Here is the final bit of my interview with the South Korean Buddhist editors The Monthly YangWoo Magazine 3/2020.  Not surprisingly they were particularly interested in my views of why there is suffering in the world.  As you know, that is a central component of Buddhist thought.   I know many people who find Buddhist approaches highly satisfying; many others who simply do not think that way.

My own writings about suffering – especially my book God’s Problem — have all been connected in one way or another with the western tradition, rooted in both Judaism and Christianity, especially as these are seen in the Bible itself.  I make no qualms about the fact that these are the traditions I resonate with.  I do not think that is either good or bad, in part because I do not believe it is *possible* to have a neutral position on important questions – any important question (arguably any question at all!).  Even if you try.  And even if you claim you do have a neutral position.

And so I wrestle with suffering from where I am, from what I know, from what I’ve experienced, and from how I think.  So do they – but their world is very different.  In any event, my answers here are short and to the point, as required by the context of the interview…..

The rest of the post is for blog members.  You too can be among that elite crowd of insiders: join!  Costs very little, gives very much, and every thin dime that comes in goes out to charity!