The Problem of Pain

By: C. S. Lewis

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 3 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

For centuries Christians have been tormented by one question above all, "If God is good and all-powerful, why does he allow his creatures to suffer pain?"

C.S. Lewis sets out to disentangle this knotty issue, but wisely adds that in the end no intellectual solution can dispense with the necessity for patience and courage.

©1940 C. S. Lewis Pte. Ltd. (P)2000 Blackstone Audiobooks

Soothing listen with a powerful message

This was my first Audible book to complete. I enjoy C.S. Lewis’s books, although they are often tough to read because you have to take time to absorb the message. So, listening to his book was a new experience. I actually preferred it to reading as the narrator kept me interested and not overwhelmed. Definitely recommend.

Like most of the Lewis writings, a must-read for all humans.

It is perhaps the most vexing of problems for every for every philosopher, every believer, every atheist or agnostic or mystic or secularist … indeed, for every human being. What is the purpose of pain? Why do we experience it?

There is no person or book anywhere that can answer this question completely. But in The Problem of Pain you will find as helpful, as thought-provoking, and as rational a treatment of the problem as you can read. Highly recommend.

well read good listen

C.S. Lewis is always great to read or hear. Worth a second or third listen to catch more of his wisdom.

wonderfully informative.

This book approaches the issue of pain from a logical and doctrinal angle not typically seen from the pulpit.

Deep insights into human suffering

I've listened to this twice and each time am moved to more awe of our Lord's love for us.

The meaning of our existence

I think this book has a very unfortunate title. Two things people are most likely to shun are problems and pain; therefore this very precious book is perhaps overlooked by many. It is not a book about pain but an explanation of first, why pain in the world, is a problem at all. If our existence were not attributed to a loving creator, then no explanation for why there is pain would be necessary. Second, if God does truly love us, then why is there so much suffering? Does He lack the ability or the will to make things better for us, His creatures? Of course not, so why does He allow us to go on like this?

Lewis takes a very interesting approach to show that the world is the way it is because it is the only possible way God could be who He is and love us the way He does and most important of all - reveal Him self to us. This book is a journey into understanding the God who created us, loves us, and gave his Son to save us to the uttermost.

The narration is very good also.

CS Lewis has wisdom to offer

He provides great rational for many theological arguments as well as providing his own somewhat unique opinions. Would recommend his book Mere Christianity first.

As usual, amazing insights.

C.S. Lewis had a way of logically seeing deep truths and their implications in ways I have not found in another author. This book is no different. He addresses the fact that pain is a necessary part of free-will, God's Omnipotence and His Goodness, the fall and sinfulness of man, the question of animal pain, etc. I had hoped he would give more insights into suffering, specifically why children or other seemingly innocents suffer. I was amazed at his insights into Hell, both that it was created for fallen angels and that he believes those in hell would not leave if they could. "The door is locked from the inside." It is unfortunate that he felt he had to explain the death of animals before the Fall of Man in light of the Theory of Evolution. He did a great job, but I wonder what he would make of the mountain of evidence today that contradicts Darwin's theory.

EXCELLENT

ENJOYED THIS BOOK! NO COMPLAINANTS HERE. C.S. LEWIS HAS BECOME ONE OF MY FAVORITES. EASY TO UNDERSTAND. THE NARRATOR DID A GREAT JOB!

beautiful and enlightening

I always love Simon Vance's reading and c.s. Lewis 's material and this is no exception. a lovely work indeed.