Why is there suffering?

I very much enjoy anthropology and like most, find myself watching people in public, noting behaviors and listening to the conversations of others. One of my favorite ways to study popular thinking of others is to Google common phrases. If you enter the beginning of a phrase or question in the Google search bar, it will pull up the top searched items starting with that phrase. Here are some interesting search topics that your fellow human beings are pondering about...

Why do...
...men have nipples?
...dogs eat grass?
...dogs eat poop?
...cats purr?
...cats knead?
...men cheat?
...my eyes twitch?
...we dream?
...we yawn?
...mosquito bites itch?

What are...
...the symptoms of swine flu?
...the primary colors?
...seven deadly sins?
...capers?
...michael jackson's kid's names?
...the seven wonders of the world?
...carbohydrates?
...hemroids?
...these strawberries doing on my nipples I need them for the fruit salad

How to...
...tie a tie
...kiss
...get pregnant
...lose weight
...make a website
...lose weight fast
...solve a rubix cube
...write a resume
...draw
...get rid of stretch marks

One of the most popular searches was "why do we suffer?". There was an array of explanations, several of religious foundation, including one that prompted my response.

The authored explained:
"Indeed the question is often asked, "Why does a loving God allow anyone to suffer?" This tract seeks to answer these questions.
Psalm 119:67 is applicable to believer and unbeliever. It says, "Before I was afflicted I went astray..." Often God uses suffering to draw the unbeliever to Himself."

I am confused by this statement and disagree because it seems to give God a egotistical trait of mortal human nature. I also find it disturbing that God would cause people to suffer for this reason. I believe suffering exists for as many reasons as there are types of suffering. However, I do not think it needs to exist nor is it caused on purpose.

The author goes on to state "Paul the Apostle suffered greatly in his life and yet he could say, "we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Perseverance, character and hope are all qualities which the Christian wants. We must accept that suffering is one method the Lord uses to build these. When we endure suffering we also give strong evidence that our faith is genuine (1 Peter 1:6,7)."

I do see the reasoning in this explanation, as those character attributes are very valuable. This is an optimistic way to view suffering, finding the rainbow in the thunderstorm. However, there exist other means and experiences by which people can develop character. Instead of learning to persevere through dealing with the loss of a loved one, one could learn perseverance by achieving a hard goal such as climbing a mountain.

Addition explanations of the purpose of suffering:

-We suffer now to later help others that suffer; "...when we are going through some sort of suffering or trial, we often feel that others do not understand, but when we hear words of comfort from someone who has been through the same circumstances, it is more comforting and easier to accept..."

-Suffering is a result of sin; Hebrews 12:7 says, "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?" I agree there is universal karma.

-We suffer because Christ suffered; "In 3:10, Paul says, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death...."
This brings to light the argument of original sin. I believe that a newborn baby is guilty of nothing that has passed, except perhaps morning sickness and back pain. Would Jesus want us to suffer as he did? Hang on a cross by nails? Be persecuted? Would you want others to suffer as you have with the intent of strengthening your relationship?

"...In verse 75 we read, "in faithfulness you have afflicted me." We can be sure that the Lord will do those things that are ultimately good and correct...Sometimes we may suffer for reasons that will not be apparent until we reach heaven. Yet when we get there we shall surely say, "It was good for me to be afflicted.""

Could it be possible that God does not control everything? That tragedy could occur, unpredicted, with no plausible explanation?
Is it scarier to believe that no one has control?