Suffering in Mormonism: Good or Bad?

[_keithb]

As I have been thinking about theology at my work today (while writing tedious lines of computer code), I have been struck by the dichotomy between the role of human "suffering" in the Great Narrative and Small Narrative parts of Mormon theology. To explain this, first allow me to establish some definitions:

Great Narrative: The overarching purpose and story of God -- why God does what he does. This would include what the ultimate role and goal of God is in the universe, how he/she/it/they interacts with creations, and the overall purpose of this life.

Small Narrative: The role of religion in the day-to-day lives of believers. This would include the types of folksy inspirational stories, "sacrament Twinkies", and the like that get passed around between members and told to children.

The way I see it, in the Great Narrative version of Mormon theology, God's work is to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man". Further, if we take the King Follett discourse and some early teachings of BY at face value, this means that he wants to exalt more copies of himself from among his children (kind of like Mr. Smith in the Matrix Reloaded)to increase his standing among the Gods.

In this version of Mormonism, the suffering of individuals is subservient to the grand designs of God. If people have to suffer in this life, even if the suffering is extreme or unjust, the end result of finding a few select members of the human race worthy of exaltation justifies this suffering in the eyes of God. After all, the work of God is not to relieve this suffering or even to mitigate it in some circumstances (c.f. D&C 121) but to produce creatures worthy of exaltation.

Bottom line: If you're suffering in the "Great Narrative" version of Mormonism, tough crap: it's for your own good.

However, in the Small Narrative version of Mormonism, I would argue that God seems to be seen as more of a friend. In this version, people who are sick, dying, suffering injustice, etc. can pray to God for relief from their suffering and he will send help, either in the form of the "Holy Spirit" or in the form of people around the person who will be "inspired" to compassionately try to help.

Bottom line: if you're in need in the "Small Narrative" version of Mormonism, God is there to help.

However, the dichotomy comes (and I think that it's a point most of the faithful haven't thought about much) when you try to resolve these two paradigms. In the great version, suffering is seen as a positive, purifying influence in people's lives, preparing them for exaltation. In the small narrative, it's seen as a undesirable effect, a byproduct of a corrupted world.

To the faithful: how do you tend to resolve these two seemingly contradictory views of the place of suffering in the world?

Any other thoughts on this subject would also be appreciated.

[_The Nehor]

Suffering is a bad thing in both the big and small narratives. It may have good aftereffects and serve a purpose but it is not necessary forever. If suffering was a good in the larger narrative, heaven and hell would be reversed.

[_bluedream]

"To the faithful: how do you tend to resolve these two seemingly contradictory views of the place of suffering in the world?"

There always seems to have to be some missing link. And it always relies, ultimately, on this thing called faith to bridge these gaps. So I think you answered your own question. But bridges can be dangerous if not built or crossed with care.

Suffering is necessary, except when unnecessary

[_Runtu]

Suffering must be considered good by the church. Otherwise, how can you explain sacrament meeting? ;-)

[_The Nehor]

Suffering must be considered good by the church. Otherwise, how can you explain sacrament meeting? ;-)

Because some things work for our good. The ones I'm scared of are the ones who think heaven is like an eternal sacrament meeting or family barbeque.

Yikes.

Disclaimer: I do enjoy some sacrament meetings while I do not enjoy others.

[_Blixa]

The ones I'm scared of are the ones who think heaven is like ....[a] family barbeque.

Oh I dunno. Will David Bokovoy be grilling his pork butt? I've heard it's worth re-converting for.....

[_moksha]

Will David Bokovoy be grilling his pork butt? I've heard it's worth re-converting for.....

Wish FAIR would spring for a Bokovoy Barbecue Extravaganza that would invite all the message board participants. Critics could wear a disguise and not even have to worry about FAIR dusting for fingerprints afterward because of the yummy barbecue sauce on the Bokovoy pork butt.