THE RIGHT THINGS FOUNDATION

                                                    WHY DO HUMANS SUFFER?

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The question of why humans suffer is a profound and complex one that has been contemplated by philosophers, theologians, and thinkers throughout history. Different perspectives offer various explanations for the existence of suffering. Here are a few key viewpoints:

 

1. Religious and spiritual perspectives: Many religious traditions attribute human suffering to factors such as the consequences of sin, moral transgressions, or the existence of evil forces. They often posit that suffering serves a purpose, such as testing, purification, or spiritual growth. Some believe that suffering allows individuals to develop virtues like compassion, empathy, and resilience.

2. Existential and philosophical perspectives: Existentialist thinkers suggest that suffering is an inherent part of the human condition. They argue that human existence inherently involves challenges, pain, and struggles. From this viewpoint, suffering arises from the limitations, uncertainties, and conflicts that are integral to the human experience.

3. Natural and social factors: Suffering can also arise from natural causes such as diseases, accidents, natural disasters, and the frailties of the human body. Additionally, social factors such as poverty, inequality, violence, and injustice contribute to human suffering. These perspectives focus on understanding suffering through the lens of human biology, psychology, social structures, and circumstances.

4. Karmic or cause-and-effect perspectives: Some belief systems, such as certain forms of Hinduism and Buddhism, propose that suffering is a result of past actions or karma. According to these perspectives, individuals experience the consequences of their actions, either in this life or in future lives.

 

It's important to note that these perspectives are not mutually exclusive, and individuals may find their own combination of explanations for human suffering based on their beliefs and experiences. Furthermore, each person's experience of suffering is unique, and the causes and responses to suffering can vary significantly.

 

Here are some more viewpoints:

1. Free Will and Moral Responsibility: According to this view, human suffering is a consequence of the choices individuals make. The presence of free will allows humans to make both positive and negative decisions, and suffering can result from the misuse of this freedom. In this context, suffering serves as a natural consequence of moral responsibility and the consequences of human actions.

2. The Fall and Original Sin: Some religious traditions, particularly within Christianity, attribute human suffering to the concept of the Fall and Original Sin. The story of Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden is seen as the origin of suffering, introducing a broken relationship with God and a fallen state of the world. Suffering is seen as a result of this fallen condition.

3. Spiritual Growth and Character Development: Another perspective suggests that suffering can serve as a catalyst for personal growth, resilience, and character development. Adversity and challenges can provide opportunities for individuals to cultivate virtues such as empathy, compassion, and perseverance.

4. Karma and Rebirth: In certain religious and philosophical traditions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, the concept of karma is central. Karma refers to the law of cause and effect, suggesting that one's actions in past lives or in the present life result in the experiences of pleasure or suffering. Suffering is seen as a consequence of past actions and an opportunity for spiritual progress and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

5. Existential and Natural Causes: Human suffering can also arise from natural causes such as illness, accidents, natural disasters, or the limitations of the human condition itself. Existential suffering, which pertains to the challenges of existence, meaning, and mortality, can be inherent in the human experience.

 

Exploring the question of human suffering is a deeply philosophical and existential inquiry that has prompted a wide range of theories and perspectives throughout history.

 

Further Reading:

1. I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race [is] not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.(KJV) Ecclesiastes 9:11

2. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:(KJV) Romans 5:12

3. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.(KJV) 1 John 3:8

4. [And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.(KJV) 1 John 5:19

 

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                                     WHAT DOES THE BIBLE PROMISE FOR THE FUTURE?

The Bible contains various promises and prophecies regarding the future. It's important to note that interpretations of these promises can vary among different religious traditions and individuals. Here are some commonly discussed promises from the Bible regarding the future:

1. The Second Coming of Jesus Christ: The Bible promises that Jesus will return to Earth in the future. This event is often associated with the establishment of God's kingdom, the final judgment of humanity, and the renewal of all things.

2. Eternal Life: The Bible promises eternal life to those who believe in Jesus Christ. It teaches that believers will be reunited with God in heaven and experience a perfect, everlasting existence.

3. New Heaven and New Earth: The Bible describes a future state where God will create a new heaven and a new earth, free from sin, suffering, and death. This is often associated with the concept of the "Kingdom of God" and the ultimate restoration of creation.

4. Resurrection: The Bible promises a bodily resurrection for believers. It teaches that those who have died in Christ will be raised to new life, with transformed and imperishable bodies.

5. Defeat of Evil: The Bible predicts the ultimate defeat of evil and the victory of God's righteousness. It speaks of a final judgment where evil will be condemned, and God will bring about justice and restoration.

6. Peace and Harmony: The Bible promises a future of peace and harmony, both among humanity and in the natural world. It envisions a time when swords will be turned into plowshares, and there will be no more war or suffering.

 

It's important to study these promises within the broader context of the Bible and consult various theological interpretations for a comprehensive understanding. Different Christian denominations and scholars may have nuanced interpretations of these future promises based on their understanding of scripture and theological traditions.

 

Further Reading:

1. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever.(KJV) Psalm 37:29

2. [One] generation passeth away, and [another] generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.(KJV) Ecclesiastes 1:4

3. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.(KJV) Revelation 21:4

4. And they shall build houses, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree [are] the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.(KJV) Isaiah 65:21-22

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                                                                              WHEN SOMEONE DIES

The concept of what happens when someone dies varies among different religious and cultural beliefs. Here are some perspectives from a religious and general standpoint:

Religious Perspectives:

1. Christianity: Christians believe that after death, the soul of a believer goes to be with God in heaven. Non-believers may face separation from God in a state often referred to as Hell. Some Christians also believe in a period of purification called Purgatory.

2. Islam: Muslims believe that after death, the soul undergoes a temporary state of waiting called Barzakh. On the Day of Judgment, individuals will be resurrected and face their deeds, leading to either paradise (Jannah) or punishment (Jahannam).

3. Hinduism: Hindus believe in the concept of reincarnation, where the soul takes on a new physical body after death based on its past actions (karma). The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth continues until the soul achieves liberation (moksha) and merges with the divine.

4. Buddhism: Buddhists believe in a cycle of death and rebirth called samsara. They aim to break this cycle by achieving enlightenment (nirvana) and ending the cycle of suffering.

 

Further Reading:

1. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.(KJV) Psalm 146:4

2. For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.(KJV) Ecclesiastes 9:5,10

 

GENERAL PERSPECTIVES:

 From a general standpoint, without a religious or spiritual belief, the concept of what happens after death can vary. Some common perspectives include:

1. Biological Process: After death, the body undergoes decomposition and returns to the elements of nature. This can involve burial, cremation, or other forms of disposition.

2. No Afterlife: Some people believe that death marks the end of consciousness, and there is no continuation of the individual's existence beyond physical death.

It's important to note that these perspectives are a brief summary and do not encompass all religious and cultural beliefs about the afterlife.

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