- The document discusses the problem of pain and suffering from an apologetic perspective. It addresses the argument that if God is all-powerful and loving, he would not allow suffering in the world. - It explores various causes of suffering, including free will, sin, and natural causes. While sin is a major cause, not all suffering can be explained by sin alone. - The document argues that while suffering exists, God gave humans free will and the world operates according to physical laws, so some suffering is an unintended consequence of these factors rather than a sign that God is not good.

1. The Problem of Pain and SufferingThe Problem of Pain and Suffering
(and The Problem of Evil)(and The Problem of Evil)
痛苦與苦難的難題 （邪惡的問痛苦與苦難的難題 （邪惡的問
題）題）
John OakesJohn Oakes
Hong Kong Church of Christ CampusHong Kong Church of Christ Campus
MinistryMinistry
2-Jan 20122-Jan 2012

2. Also…
Apologetics Research Society Presents
Jan, 2010
Certificate Program in Christian Apologetics
Classes on DVD
For information: joakes01@san.rr.com

3. The Problem of Pain and SufferingThe Problem of Pain and Suffering
痛苦與苦難的難題痛苦與苦難的難題
 An apologetic/intellectual problemAn apologetic/intellectual problem
護教學護教學 // 理智問題理智問題
 A human problemA human problem
人類的問題人類的問題

4. Pain and Suffering: An ApologeticPain and Suffering: An Apologetic
ProblemProblem 痛苦與苦難：護教學問題痛苦與苦難：護教學問題
 Agnostic:Agnostic: 不可知論者不可知論者：：
 God of the Bible is completely good and loving.God of the Bible is completely good and loving.
聖經中的神是全善全愛的聖經中的神是全善全愛的
 God of the Bible is all-knowing and all-powerful.God of the Bible is all-knowing and all-powerful.
聖經中的神是全知及全能的聖經中的神是全知及全能的
 Conclusion: Given all the pain and suffering in the world,Conclusion: Given all the pain and suffering in the world,
the God of the Bible is not real.the God of the Bible is not real.
結論：看到這世界的痛苦及受苦，聖經中的神是假的結論：看到這世界的痛苦及受苦，聖經中的神是假的

5. Examples of SufferingExamples of Suffering 苦難的例子苦難的例子
 Are they truly bad/evil?Are they truly bad/evil? 是否真的是否真的壞壞 // 邪惡邪惡
？？
 Are they GodAre they God’s fault?’s fault? 神神的錯嗎？神神的錯嗎？

6. Kinds of SufferingKinds of Suffering 不同種類的苦難不同種類的苦難
 Physical pain: acute and chronicPhysical pain: acute and chronic 生理上痛苦： 急性及慢生理上痛苦： 急性及慢
性性
 Disease: acute and chronicDisease: acute and chronic 病：急性及慢性病：急性及慢性
 Broken relationshipsBroken relationships 關係破裂關係破裂
 Poverty, hunger, etc.Poverty, hunger, etc. 貧窮，貧窮，飢餓飢餓
 Violence; terrorism, genocide, violent crime, etc.Violence; terrorism, genocide, violent crime, etc.
暴力；暴力；恐怖主義恐怖主義，，種族滅絕種族滅絕，嚴重罪行，嚴重罪行
 Chronic fear (rape, natural disasters, abuse, etc.)Chronic fear (rape, natural disasters, abuse, etc.)
慢性恐懼 （強姦，自然災害，慢性恐懼 （強姦，自然災害，虐待虐待））
 Disappointment, feelings of failure, loss of hopeDisappointment, feelings of failure, loss of hope
失望，失敗的感受，失去盼望失望，失敗的感受，失去盼望
 Death of a loved one, mourningDeath of a loved one, mourning

13. Bottom line, there is a lot of pain and suffering in
the world.
結果，這世界有很多苦難
Question: Is this because God does not care, or is
this because he is not sufficiently powerful to
prevent human suffering and evil in the world?
問題： 這是否代表神不關心，或代表他沒有足夠的
能力去阻止這世上的苦難及邪惡嗎？
Caution: There is no simple answer.
小心： 並沒有一個簡單的答案

