Suffering
This book is prompted by the following common question: if God is both all-good and all-powerful, why is there suffering in the world? As such, The Problem of Pain does not shy away from the theme of suffering; it's even in the title. Lewis methodically investigates the nature of earthly suffering, attempting to show it in a different light than one might originally conceive of it. The theme of suffering is especially notable in Chapters 6 and 7, which directly deal with the problem of human pain, although it's evident in 3 (Divine Omnipotence), 4 (Human Wickedness), 5 (The Fall of Man), 8 (Hell), and 9 (Animal Pain) as well.
The Love of God
As a counterbalance to the weight of human suffering, Lewis draws upon the doctrine of God's overwhelming love for humanity. This love characterizes everything God does in relation to humanity and creation, including suffering, as counterintuitive as that might seem. Lewis argues that God's love for us is equivalent to parents' for their children: he knows that what we do can harm us, but sometimes the only way to learn is through difficult experiences, and sometimes good things need to be taken away to teach patience and develop the child's character, despite the wails and protestations of the confused child. As Ephesians 3:19 says, the love of God defies all knowledge.
The Limits of the Human Mind
Much of the reason why humans can't find a method in the brilliance of God is that we aren't properly equipped to handle it. The human mind is finite and limited in scope, and it's nothing in comparison with God's profound understanding. Accordingly, our morality and God's morality are different; what might seem wrong to us is actually more essentially perfect than we can imagine, since our minds can't comprehend God's ways. Lewis uses this argument to apply to the problem of pain; even though it might seem unjust that suffering occurs in the world in the way that it does, God sees it as perfectly just, having prescribed it specifically for the human race.
The Problem of Evil and its Role
Lewis addresses the challenge that the existence of evil poses to belief in a good and loving God. He discusses the idea that the existence of evil in the world is incompatible with the existence of a good and loving God, and he presents various arguments for and against this idea. Lewis also discusses the idea that suffering and evil can be justified as a means to a greater good, such as the belief that suffering can lead to spiritual growth and maturity. The Problem of Pain presents ways in which suffering can be a source of growth and maturity for individuals and the importance of cultivating a proper perspective on suffering. He notes that suffering can be a source of spiritual growth if it is accepted and borne with patience and faith. Lewis also discusses the idea that suffering can bring people closer to God and help them to develop compassion and empathy for others.
The Christian Response to Suffering
Lewis presents the Christian belief in the redemptive power of suffering and the hope it offers in the face of pain and adversity. He notes that Christians believe that suffering can be transformed through the power of Christ's death and resurrection and that it can ultimately lead to salvation and eternal life. Lewis also discusses the importance of trusting in God and finding comfort in his presence during suffering.
