Let\u2019s first explore the skeptical challenge that divine hiddenness may best be explained as evidence against<\/em> God\u2019s existence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The argument from divine hiddenness raises an interesting and difficult question:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If God is perfectly loving and wants a relationship with us, why isn’t it more obvious that he\u2019s here?<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The argument is based on the idea that a truly perfectly loving God<\/a> would make sure everyone knows he exists, which would naturally lead to belief. Yet, many people\u2014even those who genuinely desire to connect with God\u2014still struggle to perceive him and end up not believing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider the analogy of a loving parent who deeply desires to be known and loved by their child. However, if the parent remains hidden, the child might assume the parent doesn’t exist or doesn’t care\u2014despite the parent\u2019s provision for their child behind the scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a similar way, the divine hiddenness argument affirms that God’s apparent hiddenness<\/a> means either:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Could there be reasons, beyond our understanding, for God\u2019s hiddenness\u2014reasons that might help us grow or shift our perspective in ways we don\u2019t expect?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Could there be more than meets the eye?<\/p>\n\n\n\n We believe so. But first, let\u2019s examine a formal argument made in support of skepticism regarding this issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Schellenberg Hiddenness Argument was created by philosopher J. L. Schellenberg<\/a>. It raises an intriguing question: If a perfectly loving God exists, there shouldn’t be any \u201creasonable nonbelievers\u201d\u2014people who are reasonably open to having a relationship with God but don\u2019t see or experience God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Schellenberg argued that if God truly wanted to connect with us, he would reveal himself to everyone, making it impossible not<\/em> to believe in him. The presence of non-Christians who are open to God but still do not believe suggests to Schellenberg that such a God may not exist<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, this skeptical argument contradicts Scripture in several ways regarding the cause of unbelief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider these three biblical points:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bible also emphasizes that God\u2014being a perfectly loving God\u2014values our free will. He gives us the ability to choose or reject a personal relationship with him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This special gift allows us to connect with God authentically<\/em>, rather than being compelled by overwhelming evidence\u2014just as a child or spouse flourishes under a genuine love from free will rather than obligation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, it\u2019s like a parent who lets their child grow up and make their own choices, even if the child sometimes decides differently than the parent wishes. To reflect on the hide and seek analogy of the parent and child, if the parent were to intercede every time the child had doubts, then the child wouldn\u2019t be allowed to grow in confidence and maturity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Faith<\/a> also plays an important role. In Hebrews 11:1, faith is described as being sure about what we hope for and believing in what we can’t see. Faith asks us to trust beyond what is right in front of us \u2014 a trust that can grow stronger even when we feel God is hidden from us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Could it be that divine hiddenness invites us into a deeper, more personal journey of faith in life that ultimately strengthens our relationship with God?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Absolutely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, let\u2019s look at a similar argument about divine hiddenness: the argument from nonbelief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This argument asks that if a loving and all-powerful God exists, why is there so much nonbelief in the world? According to the argument, the presence of widespread nonbelief argues against the idea of a God who is both loving and intent on forming relationships with his human creatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At its core, this argument is built on Schellenberg\u2019s ideas and assumes that a good, perfectly loving God would make sure everyone has been presented with enough information to believe in him. (Don\u2019t forget, from a biblical standpoint, God has<\/em> sufficiently revealed himself.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n But if God’s presence were as obvious as the physical world around us, then not believing would be entirely unreasonable<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The reality that many smart, thoughtful, and rational people remain unsure about God’s existence raises questions about whether such evidence is available or if God is hiding for a reason. Why would he hide from people who are open to discovering his existence?<\/p>\n\n\n\n As an answer to this question, perhaps people are not as open and neutral as they think they are when it comes to questions relating to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When we consider the argument from nonbelief, we must grapple with the idea that \u201chuman understanding and belief\u201d might require more than just agreeing with facts and intellectualism. Part of our understanding might require that we place our faith (or trust) in what conclusions our human reason leads to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the argument from nonbelief, it’s important to note how the idea is strictly and directly tied to human reason. While our ability to reason is strong, it has limits, especially when it comes to things that extend beyond what we can see or touch. The divine, by definition, goes beyond what we can fully understand through human logic and challenges us to press beyond reason alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While human reason is a profound tool that helps us understand the complex world around us, make sense of our experiences, and create meaningful narratives, when it comes to divine matters, our reasoning can encounter its own set of challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We