June 7, 1992 After an extensive tour of the United States some years ago, the late, well-known German pastor and theologian Helmut Thielicke was asked what he saw as the greatest defect among American Christians. He replied, “They have an inadequate view of suffering.” I think his observation still holds true. If it were not so, how could American Christians even give a moment’s credence to the ridiculous idea that it is