Sometimes human suffering results from people’s own sinful choices, poor decisions, or intentional recklessness. But what about when innocent people suffer, like children with a terminal illness or victims of mass shootings?

These are hard questions and it can be difficult to see why a good God created so much suffering. The good news is that the Bible teaches us much on this subject of suffering in the natural world and the confidence we can have in God’s love for us.

At times, though hard to grasp, suffering is prescriptive. It doesn’t just happen; it shapes. It strengthens what’s weak, softens what’s hard, and draws us closer to the heart of God.

In this post, we won’t just look at suffering through the lens of experience. We’ll explore it through the eyes of faith, medical perspectives, and a compassionate God who never wastes our wounds.

Why God Allows Suffering

God allows suffering because it plays a role in his bigger plan—a plan that includes helping us grow, shaping our character, drawing us closer to him, and preparing us for our future careers in the new creation that is described in Revelation 21–22.

But what does that mean exactly, and how can we be so sure of God’s goodness. Let’s explore.

Pain and Suffering Medically

Pain isn’t pointless. Though it wounds, it also warns.

Medically, pain and suffering serve an important biological function. They signal injury or imbalance. Without it, the body falls silent when it needs to speak most.

Such is the case with leprosy. Nerve endings numb, injuries go unnoticed. Pain disappears, and damage multiplies. The body begins to break down.

Emotional grief also has physiological roles. Emotional pain can draw people to seek help, build relationships, and grow in resilience. Like inflammation triggers healing, emotional pain often pushes us to reach out.

These systems aren’t signs of a cruel God. They reveal something deeper: even in a fallen world, we are still fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

Character Produces Hope

Just as physical stress strengthens bones, spiritual and emotional challenges grow perseverance, character, hope (Romans 5:3–4), and prepare us for future ministry opportunities.

God doesn’t allow pain without purpose. And he never allows it without his presence.

Jesus Christ didn’t sidestep suffering; he embraced it. He bled. He wept. He carried the full weight of human trauma on his shoulders. The whipping. The nails. The betrayal.

He gets it. Because he lived it.

And now he walks through it with us. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you” (Isaiah 43:2–3).

Some argue that suffering is a product of natural selection or thermodynamic decay. But anyone who’s known deep grief knows better.

There’s too much ache in the human experience, too much evil, too much love, too much longing, for it to be explained by random processes alone. If pain is real (and it is), and justice matters (and it does), then the world must be more than dust and decay.

Which means there must be Goodness. A Moral Lawgiver. A God who stands against evil and who will one day make all things right.

Suffering doesn’t disprove God’s existence. It points us straight to him.

For the Christian, suffering doesn’t just point to God; it draws us to him.

Suffering with Purpose

As 1 Peter 3–4 attests, suffering is part of the Christian journey. If you follow Jesus, you will face suffering.

Why? Because when we go against the grain of a fallen world, we get splinters.

But pain isn’t wasted. It’s how Romans 8:28 is proved true: “In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Paul reminds us: “What has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel” (Philippians 1:12).

Our trials aren’t detours. They’re divine appointments.

Even when life gets hard, we hold this hope: “Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory . . . ” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Suffering as Discipline and Love

Not all suffering is persecution. Some is a consequence.

Sin leaves bruises. Disobedience has fallout. And if we think God will simply let it slide, we’ve misunderstood his love.

Because love doesn’t ignore. Love disciplines.

Like a parent who guides a child, when we disobey God, he lovingly redirects his own—not with condemnation, but correction. As Scripture reveals:

• “The Lord disciplines the one he loves” (Hebrews 12:6).
• “God is treating you as his children” (Hebrews 12:7).
• “God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness” (Hebrews 12:10).

He doesn’t let us drift unchecked. He doesn’t allow sin to corrode us quietly. “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).

When we see that God allows suffering not as abandonment, the pain doesn’t vanish, but maybe it softens. “Consider it pure joy . . . whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2–4)

When we view it through the lens of love, suffering becomes something more than just pain. It becomes a pathway.

Suffering as the Place of God’s Love

Suffering isn’t just a tool for growth or discipline. It’s also the place where we meet the most profound love.

Not the polished kind that appears in tidy testimonials. But the raw kind. The relentless kind. The love that stands in the fire with us and refuses to let go.

It’s no easy feat to love the wretched. But God does.

He loves us when we rage, when we withdraw, when we’re too hurt to speak and too broken to hope.

When God meets us in our suffering, when he refuses to leave us there, when he stands with us in it, bears our heartache, and gently leads us through, we begin to understand something profound.

His love doesn’t recoil. It doesn’t abandon. It doesn’t give up.

It holds. No matter what.

Through weakness. Through sorrow. Through sin and shame and sadness.

His love is unyielding.

And when you come up against it, when you feel it pressing close, right there in the ache, we understand, we feel something we never could otherwise. And maybe, just maybe, we’re even grateful. Grateful for the God who not only saves . . . but also stays and ministers to us in our most trying moments.

What Does the Bible Say About Suffering?

God’s Word doesn’t sidestep suffering. It walks straight into it and brings hope along.

One decision to step outside of God’s will fractured the world (Genesis 3:17). Thorns, sweat, pain, and death all became part of the human experience in greater measure. However, it’s essential to understand that suffering did not begin with that moment—it intensified.

Pain, hardship, and trial were always part of life in a world designed for growth, work, choice, and relationships. But when Adam and Eve chose rebellion over trust, the weight of suffering increased—not only for them, but for all creation. As Genesis 3 describes, the ground was cursed, labor became toil, and greater pain touched everything in contact with humankind, all because of Adam and Eve’s decision to rebel against God’s authority over their lives. Thus, “cursed is the ground because of you.”

But through it all, God is neither surprised nor absent.

Even in Eden, God didn’t turn away. He made a promise that a Redeemer would come. Hope would rise. And one day, all that was broken would be made new.

Why Do People Suffer?

Suffering touches every soul.

But while pain may feel the same, its purpose can vary. Let’s examine three ways the Bible helps us understand suffering.

The Suffering of All Humanity

We live in a cracked world. Thorns and thistles grow. Bodies break. Hearts ache. Tears fall.

It wasn’t always this way. Sin impacted creation, and suffering followed. In that sense, suffering isn’t personal; it’s universal. The shared ache of a world still waiting for redemption.

Suffering for Christians

For those in Christ, suffering is never wasted.

It’s strength training for the soul. The ache you feel today is shaping something eternal. It equips Christians for ministry in this life and trains them for future ministries in the new creation.

Trials refine what comfort never could.

They stretch our faith, build endurance, and gently strip away our self-reliance.
Sometimes, it’s only in the fire that we lean fully on him.

And when we suffer for Christ—when hardship comes because we follow him—it becomes sacred. “Now . . . indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory” (Romans 8:17). “Rejoice” that “you participate in the sufferings of Christ” (1 Peter 4:13).

Suffering for Non-Christians

Sometimes, pain is a knock at the heart’s door. A holy question.

C. S. Lewis called pain God’s “megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Not because God delights in pain, but because he knows what it can awaken.

A softened heart. A seeking spirit. A soul suddenly aware of eternity. To those who don’t yet know Jesus, suffering is not punishment; it’s pursuit.

Like a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine, God uses pain to draw his children home.

Suffering may level us all. But in the hands of God, it also lifts us to see that we were made for more.

God and Suffering: Answers to Your Hard Questions

Some questions are born in hospital rooms. Others arrive in the ache of disappointment and the rage of grief. These are often some of the questions that matter most, and while we may not get every answer we want, Scripture gives us the ones we need.

Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen?

Because he’s writing a bigger story, we may be reading a dark chapter. But the Author is not absent, nor is he finished with us yet. For those who love God and are fulfilling the purpose for which they were created, God promises to use all things, including the apparently bad things, for ultimate good (Romans 8:28).

God weaves broken threads into redemptive beauty. He bends pain into purpose. Nothing escapes his sovereignty. No sorrow is too tangled for him to redeem.

Why Does God Allow Pain?

God allows pain because pain protects, pain teaches. And pain, surrendered to God, transforms.

A body that never feels pain invites destruction. A heart that never breaks may never learn to love.

Pain carves depth into our souls and nudges us toward dependence on him. And though it stings for a season, it strengthens us for eternity.

Why Does God Allow Evil?

God allows evil because love requires freedom, and freedom carries risk.

God didn’t create evil, but he gave his creation the freedom to choose. Love that’s forced isn’t love at all.

God could have reduced the level of evil by restricting our freedom and weakening our free will. However, if we all had weak free wills, we all would be incapable of experiencing strong love. God wanted strong love relationships with his creatures. Therefore, he created us with strong free wills, cognizant that some of us would use our strong free wills to reject his offer of love and embrace evil.

But evil isn’t eternal. Its days are numbered.

There’s a day coming when wrongs will be made right and he’ll let “justice roll on like a river” (Amos 5:24), and God will “wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4).

Does God Want Us to Suffer?

No, God does not want us to suffer. But he wants us to grow.

Sometimes, the only path to growth winds through the valley of tears.

Like a wise parent, God allows the stretch, the struggle, the strain.

Not to harm us, but to form us.

