The Problem of Pain
C.S. Lewis
Reviewed by Rick Shaffer
In The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis tackles one of the main objections that people have to believing in God, and more specifically in a good God. His opening words of Chapter two (2) illustrate the problem that he addresses throughout the book:
‘If God were good, He would wish to make His creatures perfectly happy, and if God were almighty He would be able to do what He wished. But the creatures are not happy. Therefore God lacks either the goodness, or power, or both.’ This is the problem of Pain in its simplest form.
Rather than attempting to address pain at face value only, Lewis delves into the deeper issues that doubters have with God by framing the debate on his terms, and what he would consider God’s terms. In the first five (5) chapters, he challenges the average man’s conceptions of who God is and attempts to explain five (5) complex issues that must be included in discussing the problem of pain [A feeling of God (in the introduction), Divine Omnipotence, Divine Goodness, Human Wickedness and The Fall of Man.]
According to Lewis, you cannot understand or even address pain specifically until you have an understanding of each of the topics mentioned above. Interestingly enough, of the 10 chapters in the book, only two are devoted to human pain specifically. Having addressed human pain, Lewis then addresses the doctrine of Hell and Heaven, in chapters eight (8) and (10), with the problem of animal pain in chapter nine (9).
If you have ever read C.S. Lewis, you know it is impossible to unpack his works in a few measly words. The Problem of Pain is one of those works that you need to read twice to truly wrap your head around it and understand why pain exists.
In a world where everyone experiences pain, this book is an excellent resource for any leader who is looking for a straightforward, logical and theologically sound explanation of why there is pain in the world and why God allows it.
Good book choice! The “Inklings” NCC Small Group also read “A Grief Observed” immediately following “The Problem of Pain” this winter/spring. Very interesting. Definitely recommend the side-by-side look.
Aaron
April 26th, 2007