Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Searching the seat of suffering I

It is with somber, and somewhat eager anticipation, that I begin this series. I will give credence at the beginning that this issue, at least in my mind, is serious and thought-provoking. Over the last month, I have seen and experienced pain in different forms and fashions. From a young couple who lost their new born baby (only a few minutes old), to hurricane victims who have lost their homes, and some, their lives. To a family who lost their adopted daughter to accident. I have seen people choked by financial struggle, teenagers gripped by a confusion of purpose and family dysfunction. I have heard of young girls, forced into prostitution, young men forced into violence. I have considered the loss of close family and friends. I have seen anguish, frustration, anger, disposition, violence, pain, and death. I have reflected on the way of life, the way of wisdom, the way of confusion. Religious strife, political ignorance, media frenzy, human injustice and indecency, are just some factors of this overwhelming experience.

Needless to say, this is an inexhaustible subject in which everyone is its object. Next to death and taxes, it is an inevitable problem. However, for most people, existence consist of life, suffering, and death. There is no opportunity, no hope, no peace. For someone, somewhere, this has to be their reality. For everyone, everywhere, suffering and pain are their reality. Rich or poor, ignorant or educated, Christian or Atheist, Republican or Democrat, Prostitute or beauty queen, football star or Foosball star, man or women, children of America or Africa, every person in every class, faces pain and suffering.

Now, I know that philosophically this would deal with the problem of evil. However, as I am always inclined to discuss those matters that are relevant to philosophy (which is usually everything), I am not as interested in the philosophical argument (Problem of evil) as I am in the empathetic attempt to relate to you as a human being. I am not going to argue for the need for suffering, but only for the capacity to discuss its effect on you and I. So, please comment for me. Talk to me. Let me know your views. This series is more about the experience of suffering as opposed to the existence of it. Oh, and on another note, please answer my poll. It would be greatly appreciated.
And remember, life is never as exciting as when you are discussing a new idea. And in this case, life may never be more important.

Think on That!

2 comments:

Serenity said...

If it were a choice of something happening to a loved on and me having the option to choose to suffer for them, then I would hope I would take that option. With involuntary suffering, it seems to me that a lot of time you don't know the cause of it and that makes it harder to handle (for me at least). There may be other options that I"m not seeing right now, and that may change my view, but for now, I think I'm picking "choice" as my answer.

Serenity said...

btw, let me know if I'm misunderstanding what you meant. :) I think I got it right, but you never know.

Oh, and I love the picture of you and Amber!