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The concept of Affliction in Christianity

Affliction, in Christianity, signifies a state of suffering, distress, or hardship that challenges an individual's faith and relationship with Christ. It encompasses physical or mental suffering and includes biblical references, such as Hannah’s plea for a son. Different Christian denominations, including Protestantism and Early Christianity, view affliction as trials that come from God, ultimately designed to shape character and faith. It serves to illustrate perseverance through hardships, often leading to spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God.1
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Synonyms: Suffering, Distress, Pain, Misery, Woe, Anguish, Hardship, Torment, Discomfort, Adversity, Tribulation, Ailment, Agony, Trouble

In French: Affliction; In Dutch: Kwelling; In Finnish: Ahdistus; In Spanish: ´¡´Ú±ô¾±³¦³¦¾±Ã³²Ô; In German: Gebrechen; In Swedish: Lidande; In Malay: Kesengsaraan

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Affliction'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) All manner of afflictions are analogous to the waves, and the Church is compared to a ship navigating a violent storm, as described in the text.[1] (2) The sufferings and tortures endured by the martyrs, through which they demonstrated their faith and became illustrious.[2] (3) The difficult circumstances that the saints have suffered through, which will ultimately lead to the receipt of their rewards; this suffering is a means by which they are proven and tested in every way.[3] (4) The afflictions, the Lord will deliver him out of them all, is a promise of rescue from suffering.[4] (5) This is what the Lord wills to purify the servant from, according to Isaiah's teachings.[5]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) This term refers to a state of suffering, distress, or hardship, which can take various forms, presenting challenges to one's faith and relationship with Christ.[6] (2) Physical or mental suffering or distress experienced by individuals.[7]

From: Hymns for Christian Devotion

(1) This is described as a tumultuous area, suggesting a difficult experience where waves crash against each other, representing struggles.[8]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) The affliction describes the state that Hannah was in, when she prayed to Jehovah, asking Him to look on her and grant her a son, whom she would dedicate.[9]

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) Challenges or sufferings that come from God, which should be regarded with serious acknowledgment of His authority rather than contempt.[10] (2) Difficulties and sufferings imposed upon individuals by circumstances or by God, which serve a greater purpose in shaping character and faith.[11] (3) The painful consequences or trials that befall those who engage in sinfulness and iniquity.[12]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Book of the Bee

(1) The suffering that the emergent nations will cause to humanity, leading to starvation and death.[13]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Gnostic concept of 'Affliction'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: Pistis Sophia

(1) The suffering and challenges faced by Pistis Sophia in her quest for light and redemption.[14] (2) The sufferings and tribulations experienced by Pistis Sophia during her plight against oppression.[15]

Plural form: Afflictions.