And he promises this: we will never walk through suffering alone. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Is God All Good?

Yes, God is entirely good. The cross is the proof.

Look to the Savior—our Lord Jesus Christ—who took the nails, wore the thorns, and bore the wrath so we wouldn’t have to.

A good God turned the world’s worst pain into the doorway to salvation.

That’s not just good. That’s grace. That’s a holy God.

How Do Christians Respond to Suffering?

When We Suffer Personally

We respond the way Jesus did, with tears and trust.

We don’t pretend it doesn’t hurt. We cry. We question. We wrestle. But we do it with hope in our hearts.

We lean on the God who is with us. The One who strengthens, comforts, and stays.

Our wounds become windows. Our pain becomes a platform. And sometimes, our brokenness becomes the place where someone else meets Jesus. That is, our suffering becomes an opportunity. “We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body” (2 Corinthians 4:10).

When the World Suffers

We don’t close our eyes. We don’t look away. We step in.

As the body of Christ, we mourn with those who mourn. We offer presence, not platitudes. Action, not apathy. Because when one part suffers, we all do (1 Corinthians 12:26).

We pray. We serve. We show up. Not because we have all the answers, but because we know the One who does.

God calls his people to be carriers of his comfort. To lift the fallen. To bind up wounds. To be light in the darkest places (Matthew 5:14-16).

And in doing so, we echo the heart of our Savior.

The post Why Does God Allow Suffering? appeared first on Reasons to Believe.

It’s the expression of a fierce and faithful love that will not let evil write the final word.
It’s the steady hand of a just Judge who sees every wound, every wrong, and declares, “No. This will not stand.”

His wrath is not the opposite of love—it’s love in its most unyielding form.
A holy fire that burns away injustice.
A relentless pursuit to restore what has been broken.
A promise that the world’s pain will not go unanswered.

But often, that’s not what we feel when we hear “the wrath of God.”

For many, it might be unease. Maybe even fear?
It conjures images of a distant, angry God—arms crossed, eyes blazing, thunder in his voice.
Punishment. Judgment. A holy anger too fierce to face.

But what if that’s not the right picture?
What if we’ve misunderstood God’s wrath?

It’s not an outburst. Not blind fury.

So today, let’s look again—more closely, more honestly. Because when we truly understand God’s wrath, we don’t find a God set against us.

We find a God who moved heaven and earth to rescue us. A God whose love was strong enough to carry our sin—and tender enough to welcome us home.

Wrath of God Meaning: Justice Rooted in Love

We’ve all experienced human wrath. It’s a force we know all too well—and often wish we didn’t.

But when the Bible speaks of God’s wrath, it invites us into a different conversation—a deeper one—one in which God’s anger isn’t tangled in pride or selfishness but rooted in something pure.

What Does Wrath Mean in the Bible?

The Bible vividly contrasts human wrath with God’s wrath.

When human wrath surfaces in Scripture, it is impulsive, messy, and deeply flawed. It burns hot and fast, rooted in pride, fear, or a wounded ego.

Cain’s rage led to murder (Genesis 4:5–8). Jonah’s anger burned when mercy was shown to Nineveh, and caused him to question God’s compassion (Jonah 4:1–3).

In a moment of frustration, even Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it as God commanded, and forfeited his entry into the Promised Land (Numbers 20:7–12).

Human wrath, left unchecked, spirals into destruction.

It’s why wrath is counted among the seven deadly sins—not just because of what it does to others, but because of what it does to us. It corrodes the soul. It deadens compassion. It numbs our capacity to listen, to forgive, to love.

Divine wrath, on the other hand, is altogether different.

God’s Wrath Defined

God’s wrath is never rash. Never rooted in insecurity.

It’s always righteous—an extension of his holiness, justice, and love. It’s not emotional volatility, but a steady, measured opposition to sin, evil, and all that destroys his good creation.

Where human anger often seeks vengeance, God’s wrath seeks restoration.

It’s not the lashing out of an offended deity, but the grief of a loving Father who cannot and will not let darkness win.

Wrath of God vs. Wrath of Man

Human wrath springs from our brokenness, and it always leads somewhere dark.

Fueled by ego or pain, it lashes out before it listens, and in its wake, it leaves damage we can’t undo.

By contrast, God’s wrath is never reckless. It is always purposeful, measured, and rooted in justice and love.

“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people . . . ” (Romans 1:18). Not because he is cruel, but because he is holy—and committed to setting all things right.

When we witness violence, oppression, or cruelty, it’s not the wrath of God breaking loose, but the consequence of human sin.

As James puts it, “But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:14–15).

The brokenness we see in the world is not born from divine impulse but from our rebellion.

Even when we ache for justice, even when we burn with righteous anger at the world’s wrongs—Scripture gently reminds us: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19).

Because the truth is, we can’t settle the score.

We may long to fix what’s been broken, to make wrong things right—but our wrath isn’t capable of redemption. It can’t heal wounds. It can’t bring justice. It can’t atone for sin.

Only holy wrath—pure, measured, and perfectly just—has that power.

The Wrath of God in the Bible

When the Bible speaks of God’s wrath, it doesn’t illuminate the depths of his rage—it revels in the light of his goodness.

The Bible shows us that his wrath is not about destruction but restoration; it’s not about punishment for its own sake but about setting right what sin has done wrong.

What Does the Bible Say About the Wrath of God?

The Bible demonstrates that God’s wrath isn’t a flared temper.

As Nahum declares, “The Lord is slow to anger but great in power; the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished” (Nahum 1:3).

The Bible paints a clear picture: “There is no one holy like the Lord” (1 Samuel 2:2). “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing” (Habakkuk 1:13).

God is completely set apart from sin—utterly pure and incapable of coexisting with corruption. And so, his wrath is a steady opposition to all that distorts, destroys, and separates us from him.

Yet, God’s heart is not to destroy, but to redeem.

He loves us too deeply to leave us in our sin, so he made a way for justice to be fulfilled and mercy to be poured out.

That way is Jesus.

At the cross, Jesus bore the full weight of divine wrath—not as a victim, but as a willing Savior. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

God was never interested in punishment for punishment’s sake.

From the beginning, he was unfolding a rescue plan. When sin entered through Adam, humanity became subject to death and wrath (Romans 5:12, 18).

But God didn’t leave us to our mess.

He whispered the promise of redemption, a plan that would one day bring a Messiah from the line of Abraham (Genesis 12:1, 3).

Jesus came, not only to take the wrath we deserved, but to open the way back to life.

“For God so loved the world . . . ” (John 3:16). He stepped down, humbled himself, and stood in our place (Philippians 2:6–8).

Those who trust in him are not just spared from wrath—they are brought into everlasting life.

Life that will one day flourish in a world remade: “a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). A place where God will dwell with his people, and “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:3–4).

This is God’s heart, unchanging from beginning to end.

What About God’s Wrath in the Old Testament?

God’s wrath isn’t a New Testament idea—it’s woven throughout all Scripture. And in the Old Testament, it’s never rash or cruel, but always righteous and purposeful.

Consider the flood. “The LORD saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become . . . ” (Genesis 6:5). Evil had spread so deeply that without intervention, humanity would have destroyed itself. The flood wasn’t just punishment—it was protection. By sparing Noah, God preserved a path for redemption.

We see this again in Egypt. Pharaoh’s heart grew harder with every warning, yet God gave him repeated chances to let his people go (Exodus 7–12). His patience was real—but so was his justice.

Though strict, even the laws given to Israel revealed God’s care. They upheld justice, protected the vulnerable, and set his people apart in a corrupt world.

The Old Testament doesn’t show a different God. It shows the same holy, merciful, and just God we see in Jesus, who is “slow to anger, abounding in love” (Psalm 103:8), judges with purpose, and has always been concerned with redemption.

God’s Wrath in the New Testament

Some imagine God’s wrath disappears with Jesus’s arrival, but the New Testament tells a different story.

God’s character hasn’t changed. His justice is just as real, and his holiness is just as fierce.

What shifts is the spotlight: In the Old Testament, we often see God’s justice front and center; in the New Testament, his grace takes the stage—but it never stands alone.

We still see moments of divine judgment. Ananias and Sapphira fall dead after lying to the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:1–11). Herod Agrippa is struck down for accepting worship meant for God (Acts 12:21–23). Elymas the sorcerer is blinded for opposing the gospel, and the result is faith, not fear (Acts 13:8–12).

God’s justice didn’t disappear—it found its fullest expression at the cross. As Scripture reminds us, “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6), and “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father . . . who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

What has changed is our vantage point. The New Testament is drenched in the language of rescue and redemption: “We were by nature deserving of wrath . . . but because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ” (Ephesians 2:3–5).

God’s wrath is not erased—it’s answered. Grace isn’t a replacement for justice—it’s the path through.

Wrath leads us to grace. Grace leads us home.

3 Truths About The Wrath of God

God’s wrath can be hard to understand, but we can turn to three timeless truths that reveal the heart behind God’s justice.

The Christian Response to the Wrath of God

When we begin to really understand the truth of God’s wrath, it doesn’t drive us away—it draws us in.

It reminds us that his justice is not against us but for us.