14. Causes of SufferingCauses of Suffering 苦難的成因苦難的成因
 Free WillFree Will 自由意志自由意志
 SinSin 罪罪
 Natural DisastersNatural Disasters 天然災害天然災害
 FoolishnessFoolishness 愚蠢愚蠢

15. Free Will: God Gives Us a ChoiceFree Will: God Gives Us a Choice
自由意志：神給我們選擇自由意志：神給我們選擇
 Deuteronomy 30:15-20Deuteronomy 30:15-20 申命記申命記 30:15-2030:15-20
 Joshua 24:15Joshua 24:15 約書亞記約書亞記 24:1524:15
 John 7:17John 7:17 約翰福音約翰福音 7:177:17
 Question: What is the alternative?Question: What is the alternative?
問題： 有否其他選擇呢？問題： 有否其他選擇呢？
 Question: Is this a sign that God does not love us?Question: Is this a sign that God does not love us?
問題：這是否代表神不愛我們呢？問題：這是否代表神不愛我們呢？
 God took a huge risk…God took a huge risk…
神冒了很大的危險神冒了很大的危險

16. Free Will, An Illustration: The Prodigal Son
自由意志，例子：浪子回頭

17. Cause of Human Suffering and Evil: SINCause of Human Suffering and Evil: SIN
人類受苦及邪惡的成因：罪人類受苦及邪惡的成因：罪
 The great majority (but not all) of suffering is the resultThe great majority (but not all) of suffering is the result
of sinof sin 大部份（不是所有）的苦難都是罪的後果大部份（不是所有）的苦難都是罪的後果
 Addiction, lack of self-controlAddiction, lack of self-control 成癮成癮 ,, 缺乏自控能力缺乏自控能力
 Sexual immorality, perversion and abuseSexual immorality, perversion and abuse 不到德的性行為不到德的性行為
，，誤用誤用，，濫用濫用
 Anger, violenceAnger, violence 憤怒，暴力憤怒，暴力
 GreedGreed 貪婪貪婪
 Pride, arrogance, jealousy, desire for controlPride, arrogance, jealousy, desire for control
驕傲，自大，妒忌，控制慾望驕傲，自大，妒忌，控制慾望
 SelfishnessSelfishness 自私自私

18. GodGod’s Moral Law is Simple: Sin Produces Suffering’s Moral Law is Simple: Sin Produces Suffering
神的道德律法很簡單：罪惡引伸苦難神的道德律法很簡單：罪惡引伸苦難
 Exodus 20:5-6Exodus 20:5-6 You shall not bow down to them (the idols youYou shall not bow down to them (the idols you
have made) or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am ahave made) or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a
jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathersjealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers toto
the third and fourth generationthe third and fourth generation of those who hate me, butof those who hate me, but
showing love to thousands who love me and keep myshowing love to thousands who love me and keep my
commands.commands.
出埃及記出埃及記 20:5-620:5-6 不 可 跪 拜 那 些 像 、 也 不 可 事 奉不 可 跪 拜 那 些 像 、 也 不 可 事 奉
他 、 因 為 我 耶 和 華 你 的 神 是 忌 邪 的 神 、他 、 因 為 我 耶 和 華 你 的 神 是 忌 邪 的 神 、
恨 我 的 、 我 必 追 討 他 的 罪 、 自 父 及 子 、恨 我 的 、 我 必 追 討 他 的 罪 、 自 父 及 子 、 直 到直 到
三 四 代三 四 代 ．愛 我 守 我 誡 命 的 、 我 必 向 他 們 發 慈．愛 我 守 我 誡 命 的 、 我 必 向 他 們 發 慈
愛 、 直 到 千 代 。愛 、 直 到 千 代 。
 God is love and God is just.God is love and God is just. 神是愛及公義神是愛及公義
 Bear in mind Ezekiel 18:19-20Bear in mind Ezekiel 18:19-20 記住以西結書記住以西結書 18:19-2018:19-20

