Suffering

Question 1

the belief that suffering is a consequence of divine retribution

Answer 1

• as a consequence of a sin, payment for wrongdoing
• because of a sin, there is suffering
• connection –> god is just and merciful
• all the judgements of the holy one blessed be he are on the basis of measure for measure - Talmud Sanhedrin 90a

Question 2

the belief that suffering is an inscrutable divine mystery

Answer 2

• gods ways are beyond human understanding
• suffering is not meant to be understood
• not understanding why we suffer
• transcendent God
• it is not in out power to explain why the righteous suffer and why the wicked are at ease - pirkei avot 4:15

Question 3

the belief that suffering is a form of discipline

Answer 3

• Suffering is a warning from God to scrutinise ones actions and change/amend what is wrong
• suffering is set to teach you something
• should a man see sufferings come upon him let him scrutinize his actions - Talmud Berachot 5a