His holiness is not cold but fiercely loving, and his wrath is not the end of the story but the doorway to grace.

If we let it, this understanding may stir us in different ways.

It creates a longing to share the gospel with urgency, to point the weary, the wounded, and the wandering toward the cross, where both the fullness of God’s righteous judgment and his compassionate mercy were perfectly expressed at the same time.

It deepens our worship.

We can be in awe of a God so holy that he cannot overlook evil and so loving that he chose to bear its cost himself. His wrath helps us see the severity of sin, but his grace reveals the depth of his love.

It strengthens our endurance.

When the path is heavy and darkness seems to press in, we remember—evil will not write the final chapter. “Let us not become weary in doing good . . . ” (Galatians 6:9). “Blessed is the one who perseveres . . . ” (James 1:12). We keep walking, not in fear, but in faith.

Because at its core, God’s wrath reveals his love:

A love that defends what is good.
A love that made a way for mercy to triumph.
A love that restores what was lost and breathes life into what was dead.

If you’d like to explore God’s justice, mercy, and holiness in greater depth and learn more about how they shape a life of faith, we invite you to explore our other resources and keep walking toward the heart of the One who redeems.

The post Wrath of God appeared first on Reasons to Believe.

But it’s common to wonder—or even doubt in moments of difficulty or sorrow—if we can really believe that. What does being “good” actually mean? For many people, questions about God’s goodness linger in their hearts and minds.

Together, we’re going to dig deeper into this idea. What does it mean to say God is a good God? How can we see his goodness in our lives and in the world around us?

Whether you’ve always believed this truth or are currently wrestling with it, this is an opportunity to approach the question with fresh eyes.

God Is Good

Some people have raised a famous question called the Euthyphro dilemma, which asks, “Is something good because God commands it, or does God command it because it’s good?” It’s a tough-sounding question, but the Christian answer can simplify it.

God is good by his very nature. He doesn’t conform to some external standard of good, nor does he make up good arbitrarily. Instead, his very essence, nature, or character is good and defines what goodness is. That’s why we can trust him as the ultimate guide for morality and living a meaningful life.

What Does It Mean That God Is Good?

When we say God is good, what do we really mean? The word “good” is used in many different ways and it requires context for understanding.

We might talk about a “good dog” when it behaves or performs well, or a “good movie” when it moves us emotionally. But these examples highlight an important distinction. For objects or creatures, “good” might mean useful or effective. But when we say a person, or even God, is good, we move into the realm of morality and ethics.

Applying “good” to God is more than saying he’s effective at what he does—it’s about his perfect moral character. God is loving, just, and merciful.

These traits give depth to what we mean by his goodness. God’s goodness isn’t even just about what he does—it’s who he is. It can be comforting to know that goodness is part of God’s very nature, with his actions reflecting that perfect goodness.

What Makes God Good?

Here’s the incredible thing about God’s goodness. From a Christian perspective, God isn’t good because he meets some higher standard—God himself is the standard.

He’s the source, the foundation, and the very definition of what goodness is and means. Everything we call “good” can trace its roots back to him.

How Do We Know God Is Good?

If God is good, how do we know it for sure? One way is through his self-revelation in the Bible.

The Bible teaches us about God’s character, and it’s filled with stories of his goodness. We read about his faithfulness to his people, his compassion for the brokenhearted, and the ultimate sacrifice he made for us through Jesus.

Bible verses like Psalm 34:8 invite us to “taste and see that the Lord is good,” encouraging us to experience his goodness firsthand.

Another way we can know God is good is through personal experiences. Maybe you’ve felt peace during a hard time or seen a prayer answered that felt like a gift from God. Such moments remind us that God’s goodness isn’t distant or theoretical—it’s something we can experience in a real and personal way.

And even when we struggle to see it, God’s goodness doesn’t change.

Why Is God Good?

Why is God good? It all comes back to his nature. God’s goodness isn’t something he chooses to turn on or off. It’s part of his perfect, unchanging character.

God is good because he is love.

He is good because he is just.

He is good because he is merciful.

These aren’t questionable or separate parts of who he is—they’re all wrapped up in his perfect character and are why we can trust him even when life feels uncertain. God’s goodness gives us a foundation, a reason to hope, and a reason to keep moving forward.

God’s Goodness Explained

God Is Always Good

It’s comforting to know that God’s goodness doesn’t waver. While our feelings and circumstances change, God is always good. Think about it—when life is tough, it might be hard to sense his goodness, but God isn’t tied to how we feel and if we seek him, we can find him. His goodness is steady, like a rock we can hold onto during life’s storms.

This consistency is one of the qualities that makes God trustworthy. We don’t have to wonder if he’ll be kind or compassionate today but harsh tomorrow. His eternal promise is that he’s the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

Even when circumstances seem unfair or difficult, we can know God’s goodness is still at work, often in ways we can’t yet see.

God, Alone, Is Good

Unlike us, God’s goodness is perfect and without flaw. There’s no trace of selfishness, cruelty, or wrongdoing in him. God is light and in him there is no darkness (1 John 1:5). Everything he does is rooted in goodness—pure, holy, and righteous. This may be hard for us to fully wrap our minds around because as human beings, even our best intentions can fall short of true goodness. But with God, there’s no hidden agenda or shortcoming to his character.

This truth is reassuring because it means our belief in him is well-founded. Knowing that God alone is good gives us confidence that his plans for us stem from love and care.

Only God Is Good

When we say “only God is good,” we’re recognizing that all goodness originates in him. Humans can reflect his goodness—we can be kind, loving, and just—but those qualities come from God. He’s the source of everything good in the world, and without him, goodness wouldn’t exist.

Jesus reminds us of this truth in the Bible. When someone calls him “good teacher,” he responds, “Why do you call me good? No one is good—except God alone” (Mark 10:18). (Jesus doesn’t deny his divinity in this verse, but rather points to his goodness as stemming from his divinity.)

This isn’t to diminish our ability to do good things, but it points us back to the ultimate source. Any goodness we experience or share is a reminder of God’s generosity and grace. It’s a humbling, yet uplifting truth: only God is good, and yet he invites us to reflect his goodness in our lives.

How Does God Show His Goodness?

God’s Goodness in the Universe

When you look at the world around you, have you ever paused to appreciate its beauty or complexity? There are countless examples—and many times personal ones as different people find different things amazing—where creation reflects God’s goodness everywhere.

The order and precision in the universe, from the way planets orbit the Sun to the way our bodies work and heal, testify to a Creator who is brilliant and benevolent.

Think about it. The universe didn’t have to be this beautiful or enjoyable for us. We didn’t need flowers that bloom with vibrant colors or stars that light up the night sky. Yet, God chose to fill creation with wonders as his way of giving us a glimpse of his goodness and seeing that he cares about beauty, joy, and life.

God’s Goodness to All Humanity

God’s goodness extends far beyond the beauty of creation to all humanity. This idea is often referred to as his “common grace,” the blessings he gives to all people regardless of their beliefs or actions. Think about the air you breathe, the food you eat, and the love you experience. These simple yet profound blessings are gifts from God.

The Bible reminds us that “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45).

In other words, God’s goodness isn’t limited to a select few. He provides for everyone, giving us what we need to live and thrive. Even in a broken world, his goodness shines in acts of kindness, in moments of joy, and in the everyday provisions we so often take for granted.

God’s Goodness Through Jesus

While creation and providence reveal God’s goodness, Jesus is the ultimate expression of it. Through Jesus’s obedient life and sacrificial death, God showed us just how far his goodness goes. Jesus came into a broken world, lived a perfect life, and laid down his life so we could experience forgiveness and hope.

His death wasn’t just a good act—it was the greatest act of goodness the world has ever known. Even now, 2,000 years later, Christians everywhere discuss and cherish Christ’s atonement on behalf of sinners.

But God’s goodness didn’t stop there. Jesus’s resurrection demonstrates his power over sin and death, offering us eternal life. When we look at Jesus, we see the very heart of God’s goodness—his love for us, his desire to rescue us from sin, and his commitment to restoring what’s broken. It’s through Jesus that we can truly understand how deep, how wide, and how unchanging God’s goodness is (Ephesians 3:16–19).

God’s Goodness to You

God’s goodness isn’t just something out there in creation or history—it’s something personal for each of us now.

Take a moment to reflect on your own life. How have you seen God’s goodness? Maybe it’s in the love of a friend or family member, the beauty of a calm morning, or a silent prayer answered. Perhaps it’s in the strength you’ve found during tough times or the peace that surprised you when life felt chaotic.

God’s goodness to you is real and tangible. It might show up in big, miraculous ways or in quiet, everyday moments. Either way, it’s a reminder that he sees you, he cares about you, and he’s actively at work in your life. When you recognize these glimpses of his goodness, they become opportunities to draw closer to him and trust in his unchanging character.

How Is God Good?

How Is God Good if Evil Exists?

This question has challenged Christians and skeptics alike. If God is all-good, how can evil exist? To answer this challenge, we can start by clarifying a common misconception; namely, that the only way to be aware of evil is to know the good.. But the Christian view describes it differently.

Before creation, only God existed, and with him existed only perfect goodness. Evil was not necessary for goodness to be real.

