When Bad Things Happen to Good People

¶ … Bad Things Happen to Good People

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Life's journey is not a bed of roses and for most people is anything but smooth sailing. In fact, it can be argued that life is full of challenges, which must be faced in order for an individual to develop and grow spiritually. Indeed, this is precisely what the Paschal mystery suggests. Unfortunately, very few people are able to understand and accept life's negative experiences in the context suggested not just by the Paschal mystery but other religious doctrines such as Buddhism or the Hindu Law of Karma. Therefore, most people who experience suffering develop doubts over the very existence of a good and powerful God. This is precisely the issue that Harold Kushner tackles in his book When Bad Things Happen to Good People.

The Rabbi propounds a realistic theory to explain why good people are sometimes made to suffer by suggesting, "God does not cause our misfortunes. Some are caused by bad luck. Some are caused by bad people, and others are simply an inevitable consequence of our being human and being mortal, living in a world of inflexible natural laws." (p. 134) Thus, the Rabbi suggests that the experience of suffering should be reconciled with human nature and "the randomness in the universe." (p. 46) By propounding such a theory, the Rabbi, in effect, advises his readers to accept the fact that the laws of nature do not distinguish between good people and bad: "A bullet has no conscience; neither does a malignant tumor or an automobile gone out of control." (p.58) Besides learning to accept the world and life for what it is, the Rabbi also suggests that it is important to continue having Faith in an all-mighty God by remembering that God neither causes nor prevents tragedies, but does help by inspiring people to help (P. 140). The Rabbi's book has caused a great deal of controversy since it suggests that God is not perfect and cannot intervene in human affairs. Though many people find such a belief objectionable, the fact remains that the Rabbi has nevertheless written a book of philosophical and theological value, which helps many a sufferer resolve a loss of faith and gain the strength to carry on living.