The Problem of Pain

By: C. S. Lewis

Narrated by: James Simmons

Length: 3 hrs and 50 mins

Publisher's summary

Why must we suffer?

"If God is good and all-powerful, why does he allow his creatures to suffer pain?" And what of the suffering of animals, who neither deserve pain nor can be improved by it? The greatest Christian thinker of our time sets out to disentangle this knotty issue. With his signature wealth of compassion and insight, C. S. Lewis offers answers to these crucial questions and shares his hope and wisdom to help heal a world hungering for a true understanding of human nature.

©1940 C. S. Lewis Ptd. Ltd. (P)2012 HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.

Listen With Pen and Paper to Hand

This is not something to listen to whilst engaged in other activities or when someone is apt to interrupt. Though I gave this listen my full attention, I often rewound to ponder many points he makes. Parts and themes not directly addressed by Lewis, would come to mind and I found myself making mental notes to follow these trains of thought after I finished the book. But the mental notes accumulated and I regretted not writing them down but was too caught up in the revelations that came with each "page" that I could not bring myself to stop grab paper and pen and begin again. I listened to this in one go knowing full well I would listen again in order to let it seep deeper into my understanding and to glean to the very last morsel.

I was disappointed that he had a faulty understanding of the doctrine of total depravity and rejects the doctrine based on his erroneous understanding. The proper understanding would have supported His presentation and would have addded a very rich dimension to the feast he lays out.

I was also dismayed to hear him say that we do not know how many humans were created and lived in the garden before The Fall. Yes, Clive, we do. The Bible tells us explicitly that there were only two.

I am going to listen to this again today armed with pen and paper. I am a mature (and maturing) Christian and had come to a point where many of the issues he discusses such as the reality of pain and suffering (and so many other topics he addresses) were eroding my faith and consequently my mental and spiritual health. This book is breathing new life and hope into my struggling spirit. I look forward to thanking CS when I get to heaven!

Life-changing Insight into the Purpose of Pain

I could read this book a hundred times and still come away with an increased understanding of the human condition and the role pain plays in honing our focus and reliance on God to both navigate life and see the world from an eternal perspective. A small book that is packed with immeasurable insight and universal truth that will engage your mind to think about pain in ways you never would have imagined. C.S. Lewis is a gift from God in that he made known the rich and weighty substance of our creation and the Creator who longs for our relationship even in the midst of life-altering pain and agony. Theologians, of which he is not, have struggled to achieve this result.

Hmph ~

Struggling with chronic pain daily, hoping to find some hope. Heard only reasons For pain.

Great book. Great length and thought provoking.

C.S. Lewis takes the Problem of Pain to another level. He shows how pain is something that doesn't disprove God but actually makes sense only in a universe with God in it.

i love it

Would you consider the audio edition of The Problem of Pain to be better than the print version?

I prefer audiobooks over print reading, so yes.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

It's genius regarding pain.

What about James Simmons’s performance did you like?

It's very clearly stated, and well read.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

The problem of pain in it's simplest form.

An exceptional book, extremely well thought out.

An exceptional book, extremely well thought out. I recommend this book to everyone. i have long thought about this problem, and i believe Lewis does a great job of explaining his thoughts.

My will for His will

How often do we pause and think and review the big subjects? What I received most from The Problem with Pain, was the reminder that it is ok for me to have my own will and hopes and wishes. Looking back and remembering Life is profoundly more full and troubles are more tolerable when I submit my will and hopes and wishes to God.

Genius?!

Should I dare call this man a genius? This is one of the best books I've ever listened to. The way he dives in, dissects, and explains very complex ideas is nothing short of genuis steered by Holy spirit inspired revelation. Amazing.

Great book!

It takes your brain to a place that is higher than it was before. It kind of hurts sometimes when trying to understand C.S. Lewis, love him though.
That I guess is the problem with pain!

fantastic book

I have absolutely fell in in love with CS Lewis in his writings. amazing insight to the human psyche and our creator