Human Suffering Is Not Natural but a Consequence of Human Actions
The Foundation of the Problem of Evil (Problem of Suffering)
One of the major arguments presented by those who doubt the existence of God is what is known as the “Problem of Evil” or “Suffering.” This objection stems primarily from a misunderstanding. People often associate the suffering in human life directly with God, when in fact, most of these sufferings are caused by humans themselves.
Various Causes of Human Suffering
Suffering in human life can have multiple causes:
◄ Sometimes a person suffers due to his own mistakes.
◄ Sometimes the errors of parents become the cause.
◄ At times, flaws in the social system contribute to suffering.
◄ In some cases, systemic faults and actions of past generations result in present hardships.
The Result of False Attribution
When people witness suffering in someone’s life, they often hastily conclude that either God does not exist or He is unjust.
This perception arises because they seek the cause of suffering solely within the individual. When no personal reason is found, the blame is shifted onto God. This is a false attribution.
Studying Suffering in the Wrong Reference Frame
The core of the problem lies in failing to observe suffering through the correct lens. Instead of viewing suffering as a consequence of human actions, it is falsely attributed to God—even though scientific research contradicts this.
Examples: AIDS and Other Diseases
◄ According to medical research, AIDS and many other diseases are direct consequences of human error and the misuse of free will.
◄ Medical science acknowledges that many diseases are hereditary, transmitted through generations.
◄ Numerous epidemics that claim thousands of lives are also often the result of human behavior.
The Role of Nature
Science proves that nature itself is not the source of evil or corruption.
In fact, the consistency and predictability of nature have made scientific advancement possible. If nature were inherently flawed, scientific laws would be meaningless.
Comparative Analysis: The Human World vs. the Universe
To understand the problem of evil, a comparative study is essential:
◄ Human World: Disease, accidents, injustice, corruption, wars, and other evils are all present in the human domain.
◄ The Rest of the Universe: The vast cosmos, in all its magnitude, is free from such evils. No signs of random corruption are found.
This stark contrast proves that evil is not a product of nature or the universe, but is man-made.
If evil were a natural phenomenon, it would have been visible throughout the entire universe.
The Scientific Perspective
Scientific studies show that the fundamental difference between the human world and the universe is:
- The universe functions under natural laws,
- Whereas humans have been granted free will to make choices in their lives.
The Misuse of Free Will
Most of the evil and suffering in the human world is the result of the misuse of human freedom:
◄ According to medical science, illnesses are not due to nature, but rather to human negligence and errors.
◄ Poor lifestyle choices, inherited genetic disorders, and societal flaws are major contributors.
◄ Wars, global warming, famine, air pollution, and other crises are also consequences of human actions.
Blaming God: A Misguided Approach
Holding God responsible for suffering and problems is a sign of ignorance toward scientific and rational truths. Scientific research confirms that evil and suffering stem not from nature, but from human attitudes and behavior.
Conclusion
The “Problem of Evil” is, in reality, a misunderstanding. People blame God for human suffering, even though most of it is caused by human actions. Nature, with its order and stability, is free from corruption, and the evils seen in human society are the outcome of misused human freedom.
