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The Problem of Pain

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The Problem of Pain

By: C. S. Lewis
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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About this listen

For centuries Christians have been tormented by one question above all, "If God is good and all-powerful, why does he allow his creatures to suffer pain?"

C.S. Lewis sets out to disentangle this knotty issue, but wisely adds that in the end no intellectual solution can dispense with the necessity for patience and courage.

Click here to see all the titles in our C.S. Lewis collection.©1940 C. S. Lewis Pte. Ltd. (P)2000 Blackstone Audiobooks Bible Study Bibles & Bible Study Christianity Religious Studies

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Near perfect answer to the questions like: Why does a good God allow evil,pain and suffering.

Brilliant, if very packed with concepts and ideas.

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The idea of making an audiobook from the treasury of C S Lewis’ books for the edification of all was already good enough. Not to talk of the excellent delivery

Everything

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This is a great little book and CS Lewis was an exceptional thinker. The Problem of Pain was written eighty years ago and in a particular style that is difficult for readers to engage with today. This audio book brings it to life.
Some of the text is a little dated. However many of the arguments Lewis addresses are precisely the same as those the New Atheists raise today. Which leads you to realise there is nothing new going on there. They should listen to this book.
Simon Vance presents Lewis' words with style and conviction. It is an outstanding performance of a book that is densely argued at times and difficult to read.

No problem with this book.

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It's not the best Lewis book but it brings up very interesting considerations (even though I don't agree with everything). But it can get a little bit confusing in some parte, especially for being an audiobook where you can't really go back to try and make sense of the paragraphs.

Interesting refletions, but not my fav Lewis

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Exquisitely layed out, explained and visualised. C.S.Lewis has made what usually is a hard subject to discuss in context and meaning with rational, theological and physical examples and yet he does this bringing such a great balance and humble context that anyone can be brought to a more level headed framework and foundation of future thought and perspective that would be usefull in conversation, debate and writing.

Excellent

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Highly recommended. some dated language and terms but relevant today. Well thought out, heart felt, provoking, humorous and inspirational. I'm delighted that Amazon offers this important book.

The Problem of Pain

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Love his work , wish I’d been introduced to this part of C S Lewis 50 years ago !

Another thought provoking book

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Examining a very important aspect of Christianity and done with the pinpoint accuracy he is well known for.

Great insight.

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This age old argument of arbitrary and visibly random affliction of pain on earth in order to achieve salvation is a cornerstone of atheist argument.

It is however also one of the most crucial routes to understanding faith.
True faith can only be accomplished by Free Will not by miracles and proof or the enforced beliefs of the authoritarian medieval church and the inquisitions.

With Free will comes the choice between good and evil. The world must contain evil in order for there to be choice.
Ergo a world with Evil must involve bad things happening both as a result of man's actions and both by acts of God (tests). Every child of God will be tested in different ways because of the random nature of pain in the world.
God's Judgement will undoubtedly take into account the suffering of innocents as a result of this random world.

Our task as Christians is to acknowledge our own suffering as a clear route to God that those who suffer less and enjoy all worldly goods will not see so easily. Ironically for them the route is less clear and their fight for faith is much harder.
Our other task alongside faith is to help those others who are suffering through good works, to ease their journey to God and to share with them the riches of faith and the light it brings.

We must not confuse earthly pain and suffering as however a punishment from God. God will only judge us on judgement day when the Lord comes again.

Why does a benign God allow suffering.?

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Very good. It is a lot to take in.
At times it was like trying to drink from a fire hose. I imagine it is best read over and over so as to absorb more each time.

How can God be good if He allows pain and suffering?

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