As part of my studies, I plan to write a report on how we help
people cope with suffering, and how we can do it better. Thank you
for being willing to help me with this piece of research.
I would like to know what has helped you, and why it has helped.
I am particularly interested in the 'problem of suffering' - the
problem raised by the question, "If God is good, why does He allow
suffering?"
I might quote or summarise in my report what you tell me, but
nobody else will know from my notes or from the report what you
said, or even that you contacted me.
Questions
What has helped you to cope when you have experienced
suffering in the past?
Did you feel that God was in some way responsible for your
suffering?
Was the 'problem of suffering' something that you had to
struggle with?
If so, what answer or answers did you find which helped you?
What do you say when someone raises the problem of suffering
with you?
How satisfied are you with your
response? Do you think it is adequate, or are there
outstanding problems it does not adequately address for
you?
Who has been most helpful to you in finding answers to these
questions? Which books and preachers have been most helpful? What
else has been helpful?
Is there anything else you would like to say on this subject?
About You
In the report, I intend to identify people simply as "Female, 30s"
or "Male, 40s". This is because it is possible that the things
people find helpful may vary with age and between the sexes.
So I have two final, very quick questions for you. You don't have
to answer these questions, but it will help.
Are you male, or female?
In which decade of life are you (e.g. 20-29, 30-39, 40-49...)?