[Mad Dawg]

As an aside: It is REALLY hard for me to imagine that anyone over the age of three has not been "tested". I think the Budhha was right that, in some respect, "life is suffering."

More generally star differs from star in glory, and I dare guess that saint differs from saint in kind and "amount" of sanctification.

(Just a wild conjecture, but it's suggested by Dante)

[Dr. Eckleburg]

I think the Budhha was right that, in some respect, "life is suffering."

If we look at life as suffering, we will find suffering.

If we look at life as God's creation, eternally given to us in order to glorify His name forever, we will find joy among the thorns.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." -- Romans 8:28

WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM

Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?

A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

Perhaps our different perspectives are again summed up by the RCC's use of the crucifix, while Bible-believing Christians prefer the victory of the empty cross. He has risen. We are saved. Christ is King.

"Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD." -- Psalm 144:15

[kosta50]

As an aside: It is REALLY hard for me to imagine that anyone over the age of three has not been "tested". I think the Budhha was right that, in some respect, "life is suffering." More generally star differs from star in glory, and I dare guess that saint differs from saint in kind and "amount" of sanctification. (Just a wild conjecture, but it's suggested by Dante)

Dante? MD, I asked to show me where does one find that in scriptures.