All Suffering articles
-
ShowsEarthquakes and cancer: Why is God’s good world so full of suffering? with Sharon Dirckx
Christians normally explain away human-caused suffering by pointing to God giving us free will, and our sinful natures using that to harm ourselves and each other. But what about all the things entirely out of our control which cause so much sadness, from natural disasters to genetic diseases?
-
ArticleIs happiness enough, or do we seek purpose and fulfilment?
Why suffering, instead of being a reason to turn us away from God, can be the way that we find him
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #178 Scott Tuohy: A Lewis quotation changed my life
When scaffolder Scott Tuohy heard a quotation from CS Lewis while attending an Alpha course, he was so profoundly moved by it, he got the quote tattooed on his bicep the next day. His life has never been the same since. Here, he shares his story with Ruth Jackson.
-
Shows#122 Mirjam Schilling: Why did God create mosquitoes?
Virologist and theologian Dr Mirjam Schilling answers questions asked by a live audience at Holy Trinity Church, Aylesbury. This show was recorded in partnership with Aylesbury Vale Youth For Christ.
-
ShowsAssisted suicide: Euthanasia tourism takes off in the US amid fresh push to change law in Britain
Today we pick up a number of stories and updates in the conversation around assisted suicide. Long since legal in a growing number of states in the US, a new report has detailed how things are liberalising further. Some states now permit non-residents to cross state lines solely to die, creating a new market in euthanasia tourism for those living in less liberal parts of America.
-
ArticleA Christian explanation for Natural Evil from the Dirckx vs Woodford debates
An apologetic for natural disasters using the Genesis creation story
-
ArticleOut of darkness: How dabbling in demonology led to discovering Jesus
Former atheist Chris Adam experienced a difficult, chaotic childhood and was drawn to witchcraft and demonology to gain control over his life. Researcher Jana Harmon shares how his life changed dramatically after reading the Bible
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #170 Alister McGrath: Is Lewis a helpful spiritual mentor?
How did CS Lewis live out his Christian faith? What practical tools or approaches can he offer to inform our spiritual practices? How can Lewis help us work out our vocation? Does he have any advice for those experiencing doubt? Professor Alister McGrath explores how we can use Lewis as a resource for our Christian life.
-
ShowsUnapologetic #116 Nicola Morrison: A trip to church saved my life
Nicola Morrison, an editor and former BBC reporter, has experienced many highs and lows in her personal and professional life. She shares her struggles with childhood trauma, mental health difficulties and career setbacks. Following a failed attempt to take her own life, Nicola visited a church, which changed the trajectory of her life forever. You can read more of her story in Victory is My Name.
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #169 James Emery White: Culture, translation and COVID-19
How did CS Lewis translate Christianity for ordinary people? What would he say to our post-Christian culture? Can Lewis help with evangelism? In what ways did people apply his ideas to the COVID-19 pandemic? Pastor, author and theologian Dr James Emery White explores how we can draw on Lewis in our modern context.
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #168 Philip Tallon: What if God isn’t good?
Did Lewis want to rewrite some of his earlier work on suffering in light of his own experience of pain and loss? Did Lewis doubt the existence of God or question his character during these times? What words of encouragement would Lewis give to those in the throes of suffering? Dr Philip Tallon explores A Grief Observed and The Problem of Pain. He also shares how to help younger readers engage with Lewis.
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #167 Philip Tallon: How do hell, the Fall and beauty fit into Lewis’ theodicy?
How does Lewis perceive the Fall? Is he able to reconcile it with an evolutionary model? Where does the cross feature in The Problem of Pain? What did Lewis think of hell? In what ways does Lewis help us to recognise beauty and aesthetics in our discussions around theodicy? We continue our conversation with Dr Philip Tallon.
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #166 Philip Tallon: Is pain a megaphone?
Can pain ever be good for us? What about children with cancer? How do we account for animal suffering? Will our pets be in heaven? Does our theology of heaven impact our thoughts around suffering? Dr Philip Tallon shares his thoughts about Lewis’ The Problem of Pain.
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #165 Philip Tallon: Is pain a problem?
Dr Philip Tallon, Associate Professor of Theology and Dean of The School of Christian Thought at Houston Christian University, unpacks one of Lewis’ earliest work of apologetics The Problem of Pain. What are the critiques of this book and can any of these challenges be overcome?
-
ShowsUnapologetic #111: Johan Erasmus: Is there more to life than atheism?
Afrikaner pastor Johan Erasmus shares the second half of his story. Why did the New Atheists’ arguments lose their appeal? How did the Bible become less embarrassing? Where does he turn with his doubts? In what ways does Johan’s faith inform his passion for racial reconciliation? Read more in Coming To Faith Through Dawkins.
-
ShowsThe CS Lewis Podcast #164 Johan Erasmus: Coming to faith via Dawkins and Lewis
Following the death of his father as a child, Afrikaner pastor Johan Erasmus struggled to find a place where he could ask sceptical questions about faith, God and the Universe. During this time he discovered CS Lewis, but also Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens.
-
ArticleWhat will heaven be like?
Writer Steve Schramm explores important questions about the afterlife
-
ShowsUnapologetic #109 Justyn Terry: Jürgen Moltmann on suffering, politics and hope
Does God suffer? How does a “crucified God” speak to our pain? Where can we find hope? How should we engage with politics?
-
ShowsIf God is the creator and doesn’t make mistakes, what about trans people? (and other questions) Sexuality, Miracles, and Evolution: Tackling tough questions
If God is the creator and doesn’t make mistakes, what about trans people? 👀 Are miracles real and can they ever be medically verified? 🔥 In today’s episode we’re taking you to the second half of the recording of a live event we call NO QUESTION OFF LIMITS which we hosted with Spring Harvest last month.
-
ShowsUnapologetic #108 Michael Lloyd: Why did God create wasps?
Why are our prayers not answered? Where does the cross fit into the problem of suffering? Why did God create creatures like mosquitoes, poisonous snakes and wasps? Does God always get his way? Can good ever come out of suffering? Rev Dr Michael Lloyd, author of Cafe Theology, continues his discussion about evil and suffering.