St. Augustine famously described evil as a “privation,” or a lack of goodness. Think of darkness—it isn’t a thing in itself, but rather the absence of light. Evil is like that. It’s not a substance or force; it’s a corruption or failure of something that should be good. When God created the world, he declared it “good” and “very good.” Evil didn’t appear until later, as a result of his creatures choices.

God’s design for creation included the expectation for humans to enhance the good he made, like an artist carving beauty from a block of marble. While we sometimes add to the brokenness instead, God’s goodness continues to shine through his work to redeem and restore what has been damaged.

How Does a Good God Send Someone to Hell?

This question can feel uncomfortable, but it’s important to look at it through the lens of God’s justice and love. Hell isn’t an arbitrary punishment—it’s the natural consequence of rejecting God. He’s given us free will and the ability to choose whether to reject or accept him through Christ Jesus. And because God respects our freedom, he honors our choice, even when it leads away from him.

Hell isn’t about God being cruel; it’s about God being just. Imagine a world without justice—where evil goes unaddressed and wrongdoing has no consequence. A truly good God must be perfectly just, ensuring that sin and rebellion are dealt with.

But here’s the amazing part of God’s goodness: he offers us a way out of our predicament. Through Jesus, he extends forgiveness and grace, sparing us from the consequences we deserve. Hell simply reflects the reality of a choice to live apart from the source of all goodness.

How Is God Good if He Allows Suffering?

Suffering is one of the hardest experiences we face, and it’s natural to wonder why a good God would allow it. While we may not always understand the reasons, we can see glimpses of how suffering fits in God’s plan. Sometimes, it’s through suffering that we grow stronger, wiser, more compassionate, or closer to God himself. Challenges refine us, much like fire refines gold.

God’s goodness doesn’t mean he shields us from all pain—it means he works through it to bring about good. The Bible offers countless examples of how God uses suffering for a higher purpose. Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers, later realized that God used his hardship to save many lives (see Genesis 37–50). And, of course, the greatest example is Jesus himself. Through his suffering and death, God brought redemption to the world.

Suffering doesn’t mean God is absent or uncaring. On the contrary, he walks with us through it, offering comfort and hope. More than that, he promises to one day wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4), restoring all that’s been lost. Until then, we can trust in his unchanging goodness, even when life hurts.

Our God Is a Good God

As we’ve explored, God’s goodness is woven into every part of who he is and what he does. His unchanging nature means he is always good, purely good, and the ultimate source of all goodness. From the beauty of creation to his provision for all humanity, from the sacrifice of Jesus to his personal care for each of us, God’s goodness is constant and limitless.

No matter the questions or challenges we face, we can rest in this truth: our God is a good God. His goodness is a foundation we can stand on, a reason to trust, to hope, and to give thanks. May you hold tightly to this comforting thought, knowing that his goodness never fails and he is always working for your good (Romans 8:38–39).

Scriptures on God’s Goodness

God’s Goodness in His Nature

• Exodus 34:6 – “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
• Psalm 34:8 – “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
• Psalm 100:5 – “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
• Nahum 1:7 – “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.”
• James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

God’s Goodness in Providing for Us

• Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
• Matthew 7:11 – “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
• Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”
• Psalm 145:9 – “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”

God’s Goodness in His Love and Mercy

• Lamentations 3:22–23 – “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
• Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
• Psalm 86:5 – “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.”
• Titus 3:4–5 – “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”

God’s Goodness in Strengthening and Protecting Us

• Deuteronomy 31:8 – “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
• Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
• Psalm 27:13–14 – “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
• 2 Samuel 7:28 – “Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.”

God’s Goodness in Salvation and Eternal Life

• John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
• Psalm 103:2–5 – “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
• Ephesians 2:4–5 – “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
• Romans 2:4 – “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

The post Is God Good? appeared first on Reasons to Believe.

When we talk about God’s attributes or God’s character, we’re exploring the qualities that describe who he is and how he acts. These attributes reveal the very essence of God—what he’s like and what makes him unique.

What Are “Attributes,” and Why Do They Matter?

Simply put, an attribute is a quality or trait that belongs to someone or something.

For example, when we say someone is kind, their kindness is an attribute that reflects their character. Similarly, God’s attributes are the qualities that reveal his character, helping us to understand not just what God does, but who he is.

But why does this matter for you and me? Because knowing the one true God doesn’t just give us a better theology—it can transform how we think and live as we aspire to be more like Christ and to “be holy as he is holy.”

If God is merciful, how should we respond? If he’s always present, how does that change our view on daily struggles? We’ll tackle questions like these throughout the post.

Questions You May Have About God’s Attributes

Some of us probably approach this topic with curiosity, others with doubt. Here are several questions we’ll address as we unpack God’s character together:

• What are the attributes of God, and how are they described in the Bible?
• Which of God’s attributes are evident in the natural world, and what does science say about them?
• How do we respond to God’s attributes in our own lives?

Now, these attributes aren’t just abstract ideas; they’re meaningful, practical truths. They help us understand, trust, and connect with a Creator who is far greater than we can possibly imagine.

Seeing God’s Attributes in Nature

One of the most fascinating things about God’s attributes is how many of them are revealed through our examination of the realms of nature. Paul writes in Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen.” Think about the intricate design of a single snowflake, the mystery, yet necessity for life, of lightning, or the number, sizes, and diverse structures of galaxies and stars. Each of these reflects attributes like God’s creativity, power, and infinity. Creation itself points to God and who he is.

Science greatly adds to this understanding. Consider the fine-tuning of the universe—how many cosmic features must be exquisitely fine-tuned for physical life to possibly exist. This precision affirms God’s wisdom and power. Or look at DNA, a code so complex yet so perfectly and optimally designed that it showcases God’s intelligence and intentionality.

While nature gives us indications of God’s character, it’s only a starting point. That’s why we also turn to the Bible, where God’s attributes are made fully known through his words and actions.

Understanding God’s characteristics can lead to rich, life-changing discoveries as well as inspire and motivate us. From his mercy to his majesty, each attribute calls us to worship, reflect on his goodness, and grow closer to him.

Join us as we uncover what the Bible says about God’s character, how creation reveals these truths, and how we can respond in wonder, faith, and action.

The Character of God

What Is God’s Character?

When we think about God’s character, we’re looking at the very core of who he is. It’s his unique combination of qualities that makes him unlike anyone or anything else. While humans show glimpses of kindness, strength, or wisdom, God’s characteristics are perfect, unlimited, and unchanging.

This is what defines God’s nature: He doesn’t just act loving; He is love. He doesn’t just display power; he is all-powerful.

Unlike us, God isn’t shaped by external influences or circumstances. His nature is consistent and holy. When the Bible says God is holy, it means he is completely set apart—pure, righteous, and untainted by sin. This holiness isn’t just one attribute among many, it’s woven into everything he is and does, from justice to mercy.

What Does “Attribute” Mean in the Bible?

In the Bible, an attribute is a quality or feature that describes someone and helps us understand their character.

The same is true of God. His attributes tell us about his nature: what he’s like, how he interacts with the world, and what sets him apart as God.

Biblically, attributes like mercy, justice, and omniscience (being all-knowing) aren’t just distant descriptions. They’re revealed through God’s actions and interactions with humanity. Scripture is full of these examples. When God provided for Israel during their wilderness wandering, we see his faithfulness. When he sent Jesus to redeem us, his love and mercy were evident.

The Bible also reminds us that God is both infinite and personal. While our human minds are unable to fully grasp all of his attributes, we’re given enough revelation to marvel at and to know him in a personal way.

Our God is not a God who refuses to be known. God’s attributes aren’t mere theological ideas. They’re windows into the Creator’s heart, showing us who he’s been for eternity and who he will always be.

What Are the Attributes of God?

For the sake of brevity, we’ll limit our exploration to 23 divine attributes. These will be sufficient to help us appreciate that God has revealed himself to us and wants us to know him. Yet, our knowledge is necessarily limited because we’re creatures and he’s the Creator.

1. Holy

When we describe God as holy, we’re saying he’s completely set apart from anything imperfect or sinful. He’s incapable of wrongdoing. Holiness is central to God, meaning his nature is pure, moral, and unblemished—in a word, perfect.

The Bible emphasizes this in verses like Isaiah 6:3, where the angels cry out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty.” A three-time repeat of “holy” drives home just how unique and majestic he is.

God’s holiness also affects us personally. It reminds us that even while we fall short of God’s righteous standards, God can call us into his presence because of his grace issued through Jesus Christ. His holiness can seem intimidating, but it’s also an invitation, one borne of a desire deep in our hearts to be made whole and free of wrongdoing ourselves—relying on his mercy.

2. Complete/Self-Sufficient

God is entirely self-sufficient. He doesn’t need anything outside himself to exist or thrive. This may be hard for us to grasp because, as humans, we rely on food, water, shelter, and connection to survive. But God’s self-sufficiency means he is soundly complete and “un-needing” within himself. The apostle Paul in Acts 17:25 reminds us of this truth, saying, “And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else.” This attribute highlights God’s independence and directly ties into his ability to be the source of all life, love, and truth (1 John 2–4) and “every good thing.”

