Dear Readers,

"Why did God let this happen?" is a question on the lips of many people, every day, around the world. Sometimes we utter that question in totally private suffering, when no one else hears, and at other times millions utter it in unison as tragic events shudder the entire world.

Privately or publicly, it will cross your lips at some time, somewhere, when we experience unfair, untimely tragedies.

It's a tough question.

It's a worthy question.

It's an unavoidable question—events in life automatically recycle the issue.

Last week I read in the newspaper quotes from students at Northern Illinois University asking the question in the wake of another senseless school shooting. The week before I read it in reactions to the fierce tornado outbreak that claimed the lives of more than 50 people throughout the southern United States.

At times I have even read this question posed as the grist for atheistic arguments against the very existence of God. "How can a loving God allow such suffering in the world?" they reason. They often conclude that such a God cannot exist. Or, if He does, He isn't what religion makes Him out to be, or He isn't worthy of worship, or He is so far removed from us that He is unconcerned about our fate and troubles.

Are these views right or wrong?

"Why does God allow suffering?" is a question we have examined as well. It is, in fact, the title of one of our most popular booklets, which testifies to the importance of this topic.

"Suffering. It's not a pleasant subject to discuss, but a necessary one," the introduction reads. "Suffering plagues our world. In its many forms it affects us physically, psychologically and emotionally." This booklet will help you understand how suffering began, how it will end—and why it continues.

If we are going to ask God why He allows suffering, it is reasonable and fair that we first examine His Word to search for answers He may have already provided. His Bible is, in fact, the key source that can help us discover the reasons people suffer.

As we state in the booklet, "The biblical view of life is realistic and encouraging. The Bible explains why pain has always been with us and why it will remain, at least for a time.

"At the same time the biblical view is also encouraging, especially when we expand our thinking to see life in terms of God's plan and His purpose for mankind."

I urge you to take some time to read this material. You can download Why Does God Allow Suffering? from our Web site, read it online or order your personal copy.

This is a critically important issue to ponder—the answers and concepts will impact your relationship with God, your understanding of events that unfold around us and your hope for the future!

Until next time,

Clyde Kilough
President
United Church of God