Problem of Pain

[I less than three logic]

OK, so it is evident that some people just aren't getting it.

Let's look at the "problem of pain" issue. What, exactly, do you believe is the problem? Do those deny that pain does some good things too?

First, it appears you haven’t read anything anyone has said. People are clearly distinguishing pain from suffering.

Would you want to live in a fantasy world of no pain (and therefore ignore all the good sensations too) ?

Second, this is a non-sequitur and a false dichotomy. The people from the article are suffering from a genetic disorder that affects the entire nervous system, more than simply not feeling pain. It is entirely possible to view options beyond all or nothing when it comes to pain and other sensations. What if, instead of the disabling agony severe injuries cause, we get a sensation of a detailed damage report of what has happened and whether it is safe to use that limb. Surely God can muster that up for us, couldn’t he?

 

[T'ai Chi]

People are clearly distinguishing pain from suffering.

Change it to the 'problem of suffering', and then ask yourself if you disagree that suffering arises from pain. Then ask yourself if you being nitpicky is really accomplishing anything.

Surely God can muster that up for us, couldn’t he?

Surely billions of years of universe evolution could have mustered up that for us, couldn't it?

 

[Mojo]

Change it to the 'problem of suffering', and then ask yourself if you disagree that suffering arises from pain. Then ask yourself if you being nitpicky is really accomplishing anything.

Well, let's have a look at some of the posts in this thread where the concepts of "pain" and "suffering" have been discussed.

I'm assuming the question that some people were supposed to have asked was
'if there is a god(s), then why is there pain??

and then you suggest that this is a naive view. You are however doing a rather great disservice to a great deal of people who suffer from chronic pain (of all descriptions) for which they receive absolutely no benefit. From this perspective, if one prescribed to the possibility of an omnipotent deity, then this would be a valid criticism of such a notion.

Ummm... I think it is typically the Problem of Suffering. And it is usually an unjust suffering that does no good.

It doesn't "all come back to pain". You've got nerve endings - which transmits pain to your brain. Pain can be a very, very good thing. It lets you know something is amiss. We don't always suffer because of pain.

As already mentioned by others, you are misrepresenting the case. The question "why is there pain" cuite correctly does not make too much sense, and I doubt very many people will ask that in seriousness.

The proper question is: "Why is there suffering?"

Pain is useful and with or without evolution, it is rather obvious why it is there.

The big classical question is, why a supposedly benevolent god would create a situation where a sizeable proportion of mankind, apparantly undeservedly, suffer substantial and prolonged, both literal pain, but also sorrow, frustration, abuse, etc.

Wrong we suffer because of excessive pain, so why would we be designed to feel pain after its useful period is over? Why does cronic pain exist? That is the issue, not all pain.

Do you really not understand the distinction?

 

[Foster Zygote]

Change it to the 'problem of suffering', and then ask yourself if you disagree that suffering arises from pain. Then ask yourself if you being nitpicky is really accomplishing anything.

You're completely missing the point. I'm sure any sane person would agree that physical pain serves an important purpose. It keeps us from sticking our hand in the fire or peeing on the electric fence.

What people mean when they ask "why does an omnipotent, omniscient, infallible and perfectly loving god allow suffering" refers to things like say, a father watching as his wife and children are shot in the head in front of an open pit by by an SS special unit before being shot himself. Do you have a good answer regarding such questions for those of us who don't think much?
I don't know why I bother asking.

Surely billions of years of universe evolution could have mustered up that for us, couldn't it?

You're the one defending the idea that there is an intelligent designer of the universe. Natural selection is not conscious so it doesn't really care whether we're comfortable or not.

Steven

 

[T'ai Chi]

Let's get this back on track since people keep getting off track.

Can people use their imagination and think of 'good' uses of pain?

How about the ability to enjoy very spicy food, avoid dangers, sexual pleasure, sore muscles that would tell the body to not exercise harder and really wear out the person, etc.

 

[Foster Zygote]

Let's get this back on track since people keep getting off track.

From your OP:

For those that don't think very much and ask 'if there is a god(s), then where is there pain??'

You can't answer the challenges posed to you so you either ignore them or try to pretend you meant something else.

Can people use their imagination and think of 'good' uses of pain?

How about the ability to enjoy very spicy food, avoid dangers, sexual pleasure, sore muscles that would tell the body to not exercise harder and really wear out the person, etc.

Some of us have already covered that. Do you read anything?

Steven

 

[Lothian]

Let's get this back on track since people keep getting off track.

All bar one person are on track. We all agree pain has its uses but don’t see how the Christian model of a loving God fits in with extremes of emotional and physical pain. Perhaps you can either;
1. Explain
2. Ignore
3. Ask that we get back on a new track

 

[Complexity]

Let's get this back on track since people keep getting off track.

Can people use their imagination and think of 'good' uses of pain?

I'm thinking of one very good use for pain right now.

 

[Cleon]

Let's get this back on track since people keep getting off track.

Can people use their imagination and think of 'good' uses of pain?

Google "BDSM."

How about the ability to enjoy very spicy food, avoid dangers, sexual pleasure, sore muscles that would tell the body to not exercise harder and really wear out the person, etc.

Well, again, from an evolutionary perspective, pain is good. It keeps us from damaging ourselves, thus helping us to survive.

 

[RandFan]

Well, again, from an evolutionary perspective, pain is good. It keeps us from damaging ourselves, thus helping us to survive.

Yep, an associate of mine is paraplegic. He burned his legs very severely once when he put a hot pan on his lap. He didn't realize that it was hot and didn't move it immediately which made the burn much worse than it would have been if he could have felt it. Developed a nasty infection.