want to be especially careful when it comes to discussing human reason and God. Topics of faith and theology can extend beyond reason but matters of faith cannot contradict reason. For example, the historic Christian doctrines of the Trinity<\/a> and the incarnation<\/a> can’t be fully comprehended by the finite human mind but these doctrines are not actual formal logical contradictions. So faith extends beyond reason, but faith doesn\u2019t damage or oppose reason. In historic Christianity, faith and reason are seen as compatible and complementary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The argument from nonbelief suggests<\/a> that if God were evident, rational individuals would naturally believe in him. The fact that many people don\u2019t<\/em> believe suggests that either God isn’t as evident as he could be, or that our human reasoning alone is somehow not enough to \u201csee\u201d him. Or maybe human beings are biased against God because of sin<\/a> (see Romans 8:7\u20138).<\/p>\n\n\n\n God often exceeds what can be observed or understood through logic alone. This thought creates a challenge: How can we reconcile the limits of human reason with the profound nature of an infinite and eternal divine being? Could it be that God is understood not only through our thoughts but also through our hearts or internal workings, like life experiences and spiritual searching?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The capacity for faith\u2014which often complements reason\u2014plays a critical role. While reason looks for answers based on evidence, facts, and logic, faith encourages us to believe in things that we can’t fully understand or see but still have a reasonable basis to believe to be true. This is reflected in the Christian perspective of \u201cfaith seeking understanding.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n This relationship between reason and faith suggests that belief in God and God\u2019s existence may require more<\/em> than just rational support. Hebrews 11:6 says that \u201canyone who comes to him [God] must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.\u201d The faith component offers a point against the divine hiddenness argument.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, the relationship between the argument from nonbelief and the factual limits of human reason prompts us to expand our understanding of how we come to know and believe in God. While reason is critically important, it\u2019s only one piece of a bigger picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bible gives us many insights into the nature of God and his relationship with us. This relationship is fundamentally personal and goes beyond mere intellectual engagement. It extends beyond the confines of logic and reason. It\u2019s where something inside us knows<\/em> that \u201cGod\u2019s invisible qualities . . . have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made\u201d (Romans 1:20).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bible shows God as a divine being who wants to engage with us on a heart level. We see this in his interactions and words throughout the Bible\u2014from walking with Adam and Eve<\/a> in the Garden of Eden to his covenant with Abraham, and throughout the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart\u201d (Jeremiah\u202c \u202d29\u202c:\u202d13\u202c).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Finding and \u201cseeing\u201d God is rooted not just in formal reason but also in love and relationship. God invites<\/a> the non-Christian into such a trusting relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But what about Christians who struggle with a hidden God?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s now shift to the challenge that Christians<\/em> encounter when God seems distant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Understanding God\u2014a \u201chidden\u201d God\u2014involves more than acknowledging he exists. It requires trust, love, and spiritual growth\u2014all of which come from the human heart. Trust grows through experiences and a willingness to rely on God’s wisdom and promises, even when we can\u2019t see clear and undisputed evidence for his existence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Love, as described in the Bible, is the foundation of our relationship with God. Love encourages us to respond to his love with our own: \u201cWe love because he first loved us\u201d (1 John 4:19).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spiritual growth is another essential part of this relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we journey in faith, we face various trials and challenges that test our beliefs and ultimately help us mature. James 1:3 reminds us that “the testing of your faith produces perseverance . . . that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spiritual growth emerges from difficult experiences. In other words, at the point where many Christians encounter \u201cdivine hiddenness,\u201d that\u2019s where God sustains them on their journey of faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In short, the biblical answer to the argument from nonbelief asks us to focus on reason and matters of the heart. Scripture tells us that \u201cGod resists the proud but gives grace to the humble\u201d (James 4:6). When we realize that God wants a personal relationship with us, we take a step toward opening ourselves to experiencing the divine in ways that go beyond mere evidence and into the depths of maturing faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of us, whether we are Christians or skeptics, have wondered: Why doesn\u2019t God show himself more clearly, especially to those who are genuinely trying to find him?<\/p>\n\n\n\n This query revisits the central point of divine hiddenness, which asserts that people would expect a loving God to make his existence obvious. However, the truth of God\u2019s presence is more subtle and complex.