Why is there so much suffering in the world and what kind of God would allow it to happen? If God is so powerful, why does He not help His people?
This is a really difficult question. Its not as if God wants his people to suffer. I think this is where people's free will comes into play. Because people are allowed to do whatever they want, we may not do or think the right things. And, because of this, humans don't always think of what is best for others as a result. Since God granted free will, people take advantage of that. I think this also ties into the last question.(that is why i added it at the top where the question is stated.) In a sense, it is kind of the same question. Anyway, God is always there. All a person has to do is reach out to Him, and He will be there. He will help those who call on Him. It pains God to see His people suffering. But, people have a choice on how they act and how they react to things.
Is God punishing the Jews?
I don't think God was necessarily punishing the Jews. Nor is it our place to determine if it was punishment or not. God does things in the ways that he does for them a reason, and we as humans may never understand why. I do believe that it was a divine test of faith, however. Any one going through those circumstances would experience some strain on whatever it is they believed in. Also, i don't think that God punishes people. I believe that God presents consequences for people's actions and tests them, but does not punish.
Is their suffering a test of faith?
Yes. Being in the conditions that the Jews were in during the Holocaust is probably the biggest test of faith a person could experience. A person's true colors would show in times like those. It is really easy to go through the motions and act like you are spiritual and following God. It is in really difficult times that faith becomes even more a necessity than an ordinary, everyday thing. To those whose faith had grown, it had probably became more needed to live. When you are on your deathbed, like the Jews were, you either become more faith-filled or you lose all faith and trust in God's plan. Faith played a big role in the Jews' suffering.
By: Elizabeth-all-by-herself
