The Life Principles
The following article summarizes the four levels of suffering in the book, Healing the Culture: A Commonsense Philosophy of Happiness, Freedom, and the Life Issues (by Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D.). This book provides the curriculum upon which our mission and activities are based.
Why God Allows Suffering
by Marie Harkins and Camille Pauley
No one wants to suffer. In fact, our natural human response is to run from suffering whenever possible. Unfortunately, each of us will have to face it in varying degrees. Heartache, pain, and loss are unavoidable facts of human life. But even though suffering is never "good" in itself, tremendous good can come from it when people rise to the occasion. In fact, every moment of suffering opens a door to the possibility of bringing greater love, compassion, contribution, hope, inspiration, and faith into the world. If we fail to understand the true meaning of suffering, we will miss the positive effects that can emerge from it, and we will completely overlook the intrinsic dignity of the suffering person, resulting in a shallow understanding of what it means to be "compassionate." (If you have not yet read the first article on the four levels of happiness, click here).
Suffering 1
From a Level 1 view of happiness, suffering is meaningless. If we are living for material wealth and sensual pleasures, any kind of suffering at all will plunge us into crisis. Obviously, it is difficult (if not impossible) to acquire new possessions and to experience pleasure if one is very ill or severely disadvantaged. From a Level 1 view of life, then, suffering can lead only to depression, despair, and complete loss of self-worth.
Suffering 2
Similarly, living for the competitive edge frequently leads us to view suffering as a setback. After all, if I can no longer run the fastest mile on the track team, get the highest grades, or outpace my colleagues, what do I have left to live for? I will begin to believe that my life (and my suffering) is meaningless. Level 2 can produce some positive effects, but not long-term ones. For example, if I sense that there is an end in sight, I may be inspired to take courage and endure the pain. If I sense that the suffering can give me an advantage in the future, such as earn me the respect of others or make me stronger, then it is tolerable for a while. But such effects do not last. Ultimately, the results of Level 2 suffering become depression, despair, self-pity, bitterness, anger, resentment, and isolation.
Suffering 3
But there is much more to human suffering than initially meets the eye. From a Level 3 view of life, we are able to recognize that even in the midst of terrible pain, great good can emerge. Through it, I can choose to view suffering as an opportunity for great growth - growth in wisdom, love, forgiveness, concern for others, compassion, leadership, and humility. In addition, I can recognize that suffering does not bring about only personal growth, but also encourages tremendous growth in the lives of countless others. Suffering persons can be a cause for others to look outside of themselves, to see beyond their own difficulties, to express authentic love, compassion and empathy for another human being. In essence, by allowing others to enter into his or her vulnerability, the suffering person wields a tremendous power: the capacity for bringing a depth of love and hope into the world that perhaps would otherwise never be possible.
Suffering 4
From a Level 4 view of life, suffering obtains even greater meaning. When offered to God in humble trust, our human suffering can be an incredible agent of grace and holiness for ourselves and for the world. Level 4 allows us to trust that even in our deepest pain, even when we cannot see it, God can bring about a good that we never thought possible. Such a perception allows us to look to Him with confidence, to surrender ourselves to His perfect wisdom, and to declare with true courage: "Thy will be done."
© Copyright 2005 Healing the Culture. All rights reserved. Marie Harkins is past Director of Administration for Healing the Culture and currently contributes to special projects. Camille Pauley is the co-founder and President of Healing the Culture.
The preceding article summarizes the four levels of love in the book, Healing the Culture: A Commonsense Philosophy of Happiness, Freedom, and the Life Issues (by Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D.). This book provides the curriculum upon which our mission and activities are based.
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