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we unpack Christian responses as to why God doesn\u2019t more overtly show himself, let\u2019s again recognize the many ways he has<\/em> revealed himself<\/a> to us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First, there\u2019s his Word\u2014Scripture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bible is a powerful testament to God\u2019s character, his promises, and how he interacts with people. Through its stories, lessons, and prophecies, we can learn about who he is and what he wants for us. The written words of Scripture effectively allow us to \u201csee\u201d him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Then there’s God\u2019s world\u2014his creation\u2014which entails all of existence, from Earth to the ends of the cosmos<\/a>. The natural world around us is a testament to God\u2019s creativity and power. From the intricate details built into the smallest cells to the incomprehensible vastness of the starry sky, creation speaks of the Creator\u2019s grand, purposeful universe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps most importantly, God has revealed himself through his Son. In Jesus, we see what God’s love and grace look like, giving us a clear path to understand and connect with him. Jesus\u2019s life, death<\/a>, and resurrection<\/a> are at the heart of the Christian faith and show us the intense depth of God\u2019s loving commitment to humanity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If God showed himself clearly and directly, like the sun in the sky, believing in him might start to feel more like an obligation instead of something we want and get to do. Having the freedom to choose is important for any true relationship, as it lets us seek intimacy because of love, not because we feel forced to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The challenges and uncertainties we face can expand our faith, trust, and love outward like an ever-widening circle. Just like a seed has to push through the soil to reach the sunlight, our life\u2019s journeys can push us out of darkness and ignorance into God\u2019s light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A parent who has taught a child to be responsible watches a situation from afar to see if they\u2019ve matured\u2014not because they don\u2019t love the child, but because they do<\/em>. When the parent sees the child succeed and when the child realizes the parent trusted them on their own, faith in each other grows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Could it be that God calls us, his children, into a more meaningful relationship of faith? Do the \u201cgrowing pains\u201d encourage personal growth and trust far beyond mere surface level? As we consider these questions, let\u2019s stay open to the idea that there may be wisdom in how God\u2019s hiddenness unfolds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we look further into the Schellenberg Divine Hiddenness Argument, it’s important to consider what the Bible says about why God seems hidden. From a biblical standpoint, God\u2019s hiddenness doesn\u2019t indicate his absence or lack of love. Instead, apparent hiddenness is a key part of his relationship with humanity that\u2019s designed to build genuine faith and trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The hiddenness of God should be seen as a means to help us grow and mature. Just as a parent lets a child explore and learn on their own, God’s quiet presence encourages us to develop and to seek him earnestly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bible stresses the vital role of faith and emphasizes that God desires a personal and voluntary relationship with us. As Hebrews 11:6 says, \u201cWithout faith it is impossible to please God.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n From a Christian perspective, God does not hide himself for no reason. His hiddenness serves to prompt genuine seeking. In our busy lives, many people say<\/em> they\u2019ve looked for God but didn\u2019t find him. They use this apparent hiddenness as an argument to dismiss his existence and live their lives however they want. <\/p>\n\n\n\n God’s hiddenness isn’t meant to be a game of hide-and-seek, but a call to sincere pursuit. When we seek sincerely, \u201cwith all our heart,\u201d it often means diving into deeper questions like \u201cWhy am I here?<\/a>\u201d or \u201cWhat\u2019s the purpose of life?<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bible reveals time and again that God values faith and belief that doesn’t rely purely on evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These verses emphasize that faith serves as the driving force behind deeper belief in God\u2019s existence. Faith also fosters a more trusting relationship with him\u2014where we learn to rely on God\u2019s promises and character. People who trust in God\u2019s character no longer need constant signs or miracles<\/a> as proof for something that stretches beyond our ability to fully comprehend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This biblical approach helps us build a strong and lasting faith that can handle life’s uncertainties and challenges<\/a>. By trusting in God’s presence and goodness, even when he feels hidden or distant, we develop a deeper, more authentic spirituality that isn’t shaken by the absence of signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, divine hiddenness is not a void but a potential space for those willing to seek him sincerely. It challenges us to engage with God on a level that passes mere mental acknowledgment into a transformative relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a further consideration of the argument from nonbelief, we observe that the theory is rooted purely in human reason, which is limited. When we think about human reason and understanding, we affirm that reason is necessary for knowing, but we must acknowledge that it falls short when it comes to fully grasping the concept of an infinite God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The human mind is great at figuring out mysteries in the natural world, but there are instances where our reason is stretched thin, as in the two examples that follow. Similarly, many aspects of the divine remain mysterious and beyond our full comprehension. