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The Problem of Pain | 
 enlarge | Author: C. S. Lewis
Publisher: HarperOne
Category: Book
List Price: $12.95
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Rating:  100 reviews
Sales Rank: 2804
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 176
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.8 x 5.3 x 0.5
ISBN: 0060652969
Dewey Decimal Number: 231.8
EAN: 9780060652968
ASIN: 0060652969
Publication Date: February 2001
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Availability: Usually ships in 7 to 13 days
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Amazon.com Review
The Problem of Pain answers the universal question, "Why would an all-loving, all-knowing God allow people to experience pain and suffering?" Master Christian apologist C.S. Lewis asserts that pain is a problem because our finite, human minds selfishly believe that pain-free lives would prove that God loves us. In truth, by asking for this, we want God to love us less, not more than he does. "Love, in its own nature, demands the perfecting of the beloved; that the mere 'kindness' which tolerates anything except suffering in its object is, in that respect at the opposite pole from Love." In addressing "Divine Omnipotence," "Human Wickedness," "Human Pain," and "Heaven," Lewis succeeds in lifting the reader from his frame of reference by artfully capitulating these topics into a conversational tone, which makes his assertions easy to swallow and even easier to digest. Lewis is straightforward in aim as well as honest about his impediments, saying, "I am not arguing that pain is not painful. Pain hurts. I am only trying to show that the old Christian doctrine that being made perfect through suffering is not incredible. To prove it palatable is beyond my design." The mind is expanded, God is magnified, and the reader is reminded that he is not the center of the universe as Lewis carefully rolls through the dissertation that suffering is God's will in preparing the believer for heaven and for the full weight of glory that awaits him there. While many of us naively wish that God had designed a "less glorious and less arduous destiny" for his children, the fortune lies in Lewis's inclination to set us straight with his charming wit and pious mind. --Jill Heatherly
Product Description
Why must humanity suffer? In this elegant and thoughtful work, C. S. Lewis questions the pain and suffering that occur everyday and how this contrasts with the notion of a God that is both omnipotent and good. An answer to this critical theological problem is found within these pages.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 95 more reviews...
 Brings out several good points January 8, 2009
I have been reading several of CS Lewis' books lately because I enjoy the way this man of great intellect and faith expresses the major doctrines of Christianity. He has a way of taking very difficult concepts and making them easy for me to understand. This book not only addresses why we have pain, but also explains several related doctrines more clearly than I have seen before.
His discussions on the characteristics of God and his love were presented well. He talks about God having power to do what is intrinsically possible, not the intrinsically impossible. God cannot allow free will and also make sure there is no pain. A loving God does allow pain, just as a loving parent sometimes allows pain to help his child become wiser and stronger. A child that has been totally protected from pain or consequences is spoiled and does not reach his or her potential.
From the above it appears that Lewis does strongly believe in free will, which does make the problem of pain much easier to comprehend. This happens to agree with my feelings on the subject. He also points out that we humans sometimes need pain to remind us of our need for God. I sometimes find myself forgetting to pray as often as I should when things are going smoothly; but I always seem to remember God when things are not going well.
I strongly recommend this book for anyone wanting to understand why God allows pain. I don't agree with all of his arguments, but I thought they all were well presented and it got me thinking.
 Incredible Answers January 6, 2009
Even though this book is thin, it took me a long time to make it through the first 3 chapters because there is so much food for thought. Chapter 3 especially changed the way I look at things. This is an important read for anyone who has ever asked "Why me?" or said "It doesn't seem fair". Or even for anyone who wants to experience a level of writing far beyond the normal read. I bought this book and made it through chapter 3 before giving it away to a friend in need, and had to buy a new one because I was desperate to read the rest.
A philosophical approach to the theology of suffering, pain and evil January 4, 2009
This is a helpful book for Christians who wonder about God's permissive and causative will in regard to pain and suffering among people, Christians and non-Christians, and in regard to evil in the world.
Lewis offers intriguing and enlightening discussions that highlight man's limited and finite understanding contrasted with God infinite wisdom and understanding founded upon his unconditional and unlimited love for all people.
Lewis' bottomline rests on the truth that God is good, is love and knows all things. God sees all things in light of eternity and in light of the eternal destinations of heaven and hell. His goal, beyond pain and pleasure, is to have people with him in heaven for eternity. The problem of pain and evil must be seen in light of this reality.
Lewis offers his usual adroit, simply-stated and profound writing and argument.
Craig Stephans, author of Shakespeare On Spirituality: Life-Changing Wisdom from Shakespeare's Plays
Superb! December 27, 2008
C.S. Lewis addresses one of the most difficult issues that we as humans must face in our journey through life! Why "pain"....I could never do justice to his literary work.....I'll suffice it to say that this book holds 'the answers' to anyone's serious inquirey of the Universal Question of "WHY"! A "must read". Dr. Cary Simonds
Lewis' "The Problem of Pain" always relevant December 24, 2008
You don't have to be religious to get something from this book. It is about one of the BIG questions we all have - and C.S. Lewis nails it. How do we mere mortals deal with a perfect God who allows things to be "less than perfect"? This is a good read, short, well written and cogent.The Problem of Pain
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