Able Quote by John Gerstner
“So when we call pain a problem, we claim we do not deserve it. We are even prepared to scuttle God to maintain our own innocence. We will say that God is not able to do what He would like, or He would never permit persons such as ourselves to suffer. That puffs up our egos and soothes our griefs at the same time. "How could God do this to me?" is at once an admission of pain and a soporific for it. It reduces our personal grief by eradicating the deity. Drastic medicine, indeed, that only a human ego, run wild, could possibly imagine.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Problem of Pain, C.S. Lewis, 1940
People often deny suffering by blaming a higher power, which protects ego but avoids confronting real grief.
In simple terms: Blaming God protects ego but avoids real pain.
Key Takeaway
Recognize pain without scapegoating.
Themes
ego
grief
faith
responsibility
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal loss
- health crises
- ethical dilemmas
- spiritual questioning
Key Concepts
theodicy
psychology
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- How does blaming a deity affect personal growth?
- What alternatives exist for processing pain?
A Different Perspective
Denial can prevent authentic healing.