19. Is Sin the Cause of All Suffering?Is Sin the Cause of All Suffering?
罪是所有苦難的成因嗎？罪是所有苦難的成因嗎？
 Job: Why did he suffer?Job: Why did he suffer? 約伯：為何他要受苦？約伯：為何他要受苦？
 John 9John 9 約翰福音約翰福音 99
 Is AIDS GodIs AIDS God’s punishment for homosexuality? No!’s punishment for homosexuality? No!
愛滋病是神懲罰同性戀嗎？不是！愛滋病是神懲罰同性戀嗎？不是！

20. Tsunami off Sumatra in 2004: Whose sin was this a punishment for?
2004 年的南亞大海嘯：是誰的罪導致呢？

21. Causes of Suffering #3: Natural CausesCauses of Suffering #3: Natural Causes
苦難的成因苦難的成因 33 ： 天然成因： 天然成因
 Plate TectonicsPlate Tectonics 板塊移動板塊移動
 WeatherWeather 氣候氣候
 BacteriaBacteria 細菌細菌
 These are all very good things.These are all very good things. 這些都是非常好的東西這些都是非常好的東西

22. A Question: Is Pain Evil?A Question: Is Pain Evil?
問題：痛苦是邪惡嗎？問題：痛苦是邪惡嗎？
 Touch a burner on the stoveTouch a burner on the stove 碰煤氣爐碰煤氣爐
 Broken BoneBroken Bone 骨節骨節
 OvereatingOvereating 吃得過飽吃得過飽
 Emotional PainEmotional Pain 情感痛苦情感痛苦
 Pain is Good. Pain is from GodPain is Good. Pain is from God
痛苦是好的，痛苦是來自神痛苦是好的，痛苦是來自神
 But… Not all pain is explained so easily.But… Not all pain is explained so easily.
…但 並不是所有的痛苦能簡單地解釋…但 並不是所有的痛苦能簡單地解釋

23. A Question: Is Death Evil?A Question: Is Death Evil?
問題：死亡是邪惡嗎？問題：死亡是邪惡嗎？
 For plants and animals, death is a positive good.For plants and animals, death is a positive good.
對於動植物，死亡是非常好的事情對於動植物，死亡是非常好的事情
 Isaiah 57:2Isaiah 57:2 以賽亞書以賽亞書 57:257:2
 Philippians 1:21Philippians 1:21 腓立比書腓立比書 1:211:21
 For humans, death is a transition, not an end.For humans, death is a transition, not an end.
對人來說，死亡是一個過渡，並不是終結對人來說，死亡是一個過渡，並不是終結
 If the atheist is right, then maybe death is evil, but if theIf the atheist is right, then maybe death is evil, but if the
atheist is right, there is no evil.atheist is right, there is no evil. 如果無神論者是對，如果無神論者是對，
死亡可以是邪惡，但如果無神論者是對，根本沒死亡可以是邪惡，但如果無神論者是對，根本沒
有邪惡。有邪惡。

24. Question: Is Suffering Evil?Question: Is Suffering Evil?
問題：受苦邪惡嗎？問題：受苦邪惡嗎？
 Psalm 30:5Psalm 30:5 For Humans, without suffering there is no joy.For Humans, without suffering there is no joy.
詩詩 30:530:5 對人而言，沒有受苦就沒有喜樂對人而言，沒有受苦就沒有喜樂
 John 9:1-3John 9:1-3 Suffering, if received correctly, glorifies God.Suffering, if received correctly, glorifies God.
約約 9:1-39:1-3 適當的受苦能榮耀神適當的受苦能榮耀神
 Romans 8:28Romans 8:28 All kinds of suffering can be used for good (but be careful howAll kinds of suffering can be used for good (but be careful how
you use this passage)you use this passage)
羅羅 8:288:28 各類的受苦可以有其好的一面（小心如何運用這段經文）各類的受苦可以有其好的一面（小心如何運用這段經文）
 Romans 5:3Romans 5:3,, James 1:2-3James 1:2-3 Suffering produces good character. No pain, noSuffering produces good character. No pain, no
gain.gain. 羅羅 5:3,5:3, 雅雅 1:2-31:2-3 受苦會鍛煉出好的品格受苦會鍛煉出好的品格
 1 Peter 2:20-22, 2 Tim 3:121 Peter 2:20-22, 2 Tim 3:12. Suffering is the natural result of doing good.. Suffering is the natural result of doing good.
彼前彼前 2:20-22,2:20-22, 提後提後 3:123:12 受苦是做好事的自然結果受苦是做好事的自然結果
 Col 1:24-29, 1 Pet 4:12-17Col 1:24-29, 1 Pet 4:12-17 Suffering is how we come to know Christ and toSuffering is how we come to know Christ and to
fill up his suffering.fill up his suffering.
歌歌 1:24-29,1:24-29, 彼前彼前 4:12-174:12-17 受苦是我們明白神的方法及如何學習他的受受苦是我們明白神的方法及如何學習他的受
苦苦
 Through shared suffering is how we become close to one another.Through shared suffering is how we become close to one another.

