Suffering may be experienced in many different ways; through illness, conflict, natural disasters, and crime.

Suffering may be the consequence of human sin or may have natural causes, such as earthquakes and heart disease.

Suffering can have a purpose. It may test our character and determination and it can encourage us to make things better. It may make us more sympathetic and helpful towards others who suffer.

The problem of evil

Horrific events indicate the existence of a spiritual force for evil. Christians believe the devil tempts people to do wrong. The devil is a personal being opposed to God's will. Ultimately the devil will be defeated.

Some feel that evil is an impersonal force, like gravity. It affects people and nature but has no will and does not choose. It is an unfortunate fact of life.

Others think evil is psychological. Abusive parents, combined with an antisocial lifestyle and fascination with guns may produce a person capable of evil acts.

Christians believe God allows suffering and evil because they are the inevitable consequences of free will. People sometimes give into temptation and suffering is the consequence.