One promise Jesus made that we don’t like is that we would have suffering in this world. We were promised suffering. It’s part of it. We were even told, “Blessed are they that mourn”. Is it easier to accept this when it happens to the lives of others instead of ours...? Yes it is. But it doesn’t change the reality of Jesus’ promise. But He also promises we will obtain peace, and encourages us to still have hope because He has overcome this world in which we will have trouble.
Nobody needs Jesus to understand there's suffering in the world. All of us, and everyone we know will die, so the reality of suffering is self evident. Putting the obvious into the mouth of the Divine does not add credibility to the story.
True. But this thread was started by someone who was struggling with the same issue that Bart Ehrman struggled with...the issue of trying to reconcile the pain and suffering and injustice in the world with a good and loving God...so while you may not agree with my post (and I’m more than fine with that), it’s certainly pertinent to the thread and in particular the discussions about the issue I mentioned.
Originally Posted by antelope_sniper
I see a lot of overcoming in the world, but it's all through the actions of men, not some Devine plan.
Some of those men might be quick to tell ya’ that they felt God’s hand ‘at some point’ during their “overcoming” of hardship and tragedy. But clearly non-believers do also overcome pain and suffering as well. As far as a “Devine plan” or purpose, I struggle with that as well.
