As soon as we start thinking about the meaning and purpose of suffering in life, a load of questions suddenly spring up. First of all, is there a meaning and purpose to suffering – that’s a pretty big assumption! People who believe in God will ask: Is God responsible for suffering – if not, who or what is? Why doesn’t God do something about it? Is suffering a punishment for things we have done wrong, and if so why do innocent children suffer? Does God have a plan and is suffering part of it? If so, can I opt out of that plan please! Can we reconcile suffering with the understanding of a loving and compassionate God as taught by some of the world’s major religions? This ebook offers no pat solutions, but it tries to clarify the questions in language which is meaningful to us all.