engleski

Why does God allow suffering? Reflection about human and christian suffering in the thought of Karl Rahner

The article deals with the problem of suffering in the world based on reflection of Karl Rahner. He observes the problem through the perspective of traditional points of view and based on the same, he puts the question about God’s allowing suffering in the world and notices the inadequacy in answers given by traditional points of view. Suffering presents itself as a natural companion to the human existence from the beginning till present times. In this respect Rahner observes suffering as the consequence of created imperfect human freedom, although it is true grace given to human beings. Our author observes suffering as a test which serves human being as a means for growth in love to God and neighbour. He reflects on suffering as an act of human person being directed to others, and even more, as a certain attitude of human direction towards eternal life. Rahner agrees with every answer that traditional points of view offer but also finds a space for further development in giving an answer to the question: Why God allows that we suffer? At the and he notices that incomprehensibility of presence of suffering in our life is in fact an acceptance of God’s incomprehensibility (cf. K. Rahner, Esperienza, pp. 175-191) and concludes that we do not have an answer which would be satisfying for all people in every period of time. He also concludes that in human life suffering has a therapeutic role and gives a deeper meaning to human existence.

God ; man ; free will ; suffering ; eternal life

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