For us, it’s comforting to know we depend on a God who doesn’t depend on anyone or need anything.

3. Never Changing/Immutable

Unlike the world around us, which is constantly shifting, God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). This attribute is what makes him trustworthy.

His promises don’t fade.

His love doesn’t waver.

His character remains consistent.

Because he is unchanging, there’s no limit to his perfection. For example, God’s mercy is as constant now as it was when he led Israel out of Egypt. Understanding this attribute helps us anchor our faith in a God who will always remain faithful.

4. Infinite

God is infinite, meaning he has no boundaries or limits. This applies to every attribute—his power, knowledge, and existence. We see evidence of this in creation. The size of the universe itself may as well be endless to us and serves as a clear reflection of God’s infinite nature. And just as Psalm 147:5 says, “His understanding has no limit.”

God’s infinity should leave us awestruck, reminding us of how small we are by comparison, yet he loves us personally and intimately. This paradox is part of what makes God’s character unique and that makes him divine.

5. Eternal

Unlike everything else in existence, God has no beginning or end. He’s eternal. The Psalmist declares, “From everlasting to everlasting, you are God.” This statement points to a deep truth about God’s nature: He exists outside of time, never constrained by its passing. He is the creator of time, as the space-time theorems prove.

This attribute reassures us that God’s plans are always perfect, spanning beyond what we can see or imagine. His eternal nature also guarantees that his promises will last forever. It’s a foundation we can build upon.

6. Righteous

To say God is righteous means he always does what is just, fair, and morally perfect. His righteousness isn’t just about doing what’s “right”—it’s the very standard by which humans measure right and wrong and have for thousands of years, whether they believe so or not. God’s righteousness assures us that he’ll always judge rightly. Even when life seems unfair, we know his justice prevails. The universe proclaims God’s righteousness (Psalm 97:6). The features of the universe reveal that it’s been exquisitely designed to make it possible for humans to be redeemed from their sin and evil.

God’s righteousness also includes mercy.

Through Jesus Christ, God provided a way for us to be made right with him, showing that justice and mercy work hand in hand in righteousness.

7. All-Powerful (Omnipotent)

God’s omnipotence means he holds all power. There’s nothing he cannot accomplish. Genesis opens with this profound truth as we see God speaking the universe into existence. From the galaxies to the complex foundation of life known as DNA, all creation stands as evidence of his boundless power.

Because God is all-powerful, nothing is too difficult for him (Jeremiah 32:17). This attribute reassures us that he is in control, no matter how overwhelming life may feel. When we face challenges, we can turn to the One whose power knows no limits.

8. All-Knowing (Omniscient)

God’s omniscience means he knows everything—past, present, and future. Psalm 139 beautifully portrays this knowledge, saying, “You perceive my thoughts from afar . . . Before a word is on my tongue, you, Lord, know it completely.” God’s understanding isn’t just broad; it’s deeply personal.

This is both humbling and comforting. While we can hide nothing from him, God’s knowledge also means he fully understands us and our needs. Nothing catches him by surprise. His wisdom guides his plans, and his knowledge ensures those plans always work for our good (Romans 8:28).

Because God is all-powerful and all-knowing, he knows far better than we do what is best for us. Thus, it only makes rational sense to put him in complete charge of our lives.

9. Transcendent

God is transcendent, meaning he exists entirely beyond and above all creation. He is not confined to the limits of time, space, or matter as we are. Thus, God has powers we strain to calculate (see Beyond the Cosmos). Isaiah 55:8–9 highlights this transcendence: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways . . . as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.” These words show us that God’s full character is majestic and wholly unlike anything we can fully comprehend.

His transcendence forms a cornerstone of authentic worship. It reminds us that while God is intimately involved in our lives, he’s also far greater than anything we are capable of imagining—we are literally incapable (1 Corinthians 2:9). He’s not just “the big guy upstairs,” he’s the sovereign Creator who rules over all.

10. Always Everywhere (Omnipresent)

When we say God is omnipresent, we mean he is present everywhere at the same time. In Jeremiah 23:24 God declares, “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” Psalm 139 says it this way: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” No matter where we are—whether on the highest mountain or the deepest reaches of the universe—God is always with us.

This attribute means that no person is ever truly alone and we can turn to God at any moment, knowing he’s already there. His omnipresence is a constant source of comfort, especially in times of fear or uncertainty. It’s incredible to think that the Creator of the universe is as close to you as your next breath.

11. Sole Creator of All That’s Created

God is the sole Creator of everything that exists, from the smallest atom to the most distant galaxy (Isaiah 44:24, 45:18–20). Genesis 1:1 tells us, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Everything we see—and even things we can’t see—came into being because of his creative power and design.

God’s attribute as Creator shows us his authority and intentionality. Nothing in existence is random or accidental. When you look at the intricate details of creation, like the veins of a leaf or sunlight’s glimmer across water currents, you catch a glimpse of God’s attributes: his creativity, wisdom, and power. This knowledge should fill us with awe and gratitude for the beauty and elegance of his handiwork.

12. Just

God is just, and this means he is perfectly fair and righteous. He always acts with integrity. He is holy and incapable of thinking or acting otherwise, ensuring that good is rewarded and evil is held accountable. Deuteronomy 32:4 states, “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.”

This attribute reassures us that God’s character is utterly trustworthy. Even when life feels unfair, God’s justice will prevail. His patience may delay judgment, giving people time to turn to him, repent, and receive his merciful grace, but his perfect justice assures us every wrong will ultimately be made right.

13. Good

God’s goodness is one of his defining characteristics. To say God is good is to say that he is morally perfect and the ultimate source of everything good in our lives. Psalm 34:8 invites us to experience his goodness firsthand: “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”

This goodness isn’t abstract, it’s personal. Every act of kindness, provision, or protection you’ve experienced flows from his good nature, reminding us that even in challenging times, God’s plans for us are for our ultimate benefit.

14. Faithful

God is faithful, meaning he always keeps his promises and never fails to do what he’s said he will do. Lamentations 3:22–23 confirms that “His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

This attribute is a reminder of God’s reliability. When people break their promises or our lives undergo earth-shattering experiences, God remains faithful. His faithfulness gives us confidence to trust him in all things, knowing he will never “leave you or forsake you.”

15. Merciful

God’s mercy is his loving forgiveness, full of grace, that’s extended to us when we don’t deserve it. We are told in Ephesians 2:4–5, “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.” Mercy is a central part of God’s character, showing his care for humanity despite our flaws.

His mercy allows us to approach him with humble confidence and gratitude. It’s a constant reminder that no matter how much we fall short, God’s mercy reaches further, offering redemption and new life through belief in Christ and repentance.

16. Compassionate/Gracious

To say God is compassionate and gracious is to say he deeply cares for us and extends favor we don’t deserve. This is showcased in Psalm 103: “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” His compassion means he sees our pain and responds with kindness. His grace means he gives us blessings we haven’t earned.

God’s grace is the greatest, yet most mysterious, blessing God has bestowed upon humans. Even angels long to understand the wonders and depth of God’s grace (1 Peter 1:10–12).

This attribute should fill us with hope and inspire us to likewise be compassionate and gracious toward others and reminds us that God’s heart is full of tenderness and generosity.

17. True/Truthful

God is true and truthful. He is the ultimate source of all truth. He does not lie, deceive, or change his mind. Numbers 23:19 tells us, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind.” Hebrews 6:18 states that “it is impossible for God to lie.” Everything he says and does is grounded in absolute, unchanging truth.

His attribute of truth is a foundation for our trust in him. Because God is truthful, we can believe his promises and rely on his Word. He guides us in truth and calls us to walk in it as well. When the world feels uncertain or we become unsure of what’s real, God’s truth remains a lighthouse of hope and clarity.

18. Love/Loving

God doesn’t just show love—he is love. This is one of the most well-known attributes of God. In 1 John 4:8, we’re told, “God is love.” God’s love is sacrificial, unconditional, and everlasting—seen most vividly in the life and death of Jesus Christ. John 3:16 declares, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son . . .” and 1 Corinthians 13 defines love for us.

This love reaches each of us personally and sets a model for us to aspire toward. God’s love is not based on our performance or merit but on his very nature and it challenges us to reflect his love in our lives toward others.

19. Superpersonal

To describe God as superpersonal means he is infinitely personal yet completely beyond human comprehension. He isn’t an abstract force or impersonal entity. Instead, God relates to us as a Father, a Savior, and a Friend who comforts and guides. At the same time, his nature is beyond anything we can fully grasp.

This duality is seen in passages like Isaiah 40, which describes him as both the Creator of the universe and the Shepherd who gently tends his flock. God’s superpersonal nature assures us that he knows and cares for us deeply.

20. Continuously, Infinitely, Perfectly Moral

God’s morality is both perfect and infinite, wrapped in his righteousness. He is the standard of what is right and good. Psalm 145:17 tells us “The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.” Unlike human morality, which can falter, God’s is constant and unfailing.

This attribute assures us that God’s decisions, actions, and commands are always just and good. It invites us to align our own lives with his moral standards, knowing that living according to his ways leads to fulfillment and peace.

