Summary: The Problem Of Pain By C. S. Lewis

In his book, The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis attempts to answer the age-old question, “If there is a God, why is there so much pain and suffering in the world?” This is a question which atheists have used as evidence for their contention that God does not exist. Lewis argues that pain is not a sufficient reason to discontinue believing in an omnipotent, omniscient, omnibenevolent God. Lewis recognizes that pain occurs when it is manifested in wicked souls who use their will to harm others. He seeks to understand the purpose behind both moral and natural evils. Why does God let humans harm one another and why does He allow natural disasters to happen? Lewis devotes Chapter six, entitled “Human Pain,” as a theodicy in answering the question,

Lewis claims that pain is necessary as a part of our call to surrender to God and His will. He then proceeds to give three contentions for his claim that suffering aids in the process of mortification. The first contention is that pain is an instrument God may employ to call mankind to sanctification. When mankind becomes so comfortable in their own life, it may require a shout from God rather than a soft whisper. The second contention is that pain shatters the illusion of self-sufficiency. Sometimes, Lewis observes, Christians become so comfortable in their lives that they treat God much like a pilot treats his parachute. The parachute is available for emergencies, but the pilot hopes he will never have to use it. If one is in control of their own life, they will not surrender themselves to God. Individuals must be reminded that their respective lives are not their own. Their illusion of self-sufficiency must be shattered. The third contention is this: pain refines one’s motives for surrendering to God. For an individual to determine if they are following God, their actions must operate contrary to their natural inclinations. Surrender would not be termed surrender if it only meant requiring one to do what one already was inclined to do. Pain helps a person see if they are purely acting out of obedience in their