are we to blame?

Are We to Blame for Our Own Suffering?

Consider how far humans contribute to these common sources of suffering.

Abuse.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 in 4 adults experienced physical abuse during childhood. It also reports that 1 in 3 women face physical or sexual assault, or both, at some point in life.

Are We to Blame for Our Own Suffering?

Why It Matters

If the answer is yes, we may have real power to reduce suffering.

To Think About

Consider how far humans contribute to these common sources of suffering.

Icon of a clenched fist, representing abuse.

Abuse.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1 in 4 adults experienced physical abuse during childhood. It also reports that 1 in 3 women face physical or sexual assault, or both, at some point in life.

Icon of tombstones, representing a cemetery.

Bereavement.

The World Health Statistics 2018, published by WHO, states, “An estimated 477,000 murders occurred globally in 2016,” alongside the 180,000 people believed to have been killed in wars and conflicts that year.

Icon of a heart with an EKG line, representing health problems.

Health Problems.

In an article published in National Geographic magazine, writer Fran Smith writes, “More than a billion people smoke, and tobacco is implicated in the top five causes of death, heart disease, stroke, respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.”

Icon of an unbalanced scale, representing social inequality.

Social Inequality.
Coffin

Bereavement.
The World Health Statistics 2018, published by WHO, states, “An estimated 477,000 murders occurred globally in 2016,” alongside the 180,000 people believed to have been killed in wars and conflicts that year.

Health Problems.
In an article published in National Geographic magazine, writer Fran Smith writes, “More than a billion people smoke, and tobacco is implicated in the top five causes of death, heart disease, stroke, respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.”

Social Inequality.
Psychologist Jay Watts comments, “Poverty, relative inequality, being subject to racism, sexism, displacement and a competitive culture all increase the likelihood of mental suffering.”

Human responsibility for suffering

Humans carry a serious share of responsibility for human suffering. A great deal of pain comes from oppressive governments that make life difficult for the very people they claim to protect and serve.

“Man has dominated man to his harm.” ,(Ecclesiastes 8:9)

How suffering can be reduced

Suffering can be eased. Bible principles support better health and help people build peaceful relationships with others. They also encourage habits that calm the mind and reduce conflict.

“A calm heart gives life to the body, but jealousy is rottenness to the bones.” ,(Proverbs 14:30)

“Let all malicious bitterness and anger and wrath and screaming and abusive speech be removed from you, along with all badness.” ,(Ephesians 4:31)

The Bible also teaches personal responsibility and cause and effect.

“For whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap.” ,(Galatians 6:7)

Some suffering comes from our own choices. That is why doctors urge people to eat nourishing food, stay active, and avoid harmful habits like smoking. Still, it would be too simple to claim all suffering is caused by humans. Many people suffer through no fault of their own, from accidents, disasters, and other tragedies.