Suffering

"We have this hope: that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." (Romans 5:3-4) Suffering in Christianity is a mystery transformed by the cross. Christ suffered; his followers share this suffering. But it is not the end—the resurrection promises final victory. Suffering can purify and bring us closer to God. "Blessed are those who suffer, for they will be comforted." Source ✤

"We will certainly test you with fear, hunger, loss of possessions, lives and fruits. But give good news to the patients." (Quran 2:155) Islam views suffering as a test (ibtila) of Allah. The correct answer is sabr (patience) and tawakkul (trust). Suffering atones for sins and elevates the soul. The Prophet suffered a lot and persevered. "Allah does not give a soul more than it can bear." (2:286) Source ✤

"Suffering is part of nature—no divine purpose, but it can be reduced." (Secular View) The atheist view typically doesn't see suffering as purposeful—it's the result of natural processes and human choices. This means reducing suffering is our responsibility, not accepting it as God's will. Science, medicine, and social reform are tools for reducing suffering. Source ✤

"The cause of suffering is ignorance (avidya) about our true nature." (Yoga Sutras) Hinduism teaches that suffering (duhkha) results from karma and avidya. Understanding our true nature (atman) liberates. Suffering can be tapas (purifying austerity) that burns away impurities. Moksha (liberation) is the cessation of suffering by transcending illusion. Source ✤

"The First Noble Truth: Life is duhkha (suffering/dissatisfaction)." (Four Noble Truths) Buddhism begins by recognizing the reality of suffering. The cause is tanha (desire/attachment). The path of cessation is the Noble Eightfold Path. Suffering is not punishment—it is the nature of conditioned existence. Understanding duhkha correctly is the first step towards liberation. Source ✤

"Adversity is the jade we polish; without polishing, there is no shine." (Chinese proverb) Taoism views suffering as a temporary imbalance—yin and yang always alternate. Resisting increases suffering. Confucianism views adversity as an opportunity to cultivate virtue. "When you are depressed, you are living in the past. When you are anxious, you are living in the future. When you are at peace, you are living in the present." Source ✤

In African Traditional Religions, suffering is framed as a path to purpose and perspective. The tradition encourages reflection on what truly matters, aligning daily choices with a larger meaning. The goal is to move from confusion to direction. Source ✤

"Suffering can be ebó—an offering that transforms." (Candomblé Tradition) In Candomblé and Umbanda, suffering can have multiple causes: axé imbalance, work done, spiritual debt, or simply destiny (odú). Consulting the shells reveals the cause and the path. The black elders of Umbanda know suffering—they were slaves—and teach resistance with faith. The terreiro community supports you in difficult times. Ubuntu: no one suffers alone. Source ✤

"Suffering is the soul's teacher—but not punishment." (Spiritism) Spiritism teaches that suffering is how souls learn and evolve. It may be the consequence of past actions (karma) or lessons the soul chose. Understanding this isn't fatalism—we should still reduce suffering. Suffering should be accepted but not sought. Source ✤

"Pain and pleasure are the two fabrics sewn into our cloak of life." (Guru Granth Sahib) Sikhism teaches that pain and pleasure are parts of hukam (divine order). The ego (haumai) is the true cause of suffering. Naam (remembrance of God) transforms the experience of suffering. Chardhi kala (elevated spirit) must be maintained even in adversity. Source ✤

"Why do the righteous suffer?" (Job) Judaism struggles with the problem of suffering. Job questions; the Psalms lament. There is no easy answer. Jewish theodicy includes yissurin shel ahavah (sufferings of love) that purify. The Holocaust challenged all theology. The Jewish response is often to act to reduce the suffering of others. Source ✤

"Sufferings are like summer clouds that soon pass away; they prepare us for the blessings to come." (Abdul-Baha) The Bahai Faith sees suffering as a spiritual educator. Abdul-Baha, despite decades of exile and imprisonment, maintained radiant joy. Tests are opportunities for growth. Faith transforms the experience of suffering. Source ✤

"Suffering is the work of Angra Mainyu; fighting it is a sacred duty." (Zoroastrian tradition) Zoroastrianism does not romanticize suffering—it is the work of evil forces. The duty of the faithful is to combat suffering wherever they can. Ahura Mazda is all-good; evil comes from Angra Mainyu. In the end, Ahura Mazda will win. Perseverance in suffering strengthens the side of good. Source ✤

"The gods determine destinies; the wise accept their lot." (Sumerian wisdom) The Sumerians saw suffering as part of the destiny decreed by the gods. Laments were composed to express pain. Prayers asked for relief. But resignation was taught—humans were created to serve the gods, not to be happy. Gilgamesh sought in vain to escape death. Source ✤

"Isfet (chaos) brings suffering; Maat (order) brings peace." (Egyptian tradition) Suffering in Ancient Egypt was often attributed to Isfet—chaos, disorder. Protective gods were invoked against evils. Magical medicine healed. The promise of life after death offered hope. Texts of lamentation legitimately expressed suffering. Source ✤

In Sumerian Religion, suffering is framed as a path to purpose and perspective. The tradition encourages reflection on what truly matters, aligning daily choices with a larger meaning. The goal is to move from confusion to direction. Source ✤

In Ancient Egyptian Religion, suffering is framed as a path to purpose and perspective. The tradition encourages reflection on what truly matters, aligning daily choices with a larger meaning. The goal is to move from confusion to direction. Source ✤