Quote Originally Posted by Mr. Clandestine
Why does God allow suffering? Why does God allow sickness, and death, and misery? Why isn't Gods world - not ours - perfect?

Well, God allows these things because it allows us to rely more on Him, and less on ourselves. And in many cases, great suffering can bring a person closer to God and give them a better understanding of why they're in pain.
Sounds like sort of a Divine Munchausen by Proxy --- that can't be it.