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider the complexity of the universe for a modern example that demonstrates the limitations of human reasoning. The vastness of space, the strange rules of quantum mechanics, and the enigma of dark matter and dark energy all push the boundaries of our understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These phenomena inspire a sense of wonder and remind us that there\u2019s so much more to the universe than we can currently or fully grasp. These wonders hint at a Creator\u2019s existence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The human brain is another marvel that challenges our comprehension. Even with all the progress in studying the brain (neuroscience), scientists are still working to understand consciousness and the intricacies of thought and emotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These complexities suggest that while reason can guide us, it may not always provide complete or crystal-clear answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to trying to understand God and the \u201cwhy\u201d of divine hiddenness, we must realize that we as mortal human beings have our limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Isaiah 55:8\u20139 says, <\/p>\n\n\n\n This verse reminds us that some aspects of God\u2019s character, including what he does and why, are too big for us to fully understand. His higher ways and thoughts should encourage us, as creatures made in his image, to be humble and to trust him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By accepting the limits of our humanity, we\u2019re invited to see the divine with wonder and awe. When we recognize that some mysteries might never be solved, we allow ourselves to experience God in ways that go beyond our mental grasp. Such awe strengthens our faith through the reality of divine hiddenness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we continue to unpack the hiddenness of God, it’s essential to recognize humanity’s role. Our separation from God began at the beginning in the Garden of Eden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Genesis 3:8 paints a vivid picture of this moment: Adam and Eve, having chosen to sin, hid themselves\u2014or at least tried to\u2014from God. This act of hiding marked the start of humanity\u2019s separation<\/a> from the divine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n God’s original design was for an intimate, unbroken relationship with us. He walked with Adam and Eve in the garden, showing the closeness and fellowship he intended for his creation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yet, they chose to disobey. They ate fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil\u2014an event known as original sin<\/a>\u2014and fractured their relationship with God. Adam and Eve made a barrier that was not meant to be there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This separation wasn’t just physical. It was a spiritual divide that has continued throughout history and all generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On a personal and individual level, when thinking about why God seems hidden or distant, it’s important to understand that this doesn’t mean he doesn’t care. Apparent hiddenness doesn\u2019t equate to divine indifference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the contrary, God’s distance can often be linked to our own<\/em> actions and choices. Our sin has created a veil that obscures our view of him. It’s not that God wants to stay hidden; it’s that our hearts have turned away from him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Throughout Scripture, God consistently reaches out to humanity to mend this fractured relationship and sometimes to execute judgment. His judgment can seem like he\u2019s \u201cturning away his face\u201d or \u201chiding\u201d due to people\u2019s sin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n God\u2019s hiddenness is a reminder of the chasm between human sin and divine holiness. But it also serves as a call to reconcile and points to Jesus Christ who bridged this divide for us. God’s love is steadfast, and his desire for closeness remains unwavering. He always invites separated sinners to turn back toward him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On this journey of divine hiddenness and the existence of God, we should feel called to examine our hearts and how we might be contributing to this separation. Remember, God wants us to return to him and seek him. When we do, he comes running to meet us as in Jesus\u2019s parable of the lost son<\/a> in Luke 15:11.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By acknowledging the choices we\u2019ve made and what\u2019s in our hearts, we open ourselves to the possibility of healing and restoration. Knowing that we\u2019ve been forgiven of all our sins allows us to feel God’s presence as a loving father rather than a judge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While the idea of God’s hiddenness can sometimes be overwhelming, it’s important to remember that God is much closer to us than we might think or feel. Even when it doesn\u2019t seem like it, God is always a part of our lives. He works quietly in all the details of our lives and invites us to know him more and see his unfailing provision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Romans 8:28 reminds us, even through the hardships and the silence: <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
The Parent-Child Analogy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The Schellenberg Hiddenness Argument<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A Brief Biblical Response to Schellenberg<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHuman Reason and the Argument from Nonbelief<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Nonbelief Argument and the Limits of Reason<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Biblical Response for a Perfectly Loving God<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Reconciling A Personal God and Distance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
A Growing Personal Relationship<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIf God Exists, Why Doesn\u2019t He Show Himself More Clearly?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Revelation Through Scripture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Revealed Through Creation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Jesus Was Not Hidden<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Freedom to Choose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Encouraging Spiritual Growth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Divine Hiddenness and Human Faith<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Purpose of Divine Hiddenness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Faith Beyond Certainty<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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The Limits of Human Reason<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u2018For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,\u2019 declares the Lord. \u2018As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.\u2019<\/q>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe Hiddenness of God Explained<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Man\u2019s Hiding\u2014Humanity’s Role in Resisting God<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
God\u2019s Hiddenness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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