21. Beautiful

To say God is beautiful is to recognize the awe-inspiring harmony of his character. His beauty isn’t just physical—it’s the radiance of his holiness, love, and perfection. David writes in Psalm 27:4, “One thing I ask from the Lord . . . to gaze on the beauty of the Lord.”

Creation reflects God’s beauty in countless ways, from the pleasantry of flowers to the glorious colors of a sunset. But his greatest beauty is found in his perfect character.

22. Infinitely Wise

God is infinitely wise and knows what’s best in all capacities and circumstances. He sees the end from the beginning and drafts his plans with perfect insight. Romans 11:33 declares, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!”

This attribute brings us peace, especially when life feels confusing or overwhelming. We can trust that God’s wisdom is available in his Word, the Bible. And for those who ask, his wisdom helps guide every moment of our lives.

23. Invisible

Though God is active and present everywhere, he is invisible, as emphasized in verses like John 1:18: “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son . . . has made him known,” or 1 Timothy 6:16: “[God] who no one has seen or can see.” God’s invisibility doesn’t make him distant—it highlights his spiritual, set-apart nature that encourages us to pursue him by faith rather than sight. God’s invisibility means he can do things for us that he otherwise wouldn’t if he were always physically visible to us. Jesus made this point when he said to his followers, “It is for your good that I am going away” (John 16:7).

We see the effects of God’s presence in the world—through his works in creation and his intervention in our lives. This invisibility calls us to trust him more deeply and focus our hearts and thoughts on eternal, unseen realities.

An Incomplete List of God’s Attributes

When we talk about God’s attributes, it’s important to recognize that our understanding will always be limited and incomplete. God is infinite, and his nature, wisdom, and power stretch far beyond anything our human minds can grasp.

This incomplete understanding also stands as proof of his existence. A finite mind cannot fully comprehend an infinite being. The vastness of God’s omni-attributes—his omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence—reveals a Creator whose power and presence are undeniable. Each attribute points to a depth and perfection that transcends human understanding, inviting us to know that there is more to him than we can see or imagine. This sense of mystery is not a flaw in our understanding—it’s a testament to who God is. If we could measure, categorize, or completely explain him, would he truly be divine? His incomprehensibility is part of what makes him God and should leave us in awe and humility.

Rather than frustrating us, this mystery calls us into a deeper relationship with him. It allows us to approach God with trust and wonder, knowing that while we’ll never fully understand him on this side of heaven, we can still know him in profoundly personal ways. And one day, as 1 Corinthians 13:12 promises, we’ll see him “face to face” and understand more fully.

For now, every step of discovery is an opportunity to marvel at his greatness. Our incomplete understanding doesn’t diminish his glory—it magnifies it. It keeps us seeking, worshiping, and growing, knowing there’s always more of God’s incredible character to uncover.

What Attributes of God Are Revealed Through Creation?

The world around us isn’t just beautiful—it testifies to the attributes of God. Creation whispers (and at times, shouts) about who God is, allowing us to catch glimpses of his character. From the grandeur of galaxies to the intricate design of every living, functioning cell, the natural world reflects his attributes of power, wisdom, creativity, and loving care.

Look up at the night sky, and you can’t help but marvel at the sheer power and mystery that spoke the stars into existence. Abraham could see over 10,000 stars and the grandeur of the Milky Way and the Omega Cluster. Today, we have images from the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes that allow us to see galaxies billions of light-years away and stars in their formation phase just after the beginning of creation. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” This immense power, stretching across billions of light-years, points to a Creator who is omnipotent, boundless in strength and capability.

Scholars, like those mentioned in The Creator and the Cosmos, have noted that the fine-tuning of the universe reflects not only supernatural power but also intelligent design—qualities foundational to God’s character.

Every ecosystem, every natural process, every mathematical constant, and each scientific law reveals God’s unfathomable wisdom. The book Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job offers insights into this wisdom, with chapters 7 and 14 describing the wonders of life and the complexity of creation, letting us consider the deep thought and purpose behind it all. 

Isn’t it amazing that our planet operates in such delicate balance, from the tilt of the earth, distance from the Sun, to the rhythm of the tides, to the size, strength, and enduring stability of Earth’s magnetosphere? This intricate design couldn’t happen by chance—it speaks of a God who knows and orders all things perfectly.

Creativity Beyond Compare

Creation is brimming with God’s artistry. No two sunsets are the same. Every snowflake is unique. Mountain ranges are individually majestic. Birds, flowers, and even microscopic organisms display endless variations of beauty and astonishing ingenuity. This creativity reflects the nature of God, who designed a diverse and vibrant world (Psalm 104) not out of necessity, but out of delight.

Resources like Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job highlight the depth of God’s attributes seen in creation. Similarly, The Creator and the Cosmos highlights scientific and theological connections, looking further into just how the heavens bear witness to God.

For a deeper dive into specific aspects of God revealed in creation, consider exploring our blogs at Reasons to Believe. Our articles unpack theological and scientific insights, showing how science can support the existence of God.

When we observe the world with wonder, it’s impossible to miss the fingerprints of our Creator. Creation isn’t just beautiful—it’s a window into the heart and character of the One who made it.

Our Response to the Attributes of God

Our understanding of God’s attributes should shape how we live and relate to him. Recognizing his greatness, power, love, and wisdom humbles us and fills us with awe, calling us to worship and trust him fully. He alone satisfies our deepest longings for redemption, meaning, destiny, purpose, and hope.

These truths inspire us to reflect his attributes—showing love, mercy, and justice in how we treat others. Knowing that God never changes strengthens our faith and provides a secure foundation, no matter what we face. His holiness reminds us to live with reverence and obedience, aligning our desires with his will.

Ultimately, every glimpse into God’s attributes deepens our relationship with him, drawing us closer to a loving Creator who invites us to know him personally. The choice is yours, and the joy of walking with him is eternal. The invitation to know him is open. How will you respond?

The post Attributes of God appeared first on Reasons to Believe.

If you’ve ever wondered why God’s existence seems hidden, you’re not alone—both Christians and skeptics alike have asked this question throughout history.

As we look into this topic together, let’s think about why God’s silence might be more complicated than it seems. We’ll explore the different layers that contribute to this theological discussion.

What Is Divine Hiddenness?

There are two types of so-called divine hiddenness:

1. The alleged hiddenness raised by skeptics who question whether God exists. 
2. The sense or feeling of distance from God that some Christians experience at times.

Let’s first explore the skeptical challenge that divine hiddenness may best be explained as evidence against God’s existence.

The argument from divine hiddenness raises an interesting and difficult question:

If God is perfectly loving and wants a relationship with us, why isn’t it more obvious that he’s here?

The argument is based on the idea that a truly perfectly loving God would make sure everyone knows he exists, which would naturally lead to belief. Yet, many people—even those who genuinely desire to connect with God—still struggle to perceive him and end up not believing.

The Parent-Child Analogy

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—despite the parent’s provision for their child behind the scenes.

In a similar way, the divine hiddenness argument affirms that God’s apparent hiddenness means either:

1. he’s not perfectly loving, or
2. he doesn’t exist at all.

Could there be reasons, beyond our understanding, for God’s hiddenness—reasons that might help us grow or shift our perspective in ways we don’t expect?

Could there be more than meets the eye?

We believe so. But first, let’s examine a formal argument made in support of skepticism regarding this issue.

The Schellenberg Hiddenness Argument

The Schellenberg Hiddenness Argument was created by philosopher J. L. Schellenberg. It raises an intriguing question: If a perfectly loving God exists, there shouldn’t be any “reasonable nonbelievers”—people who are reasonably open to having a relationship with God but don’t see or experience God.

Schellenberg argued that if God truly wanted to connect with us, he would reveal himself to everyone, making it impossible not 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 Brief Biblical Response to Schellenberg

Of course, this skeptical argument contradicts Scripture in several ways regarding the cause of unbelief.

Consider these three biblical points:

1. Scripture teaches that God has taken the initiative and has sufficiently unveiled himself in:
   
   • the order of the cosmos,
   • the human conscience,
   • the history of Israel,
   • the historic life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and 
   • in Scripture itself.
2. The Bible teaches that no one is neutral about God. It also explains that unbelief is tied to the person’s sinful condition of wanting to avoid moral responsibility before God (see Romans 1).
   
3. The hiddenness claim doesn’t rule out the many clear and logical arguments that rationally support God’s existence (cosmological, teleological, moral, ontological, etc.).
   

The Bible also emphasizes that God—being a perfectly loving God—values our free will. He gives us the ability to choose or reject a personal relationship with him.

This special gift allows us to connect with God authentically, rather than being compelled by overwhelming evidence—just as a child or spouse flourishes under a genuine love from free will rather than obligation.

Similarly, it’s 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’t be allowed to grow in confidence and maturity.

Faith 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 — a trust that can grow stronger even when we feel God is hidden from us.

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?

Absolutely.

Human Reason and the Argument from Nonbelief

Next, let’s look at a similar argument about divine hiddenness: the argument from nonbelief.

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.

At its core, this argument is built on Schellenberg’s ideas and assumes that a good, perfectly loving God would make sure everyone has been presented with enough information to believe in him. (Don’t forget, from a biblical standpoint, God has sufficiently revealed himself.)

