–4 GNB). For their faith to be tested and purified, they sometimes find themselves in grief and misery—so as to receive the goal or “end of [their] faith—the salvation of [their] souls” (I Pet. 1:6–9 NKJV).
Hence, some of the sufferings they experience and the unpleasant things they endure serve as tools that prepare them for divine functions and missions and mold them to be spiritually mature and holy before God. By making them learn from their mistakes, suffering trains them (Heb. 12:11). It is also there to manifest God’s grace in their lives (I Pet. 5:10).
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From online to in-person: CFO activities in 2022
From online to in-person: CFO activities in 2022
Compiled by VENICIO T. BASCO
In the first quarter of 2022, in consideration of the rising Covid-19 Omicron variant and sub-variants cases, the Christian Family Organizations (CFO), through the leadership of Brother Angelo Eraño V. Manalo, the CFO Coordinator, held activities online. Towards the second quarter and onwards, with many countries easing restrictions regarding indoor and outdoor social gatherings, the CFO office took the opportunity to launch in-person gatherings.
Let us take a look at some of these activities that provided the brethren a chance to express their unity with the Church Administration, and at the same time edify their faith, love, and hope.
Online activities
CFO Night, Western Europe District, January 16, 2022
Music production workshop, Australia East District, February 20-21, 2022
Table tennis activity, Winnipeg North Congregation, Manitoba District, March 13, 2022
In-person activities
CFO DAY
The CFO Day gave family members a chance to bond together as restriction ease in many countries.
Oregon Ecclesiastical District, May 1, 2022
Taipei City Congregation, Taiwan District, June 3, 2022
Unity Games
For sporting events, the INC Unity Games brought together brethren fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship after about two years of restriction in gatherings.
Helsinki, Finland Congregation, Northern Europe District, April 24, 2022
Capitol Hill Congregation and Brooks and Medicine Hat Group Worship Services (GWS), Calgary District, June 19, 2022
District of Ottawa, July 1, 2022
Athens, Greece Congregation, Mediterranean District, October 29, 2022
Music
Music has been proven as an effective tool in bringing people together. With indoor gatherings allowed, the brethren participated in musical competitions aimed not only in honing their talents but also to express and strengthen their faith.
Himig ng Kaligtasan (Songs of Salvation)-Buklod Edition, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental District, June 12, 2022
Songs of Faith, Love, and Hope, Calgary District, August 28, 2022
INConcert, Mediterranean District, October 30, 2022
Other activities
The CFO Office launched a variety of activities for all the members of the organizations from children to married members.
Family Fun Day, Milan Congregation, Italy North District, April 25, 2022
Buklod Night, Pineda Congregation, Metro Manila East District, May 15, 2022
“This is KADIWA,” New Zealand District, July 10, 2022
Mr. and Mrs. Chef, Calgary District, August 21, 2022
INCinema Awards, Nagoya, Japan District, September 17, 2022
KADIWA and Binhi Forum, Tokyo, Japan District, September 18, 2022
Nature Walk, Vaudreuil Group Worship Service (GWS), Ottawa District, October 8, 2022
KADIWA Formal Night, Australia West, October 23, 2022
First CSD Camp, District of Urdaneta City, October 29, 2022
Special gathering of KADIWA and Binhi, Calgary District, November 4, 2022
Christian Family Youth Summit, Southern Ontario District, November 11, 2022
Binhi Friendship Day, New Jersey District, November 13, 2022
As they have done in this year that is about to pass, officers and members of the various organizations under the CFO look forward to the coming year with much anticipation knowing that with their unity with the activities launch by the Church Administration, they glorify God and further make their hope for salvation strong. ― With reports from INC News Section