25. Suffering and Evil: The Apologetic ProblemSuffering and Evil: The Apologetic Problem
A SummaryA Summary 苦難與邪惡： 護教學問題 總結苦難與邪惡： 護教學問題 總結
 Most suffering is the result of free will and our choice to sin. ItMost suffering is the result of free will and our choice to sin. It
is because God loves us, not because he does not care or is notis because God loves us, not because he does not care or is not
powerful enough to stop us from suffering.powerful enough to stop us from suffering. 大部份的苦難是大部份的苦難是
人用其自由意志選擇去犯罪而生的，並不是神不愛我們，人用其自由意志選擇去犯罪而生的，並不是神不愛我們，
不關心我們，更不是他沒有能力去阻止苦難。不關心我們，更不是他沒有能力去阻止苦難。
 Pain is not evil, death is not evil, suffering is not evil. All ofPain is not evil, death is not evil, suffering is not evil. All of
these are gifts from a loving God.these are gifts from a loving God. 痛苦不是邪惡，死亡也不痛苦不是邪惡，死亡也不
是邪惡，受苦也不是邪惡。所有這些是神的恩典。是邪惡，受苦也不是邪惡。所有這些是神的恩典。

26. The Problem of Pain and Suffering Part IIThe Problem of Pain and Suffering Part II
The Human ProblemThe Human Problem
痛苦與受苦問題第二部分 人類的問題痛苦與受苦問題第二部分 人類的問題
 Our response to suffering depends on our world view.Our response to suffering depends on our world view.
我們對苦難的回應我們對苦難的回應取決於取決於我們的世界觀我們的世界觀
 What is the Hindu world view?What is the Hindu world view?
甚麼是印度教的世界觀？甚麼是印度教的世界觀？
 What is the Buddhist world view?What is the Buddhist world view?
甚麼是佛教的世界觀？甚麼是佛教的世界觀？
 What is the world view of Islam?What is the world view of Islam?
甚麼是伊斯蘭教的世界觀？甚麼是伊斯蘭教的世界觀？
 What is the world view of the atheist/naturalist?What is the world view of the atheist/naturalist?
甚麼是無神論甚麼是無神論 // 自然學的世界觀？自然學的世界觀？

27. The Christian World ViewThe Christian World View
基督教世界觀基督教世界觀
 The physical world is real.The physical world is real.
這肉體世界是真實的這肉體世界是真實的
 The physical world is good, not evil. (Gen 1:31)The physical world is good, not evil. (Gen 1:31)
這肉體世界是美好的，並不是邪惡這肉體世界是美好的，並不是邪惡 (( 創創 1:31)1:31)
 Pain and suffering are very real, but they are not thePain and suffering are very real, but they are not the
problem: the human problem is sin and separation.problem: the human problem is sin and separation.
痛苦與苦難是非常真實但它們不是問題，是人犯罪後痛苦與苦難是非常真實但它們不是問題，是人犯罪後
的問題的問題
 The Christian response: Compassion! Micah 6:8, James 1:27The Christian response: Compassion! Micah 6:8, James 1:27
基督教的回應：憐憫的心 彌基督教的回應：憐憫的心 彌
迦書迦書 6:8,6:8, 雅雅 1:271:27

