Deep Discussions About Why People Suffer

Today the students worked in small groups to ponder a series of deep questions about Christianity.

Chloe Z., Colby, Chloe M. and Justin tackled the challenging question of why God -- who is supposed to be loving and kind -- allows people to suffer. The group's discussion was absolutely fascinating, and here's a summary from Chloe Z.:

Suffering is as natural as happiness. It makes us appreciate the good things more. It's actually what makes us have happiness, since happiness is only there when it's compared to suffering. 

A lot of suffering is caused by death, and that is only to make way for the living. 

Also, I think the amount of suffering differs between people because god wants the world to be interesting and have different things. And after all, when you die heaven makes up for your sufferings.

Octavia, Adam, Logan and Isabelle also had a great conversation about this difficult topic. Here is Octavia's perspective:

I think that some people in the world suffer more than others because we need to be reminded to be grateful and to have faith in God.  

When a person is going through a hard time in their life, the person's faith may be tested because he/she questions why God is letting them suffer. If the hard times go away, the person's faith may be even stronger afterward. 

Suffering is also a reminder from God that people should help each other, so it may increase kindness in the world. 

One other reason that God created suffering is because without knowing what suffering and pain feel like, we may never feel happiness or know kindness.

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Meanwhile, Brody, Austin, Anna and Willow had a fascinating discussion about what Heaven could be like.

They shared lots of vivid details and descriptions with each other.

I was very impressed with the way the four of them listened so closely to one another and built on each other's ideas!

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Then, during Core 3, Cadigan, Courtney, Brynne and Carson N. debated the idea of forgiveness, which we have learned is a central teaching of Christianity.

Specifically, Courtney stated his belief that God is endlessly forgiving: no matter how many times a person messes up -- even if the person's sin involves violence -- God forgives the person and continues to love him.

Cadigan had a different perspective. She emphasized that God wants us to change our bad ways (especially if they involve violence) and that he must -- eventually -- become impatient with people who continue to sin.

This discussion was deeper than the deep blue sea. I am so grateful for students who are willing to ponder these difficult topics and share their perspectives!!