The Summer of C. S. Lewis continues. The Problem of Pain is Lewis’ attempt to answer the problem of evil and suffering in the world. Lewis makes the modest claim of solving the problem only from an intellectual position and does so admirably. As expected he places the Fall at the center of the problem, and then explores the concepts of heaven and hell, two of the finer points of the book. His reflection on the purposes of pain ought to remind some readers of James 1. Again, Lewis is not especially good in his handling of biblical texts or even in his handling of certain theological topics. But his understanding of pain from an anthropological point of view is brilliant, his vision of hell horrible and his picture of heaven breathtaking. Another work that is well worth the cost both in terms of time and money.
“The only purpose of The Problem of Pain is to solve the intellectual problem raised by suffering; for the far higher task of teaching fortitude and patience I was never fool enough to suppose myself qualified, nor have I anything to offer my readers except my conviction that when pain is to be borne, a little courage helps more than much knowledge, a little human sympathy more than much courage, and the least tincture of the love of God more than all.” C. S. Lewis
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