CFS-WB-CH18
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The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise, by Benjamin West.<br />
The sin of Adam brought<br />
suffering and death into the<br />
world, but Original Sin is not<br />
the whole reason for human<br />
suffering.<br />
Those who have had NDEs report almost universally that overwhelming<br />
love is the primary characteristic of their experience. Frequently, these<br />
individuals are taken up into a loving white light; others experience the<br />
love of families, friends, and even Jesus Himself.<br />
As discussed earlier, this view of Heaven puts into perspective the<br />
suffering we endure on this earth. It shows that we will be brought to<br />
fulfillment in our souls and bodies, in our consciousness and love, with<br />
family and friends, and in the splendor of God. Jesus promised the removal<br />
and redemption of pain and suffering in the afterlife: “Blessed<br />
are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4)<br />
and “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give<br />
you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). God intends to make use of every bit of<br />
our suffering to bring us, and others through us, into the eternal peace,<br />
joy, and love of His Kingdom.<br />
Common Misunderstandings of God’s Role in<br />
Suffering<br />
Before concluding, we should examine some common misunderstandings<br />
of suffering and God’s role in it. If we do not know what Jesus revealed<br />
to us about God, it can be easy to form false understandings<br />
about God and His role in suffering that are simply incompatible with<br />
the true Christian teaching of the God of love.<br />
366 Apologetics I: The Catholic Faith and Science<br />
© Magis Center
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