1. What is Suffering? Learning Goal: Today I will identify ways people suffer.

2. Suffering is an unpleasantness associated with harm or the threat of harm. YOUR JOB: 1.Discuss the following questions and make notes as you go. 2.When you are done all the questions, create a word web to show how the ideas are connected.

3. 1. What are some examples of suffering? With each example, discuss why this suffering exists. 2. How do people react to suffering? (their own suffering and suffering of people around them) 3. Can suffering be a good thing? Why or why not?

4. Create your word web Discuss in your group how to represent suffering on your chart paper using a word web. Be prepared to present your ideas to the class.

5. Suffering is important to human life because...... Suffering plays an important role in most religions: Suffering inspires us to help, do charity and create justice (compassion is a key teaching of Jesus). Suffering makes people stronger In some religions, suffering is thought to lead to higher spiritual achievement (e.g. doing penance)

6. Why does God allow EVIL in the world? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDNxI5- E5jM&feature=related Eckhart Tolle answers, “How can God allow babies to be born in such horrific circumstances like some places in Africa ?” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm17mMcEs9A

7. 4 Responses to Suffering ResponseMeaningExample 1. Hopelessness  Ignore suffering because nothing can be done about it.  Feeling like you have no power.  If you have no hope you will not try to change anything.  War happens no matter what.  ????

9. 2.INDIVIDUALISM 2. Individualism  Independence and becoming an individual more important than other people and relationships  Problems don’t affect me personally, so I don’t deal with them  Believe people should deal with their own problems  ***Me first attitude, even if others suffer.  I’m not homeless.  Hungry people should get a better job.

10. 3. ENLIGHTENED SELF INTEREST 3.Enlightened self-interest  By helping others I’m actually helping myself or I may get help from others  I’ll feel good if I help others

11. 4. Compassion Compassion  Helping others without really asking why – other than they need it  To understand in mind and heart, others’ suffering

12. Where is the Love- Black eyed Peas As you watch the clip write down as many forms of suffering you see. Example. Hunger.