Science, Religion:
Why Is There Suffering?

This question has given rise to a number of competing answers among religions.

Hinduism: Karma for past sins.

Abrahamic Monotheism: Adam and Eve eating the apple.

Liberal Christianity: Separation from God or free will.

Buddhism: Attachment.

Zoroastrianism: The Prince of Darkness.

Gnosticism: The demiurge.

Dharmic Philosophy: Maya, the illusion that one is finite.

Greek Myth: Pandora’s box.

Now science has its answer. Suffering exists because it proved to be conducive to the survival of higher animals. We evolved suffering just as we evolved sight and balance.

—JoT
June 2006

apple: I know it wasn't really an apple, but a "fruit."

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?: related rant

No Good Reason: related rant

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That's me, as my daughter would have it.