Why Does God Allow Suffering? A Neville Goddard Perspective

Neville Goddard’s teachings offer an answer to the age-old question: Why does God allow suffering? According to Neville, suffering is not something that God imposes on us, but rather a natural result of our own consciousness and beliefs. For Neville, the Bible is not a literal historical account, but a symbolic guide that reveals how our thoughts, beliefs, and imagination shape our reality.

At the core of Neville's teachings is the idea that imagination is the creative power of God. Our lives are a reflection of our inner thoughts, assumptions, and beliefs. When our beliefs are out of alignment with what we truly desire—such as beliefs of fear, unworthiness, or lack—we experience suffering. In this sense, suffering is a product of our own mental states rather than something God actively chooses to impose upon us.

One key reason for suffering, Neville suggests, is the common tendency to interpret the Bible literally. While Neville didn’t directly say that literal interpretation causes harm, he did believe it limits the transformative potential of the Bible’s teachings. For Neville, the Bible should be seen as a symbolic map of consciousness—each story, character, and event representing inner states of being and mental processes. A literal approach misses the deeper message of personal transformation and empowerment.

When we interpret the Bible literally, we risk missing its psychological and spiritual depth. Figures like Jesus, for instance, aren’t seen as historical persons but as symbols of the awakened imagination. The crucifixion is not a literal event but a powerful metaphor for fixing an idea in our minds to bring it into manifestation. Literal interpretations focus on external events, which can create feelings of separation and confusion, leading to suffering.

Suffering, in Neville's view, is not an external punishment but a reflection of inner misalignment. It’s an opportunity to recognize where our beliefs are out of sync with what we truly desire. The Bible, understood symbolically, reveals that we can shift our thoughts and assumptions to align with the life we wish to create. Through the power of imagination, we can transcend suffering and manifest a more peaceful, abundant reality.

So, why does God allow suffering? According to Neville, suffering is not something God imposes, but a result of misaligned beliefs. The Bible, when understood symbolically, teaches us that we are the creators of our own reality. By shifting our consciousness and using the power of imagination, we can move beyond suffering and create the life we truly desire.