In several of the past few blogs of this year, we have talked about the millions that have been tortured, tormented, and killed by various governments who were attempting to restructure their society according to their vision. The atrocities committed in our world throughout time are truly staggering.
In order to try and make sense of the suffering that occurs in our world, we quoted Mark Twain who asked why God, if he is truly all powerful, does not prevent all this suffering. If we want to honestly address this issue, we must admit Mark Twain is right. God could prevent all the evil and suffering if he wanted. But he does not. So does God have a reason why? What could be so important to God that he would allow such suffering?
The scientist Henri Poincaré in speaking about the benefits of studying astronomy comments:
“Astronomy is useful because it raises us above ourselves. . .It shows us how small is man’s body, how great his mind, since his intelligence can embrace the whole of this dazzling immensity, where his body is only an obscure point, and enjoy its silent harmony. Thus we attain the consciousness of our power, and this is something which cannot cost too dear.
Think how diminished humanity would be if, under heavens constantly overclouded. . .it had forever remained ignorant of the stars.” {1}
Poincaré’s point is that we, who are smaller than a speck compared to the universe, are yet somehow able to comprehend the stars and the universe and this knowledge is something that cannot cost us too dear because of what it tells us about our capabilities and what it means to be human.
Cannot the same be said about the knowledge of other aspects of our soul? The Holocaust and other horrific events that occur far too regularly in our world teach us the depth of depravity our soul can reach. The Bible accurately pictures this not so noble aspect of our soul. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 ESV).
As described in my book, The Renovation of our Soul, God’s purpose for our lives is more than for us to have the correct beliefs about God or take a few actions sanctioned by a church. Rather it is nothing less than to renovate our soul so it becomes like God. It is because the change our soul is of such great importance to God that he allows suffering in our lives. For us it is worth whatever price we need to pay here on earth to make this transition.
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[1] Henri Poincaré, George Bruce Halsted, translator. The Foundations of Science, Lancaster, PA: The Science Press, 1946. p. 289.
