Review of The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis

The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis, arguably the most influential Christian writer of his time, gives insight to one of the ultimate questions on everyone's mind: Why do we suffer? more so Why would an all loving and good God let us suffer?  Lewis gives us an in depth analysis of the Christian answer to suffering; that through pain we find strength and ultimately are brought to God.  He analyzes the different kinds of pain we feel, the difference between human pain and animal pain, theories about heaven and hell, and the fall of humans that initially led to sin and pain.  The fact that God gave us free will means that we have choices to make and in order to make the right decision there has to be a wrong decision with unfavorable outcomes.  Pain is derived from sin, which there has always been since the fall and will always be.  God made the ultimate sacrifice for us to escape from sin and be saved.  However with free will we are still given the choice whether to accept His love. 

 

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world".  Is it not true that more people turn to God when they are at their deepest despair, when they are suffering the most, when there is an unexplainable tragedy?  "We regard God as an airman regards his parachute; it's there for emergencies but he hopes he'll never have to use it".  In a sense we are shown the light through our pain.  We learn from our pain... learn things that we would have never understood at the time.  Often the lesson we learn from suffering is not apparent until long after... something we could have never foreseen but is known only by God.  

 

Lewis goes further to state that knowing pain is a necessary step to being saved, it leads to compassion, love, pity, and knowledge... therefore the question we should be asking is not why some good, compassionate, pious, humble people suffer... but why some do not?  We may think we are lucky and superior by being born into wealthy and privileged families but maybe it is the people in remote, poor, and desolate families that are the lucky ones in God's eyes.  They are all the wiser from the trials and tribulations they have faced through out their lives and have a stronger, more intimate and true relationship with our Father in Heaven. 

 

This book gives you a firm grasp on the concept of pain and why it is necessary in this world.  Lewis has great insight into the Christian religion and what it is all about.  His style of writing was difficult for me to understand at times, and sections of the book I had to read more than once... but if even you were to ponder why there is so much suffering in this world... or why you were personally dealt with painful experiences in your life and want to know why, Lewis might be able to give you some satisfaction, closer, answer, or simple insight to this subject.  To these people I suggest picking up a copy of this book.