The Ramchal z"l has stated in several places that we are all here in this world for our own benefit and gain, by having free choice between good and evil:

עיקר הבריאה כולה הוא, שרצה הבורא ית' לברוא האדם, שיהיה מתדבק בו יתברך, ונהנה
בטובה האמיתית, וזה על ידי שיהיו לפניו שני דרכים, דרך הטוב ודרך הרע, ויהיה לו כח לבחור
באיזה מהם שירצה, וכשיבחר בדעתו וחפצו בטוב וימאס ברע, אז תנתן לו הטובה האמיתית
הנצחיית. -
(- see attachment-) מאמר העיקרים ע''ש

However in recent years our life on this planet seems to have become much "harsher" and frightening than in previous history - organized world-wide terrorism, global heating and pollution, threat of nuclear holocaust, wars and many tragedies etc. etc.

How can we understand why Hashem is doing this to us, even though He is our loving Father?

mamar_haekarim.pdf (73 Kb, 10 downloads) a great summary of haskafa by a great rabbi

Quote "However in recent years our life on this planet seems to have become much "harsher" and frightening than in previous history"


Actually, it seems the best generation in history. Even if you believe all those things are true, which I don't (some yes) but forget about distance "threats." Day to day living hasn't been better than any other time.

Is there an English translation of the PDF file available, or is it only in Hebrew?

I think that the fact that we have news media as never before, perhaps makes it appear as though there is more now than ever.

I do think, however, that even that (along with internet and other mass communication devices) makes it easier for evil to proliferate as well. I believe we have to remember that the better we make the world, there will also be an opposing force which is just as dedicated (if not more so) to making the world worse, be that the Satan, or simply the unchecked yetzer ha ra of men (meaning mankind). THis doesn't comfort, I realize, but just is offered as an observation.
Yocheved