But if God’s presence were as obvious as the physical world around us, then not believing would be entirely unreasonable.

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?

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.

When we consider the argument from nonbelief, we must grapple with the idea that “human understanding and belief” 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.

The Nonbelief Argument and the Limits of Reason

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.

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.

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 and the incarnation 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’t damage or oppose reason. In historic Christianity, faith and reason are seen as compatible and complementary.

The argument from nonbelief suggests that if God were evident, rational individuals would naturally believe in him. The fact that many people don’t believe suggests that either God isn’t as evident as he could be, or that our human reasoning alone is somehow not enough to “see” him. Or maybe human beings are biased against God because of sin (see Romans 8:7–8).

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?

The capacity for faith—which often complements reason—plays 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 “faith seeking understanding.”

This relationship between reason and faith suggests that belief in God and God’s existence may require more than just rational support. Hebrews 11:6 says that “anyone who comes to him [God] must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” The faith component offers a point against the divine hiddenness argument.

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’s only one piece of a bigger picture.

Biblical Response for a Perfectly Loving God

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’s where something inside us knows that “God’s invisible qualities . . . have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made” (Romans 1:20).

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—from walking with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to his covenant with Abraham, and throughout the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭13‬).

Finding and “seeing” God is rooted not just in formal reason but also in love and relationship. God invites the non-Christian into such a trusting relationship.

But what about Christians who struggle with a hidden God?

Reconciling A Personal God and Distance

Let’s now shift to the challenge that Christians encounter when God seems distant.

Understanding God—a “hidden” God—involves more than acknowledging he exists. It requires trust, love, and spiritual growth—all 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’t see clear and undisputed evidence for his existence.

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: “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

A Growing Personal Relationship

Spiritual growth is another essential part of this relationship.

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.”

Spiritual growth emerges from difficult experiences. In other words, at the point where many Christians encounter “divine hiddenness,” that’s where God sustains them on their journey of faith.

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 “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble” (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.

If God Exists, Why Doesn’t He Show Himself More Clearly?

Many of us, whether we are Christians or skeptics, have wondered: Why doesn’t God show himself more clearly, especially to those who are genuinely trying to find him?

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’s presence is more subtle and complex.

As we unpack Christian responses as to why God doesn’t more overtly show himself, let’s again recognize the many ways he has revealed himself to us.

First, there’s his Word—Scripture.

Revelation Through Scripture

The Bible is a powerful testament to God’s 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 “see” him.

Revealed Through Creation

Then there’s God’s world—his creation—which entails all of existence, from Earth to the ends of the cosmos. The natural world around us is a testament to God’s 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’s grand, purposeful universe.

As Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

Jesus Was Not Hidden

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’s life, death, and resurrection are at the heart of the Christian faith and show us the intense depth of God’s loving commitment to humanity.

Freedom to Choose

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.

Encouraging Spiritual Growth

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’s journeys can push us out of darkness and ignorance into God’s light.

A parent who has taught a child to be responsible watches a situation from afar to see if they’ve matured—not because they don’t love the child, but because they do. When the parent sees the child succeed and when the child realizes the parent trusted them on their own, faith in each other grows.

Could it be that God calls us, his children, into a more meaningful relationship of faith? Do the “growing pains” encourage personal growth and trust far beyond mere surface level? As we consider these questions, let’s stay open to the idea that there may be wisdom in how God’s hiddenness unfolds.

Divine Hiddenness and Human Faith

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’s hiddenness doesn’t indicate his absence or lack of love. Instead, apparent hiddenness is a key part of his relationship with humanity that’s designed to build genuine faith and trust.

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.

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, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”

The Purpose of Divine Hiddenness

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 they’ve looked for God but didn’t find him. They use this apparent hiddenness as an argument to dismiss his existence and live their lives however they want. 

God’s hiddenness isn’t meant to be a game of hide-and-seek, but a call to sincere pursuit. When we seek sincerely, “with all our heart,” it often means diving into deeper questions like “Why am I here?” or “What’s the purpose of life?”

Faith Beyond Certainty

The Bible reveals time and again that God values faith and belief that doesn’t rely purely on evidence.

• In John 20:29 Jesus tells Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 
• In Matthew 12:39 Jesus warns, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.”
• In 2 Corinthians 5:7 we read, “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
• In Romans 1:17 the apostle writes that “The righteous will live by faith.”

These verses emphasize that faith serves as the driving force behind deeper belief in God’s existence. Faith also fosters a more trusting relationship with him—where we learn to rely on God’s promises and character. People who trust in God’s character no longer need constant signs or miracles as proof for something that stretches beyond our ability to fully comprehend.

This biblical approach helps us build a strong and lasting faith that can handle life’s uncertainties and challenges. 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.

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.

The Limits of Human Reason

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.

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. 

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.

These phenomena inspire a sense of wonder and remind us that there’s so much more to the universe than we can currently or fully grasp. These wonders hint at a Creator’s existence.

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.

These complexities suggest that while reason can guide us, it may not always provide complete or crystal-clear answers.

When it comes to trying to understand God and the “why” of divine hiddenness, we must realize that we as mortal human beings have our limits.

As Isaiah 55:8–9 says,

This verse reminds us that some aspects of God’s 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.

By accepting the limits of our humanity, we’re 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.

The Hiddenness of God Explained

Man’s Hiding—Humanity’s Role in Resisting God

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.

Genesis 3:8 paints a vivid picture of this moment: Adam and Eve, having chosen to sin, hid themselves—or at least tried to—from God. This act of hiding marked the start of humanity’s separation from the divine.

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.

Yet, they chose to disobey. They ate fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil—an event known as original sin—and fractured their relationship with God. Adam and Eve made a barrier that was not meant to be there.

This separation wasn’t just physical. It was a spiritual divide that has continued throughout history and all generations.

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’t equate to divine indifference.

On the contrary, God’s distance can often be linked to our own 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.

Throughout Scripture, God consistently reaches out to humanity to mend this fractured relationship and sometimes to execute judgment. His judgment can seem like he’s “turning away his face” or “hiding” due to people’s sin.

God’s 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.

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’s parable of the lost son in Luke 15:11.

By acknowledging the choices we’ve made and what’s in our hearts, we open ourselves to the possibility of healing and restoration. Knowing that we’ve been forgiven of all our sins allows us to feel God’s presence as a loving father rather than a judge.

God’s Hiddenness

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’t 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.

Romans 8:28 reminds us, even through the hardships and the silence:

One of the most comforting truths for any of us is that God continually seeks to restore his relationship with humanity. Through Christ’s sacrificial death, this restoration took on a physical, visible, and tangible form. Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection are profound demonstrations of God’s desire to bridge the gap that sin has created. Jesus’s atoning death forever changed history. By believing in and receiving Christ, we are given the way back to a close relationship with God.

Scripture, too, serves as a vital conduit for experiencing God’s presence. The Bible is more than a historical book; it’s a living text through which God speaks to us. In its pages, we find guidance, comfort, and the reassurance that God plays an active role in our lives. As we read Scripture, we start to see his fingerprints in our experiences, our hearts, and the world around us.

Adding to this comfort, creation itself has a way of showing how close God is to us. The beauty and complexity of the natural world remind us of a Creator who is powerful and caring. From the details of a snowflake to the miracle of photosynthesis to the mystery of animal instincts, the creation we see every day reflects the presence of God. This revelation peels back another layer against the argument of divine hiddenness.

Even when we can’t feel it, God’s hiddenness is not a sign of his absence. Instead, it serves as an invitation to seek him with expectant faith and trust. By knowing how he shows himself—through Christ, the Bible, and creation—we can understand why he seems hidden when in fact his presence is strong and always pulling us closer to him.

A God Who Exists and Reveals

As we think about the case for God’s divine hiddenness, it’s important to recognize and acknowledge that God does exist and has shown himself in many meaningful ways.

Christian thinkers affirm that Scripture is backed by historical accounts and archaeological evidence. Its reliability is a roadmap to the divine and one of the primary ways God reveals himself today. Through the Bible, we learn about his attributes, plans, and promises. Scripture serves as a guide to help us understand God’s heart and how to grow our faith. As we read and think about the Bible, we become part of a story that connects us with God.

Nature, too, is a testament to God’s handiwork. The beauty of the world around us—from the majesty of mountains to the delicate complexity of a single flower and the animals that interact with them—reflects the creativity and intent of a Creator who delights in his creation. But we must be willing to see it. When we pause to appreciate the natural world, we can “see” a part of God.

Our conscience serves as another way through which God communicates and reveals himself. The inner sense of right and wrong and the gentle nudges that guide our choices are a God-given moral compass. This inner voice helps us follow his will and encourages us to live according to his principles.

Personal experiences are perhaps the most intimate way God shows himself to us. In times of happiness, sorrow, challenges, or triumphs, we encounter his presence in ways that are hard to explain. These moments require faith, as they may not always present themselves in dramatic or obvious ways. Instead, they might appear as a quiet assurance, a comforting peace, or a helpful word that hits home at just the right time.

God’s hiddenness doesn’t mean he’s not there. Instead, it encourages us to seek him with faith and an open heart. By paying attention to how he quietly shows himself—through the Bible, nature, our conscience, and personal experiences—we can build a relationship that goes beyond the need for evidence of his existence.

