Human suffering has long perplexed mankind. Why do individuals suffer? For what purpose? Can suffering be overcome?
The theology of Christian Science challenges traditional religious and philosophical concepts of suffering. Christian Science certainly does not teach a reverence for pain and misery. Nor is suffering viewed as an ultimate outcome of religious faith and practice—but it is healed. And this healing is liberation.
Yet the moral teachings of Christian Science show that suffering and discord in our world can result when we fail to understand man's true relationship to God and the obedience to divine law our Father requires of us. Mary Baker Eddy has written extensively on the subject. In Science and Health there are more than one hundred and fifty references to the word "suffering" and its derivatives. A central theme running through many of these comments is the concept that sin inevitably results in suffering. So in writing about spiritual progress and mankind's certain need to grow beyond the limitations and shortcomings of material-mindedness, Mrs. Eddy states, "In some way, sooner or later, all must rise superior to materiality, and suffering is oft the divine agent in this elevation." Science and Health, p. 444.
