The Problem Of Pain Free Download (By C S Lewis)

Pain and suffering are difficult to understand, especially when the person experiencing it can’t explain it. Likewise, the ethical dimensions of pain are complex and can challenge traditional medical practices. Narrative-based ethical theory offers a more holistic approach to pain management, moving the focus from the patient’s body to their story of pain. This article explores the complexity of pain and its role in the world, while highlighting how we can better acknowledge and treat people in pain.

C.S. Lewis, one of the most renowned Christian authors and thinkers of our time, examines a universally applicable question within the human condition: “If God is good and all-powerful, why does He allow His creatures to suffer?” With his signature wealth of compassion and insight, Lewis disentangles this knotty issue that has perplexed humans for centuries.

In the beginning of this work, Lewis reminds readers that he himself was once an atheist. He then paints a broad picture of what motivated his former stance, and then goes into four attributes that all developed religions share and a fourth that is particular to Christianity. First, the Numinous exists. This is a sense of awe or dread that can’t be explained. Second, a moral law exists. This is a sense of right and wrong, that is guided by the Numinous. Third, someone must be able to claim authority over the moral law and over the Numinous, and that someone is Jesus.

It’s important to note that Lewis recognizes that this isn’t the only answer to the problem of pain, but it is an accurate overview of the argument. He goes on to explain that free will is another factor in the existence of pain. Free will allows for courtesy but also allows people to compete with each other and injure each other. In addition, the physical laws of the universe inhibit some things and create others.

This is a fascinating and deeply thought out piece on the topic of pain, and a good read for both Christians and non-Christians alike. I highly recommend it. The only downside is that it gets off course a bit towards the end with a discussion of animal pain, but that is a minor quibble.