28. Julian “the apostate.” (332-363)Julian “the apostate.” (332-363) 朱利安朱利安
““Atheism (i.e. Christian faith) has been speciallyAtheism (i.e. Christian faith) has been specially
advanced through the loving service rendered toadvanced through the loving service rendered to
strangers, and through their care for the burial of thestrangers, and through their care for the burial of the
dead. It is a scandal that there is not a single Jewdead. It is a scandal that there is not a single Jew
who is a beggar, and that the godless Galileans carewho is a beggar, and that the godless Galileans care
not only for their own poor but for ours as well;not only for their own poor but for ours as well;
while those who belong to us look in vain for thewhile those who belong to us look in vain for the
help that we should render them.”help that we should render them.” 無神論 （指基督無神論 （指基督
教） 透過他們愛的服侍及埋葬死人的關懷有特別的教） 透過他們愛的服侍及埋葬死人的關懷有特別的
成長。對於沒有一個猶太人是乞丐這是一件醜聞。那成長。對於沒有一個猶太人是乞丐這是一件醜聞。那
些無神的加利利人不但關心他們的窮人，也關懷我們些無神的加利利人不但關心他們的窮人，也關懷我們
的窮人的窮人 ..

29. God Understands (and so should we)God Understands (and so should we)
神是明白的 （我們也應該明白）神是明白的 （我們也應該明白）
 God is ready and willing to hear our complaints.God is ready and willing to hear our complaints.
神是隨時準備聆聽我們的訴求神是隨時準備聆聽我們的訴求
 Habakkuk 1:2-4, Jeremiah 12:1Habakkuk 1:2-4, Jeremiah 12:1 哈哈 1:2-4,1:2-4, 耶耶 12:112:1
 Even Jesus cried out in his suffering.Even Jesus cried out in his suffering. “My God, my God…“My God, my God…
“ …儘管是耶穌，他也大聲向神訴求他的痛苦 我的神，我的神“ …儘管是耶穌，他也大聲向神訴求他的痛苦 我的神，我的神 .”.”
 Jesus can relate fully to our suffering.Jesus can relate fully to our suffering.
耶穌能完全明白我們的苦難耶穌能完全明白我們的苦難
 Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:15.Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:15. 希希 2:17-18,2:17-18, 希希 4:154:15
 This ought to affect our response to othersThis ought to affect our response to others’ suffering. 2 Cor 5:14-15’ suffering. 2 Cor 5:14-15
這也應該影響到我們對其他人受苦的回應這也應該影響到我們對其他人受苦的回應 (( 林後林後 5:14-15)5:14-15)
 Look at JesusLook at Jesus’ response to suffering: John 11:35 Jesus wept. Matthew 23:37’ response to suffering: John 11:35 Jesus wept. Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… Compassion.O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… Compassion.
看一看耶穌對苦難的回應 （約看一看耶穌對苦難的回應 （約 11:3511:35 ）耶穌哭了）耶穌哭了 (( 太太 23:37)23:37) 耶路撒耶路撒
…冷，耶路撒冷…冷，耶路撒冷 .. 憐憫憐憫

30. What Should We Do?What Should We Do?
我們應該怎樣做呢？我們應該怎樣做呢？
 Live with integrity, like Job.Live with integrity, like Job.
活出誠信，像約伯一樣活出誠信，像約伯一樣
 Use your suffering as an opportunity to show empathy.Use your suffering as an opportunity to show empathy.
透過你的苦難成為展現憐憫的機會透過你的苦難成為展現憐憫的機會
 Alleviate suffering, not because it is evil, but becauseAlleviate suffering, not because it is evil, but because
that is how God responds to sufferingthat is how God responds to suffering
緩和緩和對苦難的看法，不是因為它是邪惡，而這對苦難的看法，不是因為它是邪惡，而這
是神對苦難的回應是神對苦難的回應
 Show compassion. Matthew 9:36-38Show compassion. Matthew 9:36-38
展現憐憫的心展現憐憫的心 (( 太太 9:36-38)9:36-38)