Christian Response to Divine Hiddenness

In our exploration of divine hiddenness, it’s essential to consider how we, as Christians, are called to respond. Faith, hope, and love lie at the heart of this response. They form key parts of a relationship with God that’s built not on obligation or force, but on genuine connection. God’s hiddenness is not a wall that keeps us away but is a call to seek him with a sincere heart.

As Proverbs 3:5 reminds us:

Faith That Grows Relationship with God

Faith plays a crucial role. By faith we believe in God’s presence and goodness even when he seems far away. This kind of faith goes beyond seeing to having confidence in the unseen. It encourages us to embrace the mystery and find comfort in knowing that God is working all things for good, even when we don’t have all the answers.

Trusting in God’s Existence & God’s Love

Trust, too, is vital. It means having confidence in God’s character and promises. It’s believing that he wants what’s best for us and that his plans, though sometimes hidden, are good for us in the end. This hopeful trust helps us build a stronger relationship, knowing that God is always faithful and ever-present.

Pursuing Personal Relationship with Our Perfectly Loving God

By seeking God out of the sincerity of the heart rather than out of obligation that would come from overwhelming evidence (divine obviousness), our relationship becomes dynamic and transformative. His hiddenness is not a test but an opportunity to deepen our faith. It allows and inspires us to pursue God with an open heart. This pursuit pushes us to grow and prompts us to rely on what we’ve been given and not strictly on external proof.

As we finish our exploration of divine hiddenness, let’s think about how this idea can help us grow spiritually and build a closer relationship with God. The mysterious nature of God’s presence invites us into a journey of discovery, where our faith is stretched and our trust solidified. This journey isn’t just about finding answers but about enjoying the process and the route life takes us.

Trust acts as an anchor in situations of uncertainty, as in the idea of God’s hiddenness. Although God’s presence may not always be obvious, Christians believe that he shows himself in his perfect timing. This trust encourages Christians and those who want to believe to remain patient and hopeful, confident that God’s wisdom guides his interactions with us to shape our paths in ways we might not understand right away.

Personal experiences with God, whether during times of deep thought, peaceful moments, or tragedy, help strengthen our connection with him. These experiences may be subtle or overwhelming, but they all help us grow closer to God. By being open to learning from these moments, we can develop a heart that recognizes his presence.

In conclusion, divine hiddenness isn’t a barrier. It’s an invitation to grow. It encourages us to trust God’s wisdom and timing, to seek him sincerely, and to accept the mystery of life’s journey of faith as part of the human experience.

When we change how we think about the idea of why God seems hidden or doesn’t clearly show himself, we deepen our relationship with God. We then find comfort in his hidden but always present support.

Be encouraged! May God strengthen your faith, and may he draw you closer to himself, especially when he seems hidden. Take comfort in the fact that God always reveals himself to those who truly seek him.

The post Divine Hiddenness and the Existence of God appeared first on Reasons to Believe.

Last year I wrote an article on autism titled, Why Did God Create a World with Autism? In that article, I described my experience of autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). I proposed that ASD should not be labeled as a disorder, a handicap, or a genetic defect, and that a better word would be neuroatypical (or neurodivergent). For autistic people, some neurological functions are more challenging than for neurotypical people, while several others may be easier. This distinction is evident as well for other neurodivergent people, such as those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

In making this proposal, I illustrated one of the challenges autistic people face: difficulty with social interaction and social communication skills. My words inadvertently offended many parents and others who deal with the daily struggles of autistic children who have additional diagnoses and special needs. Please accept my apology for any unintended offense. 

Autism as a Set and a Spectrum

Where autistic people tend to excel is in their ability to focus on a specialized subject or skill and, within that specialization, to achieve a degree of success (or with a degree of ease) beyond that of most neurotypical people. Some are considered geniuses, as a result. However, they typically achieve at an unusually high level in that one specialty only, while performing poorly in many others. Although the autistic population is as diverse as any population of individuals, an unusually high proportion of us experience a rare capacity to gain the trust of birds and mammals, both tamed and wild.

Where autistic people tend to struggle is in their ability to detect emotion via others’ facial expressions, body language, social cues, and verbal expressions (words and tone of voice). In fact, they struggle to identify and express their own emotions. They cannot readily anticipate what others may be thinking, and they tend to miss what others are saying until their focus shifts from what they’re pondering to what they’re hearing. In last year’s article, I listed fifteen social challenges that ASD people seem to share.

Nevertheless, autism is a spectrum in that every one of us with autistic characteristics also differs from everyone else on the spectrum in that we have our individual personalities and families, cultural backgrounds, likes, and dislikes. That is, although we share a set of social challenges, we have a widely diverse set of strengths and capacities.

That autism is manifested as a spectrum should come as no surprise. God created every human being with unique characteristics, features, and behaviors that are manifested in no other human. Even identical twins are distinct from one another in many discernible ways. From a biblical perspective, we discern that God created and designed every human being to fulfill a unique purpose that has eternal significance. Therefore, he made each one of us distinct from the rest of humanity. 

Biblical Perspective

Paul points out in 2 Corinthians 4 that every human being is like a clay jar. We all have weaknesses, deficits, and challenges. Our human tendency is to patch over these “cracks” in our jars so that no one can see them. However, Paul explains that God’s intent for those who have received forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ and have surrendered to him as the master of their life is that the Holy Spirit would shine through the cracks. In this way, nonbelievers would recognize that what radiates from the life of his followers is not mere human goodness but, rather, God’s glory.

Allowing God’s Spirit to shine through our weaknesses and disabilities is one way we can witness to a world of lost humans that God is alive and active, and that he willingly offers his grace and blessings to whoever is open to receiving them. In this context, our imperfections can be regarded as a blessing.

The fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) can grow wherever he takes root, not just in neurotypical followers of Jesus. God can and does bring healing and wholeness as needed for the fulfillment of his plans and purposes for each one of us. He loves to show his power as we embrace his will for our lives. God’s goal is that his work in and through each of us would be so dramatic that those around will recognize it for what it is: his supernatural presence within.

The Lord specifically calls his disciples to serve him by loving others in tangible, practical ways. His love calls us to become a blessing to those around us, whoever they may be. Two of the ways emphasized more clearly than many others include prayer and hospitality, callings that anyone, regardless of special gifting or skill, can fulfill.

Hospitality and Prayer

I Thessalonians 5:16–18 exhorts all followers of Jesus Christ to “be joyful always,” to “pray continually,” and to “give thanks in all circumstances” because “this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This passage reminds us that God is always at work in our lives. We are to be ready all the time to pray at any time. Even without great social skills or emotional sensitivity, we know how to pray for other people as they face challenging circumstances or momentous opportunities.

Peter urges all followers of Jesus Christ to “Love each other deeply” and to “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:8–9). That last phrase reminds us that hospitality involves effort and expense, though not always money. Paul’s letter to the Romans says, “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13). The author of Hebrews commands, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers” (Hebrews 13:2).

One reason for the strong emphasis on prayer and hospitality is that these practices are the means by which God can benefit us—even more, perhaps, than those we seek to bless. As we seek to show his care to them, he works in us to “remediate,” or shore up some of the weaknesses autistic people typically struggle with. I can testify that this has been the case in my own life.

My Journey with Autism

I relate some of my early struggles with ASD in Always Be Ready.¹ Because of my verbal and communication inabilities and my lack of fine motor dexterity, I earned across-the-board failing marks in all my first-grade subjects at school. Just six weeks before that school year ended, my family moved to a house in a different school district. 

As the end of that year approached, my new teacher, Miss Lila Campbell, held me after class one day. She let me know I was not in trouble, but that she simply wanted to ask me questions about some books from the back of the room, books now sitting on her desk. 

“You don’t need to speak,” she said, “just nod your head for yes and shake your head for no.” By this means, she was able to determine that I had read and understood the content of that stack of books on her desk. With considerable effort, she convinced the principal to let me advance into second grade.

Over the summer break, I practiced with my pencil daily to make legible numbers and letters. I pushed myself to speak, even though my “overly honest” speaking sometimes got me into trouble. Entering second grade, I ranked last in the class, academically. My classmates called me the class dummy. However, by the end of second grade, I’d become first in my class. I was reading four or five books on astronomy and physics per week, having determined that astrophysics would be my future career.

I had no further contact with Miss Campbell till many years later. I was 34, and she was in her 90s when we met in her Vancouver home over tea. (My parents located her thanks to a newspaper article about her laudable teaching career.) That’s when I learned that she had been praying for me for the past 27 years and had followed my academic progress. She prayed that I would use my science training for the glory of God. I will never forget the joy on her face when she heard that I was doing just that! 

Her faithful prayers on my behalf played a significant part, I am sure, in helping me overcome my deficits and setting my trajectory toward becoming a follower of Christ, committed to using my studies in science to point others to him.

Although my parents were not Christians during my growing up years, they practiced many Christian virtues, including hospitality. Our neighborhood was filled with refugees from war-torn Europe and Asia. Despite our own poverty, Mom and Dad often invited neighbors to join our family for meals and conversation. They especially reached out to those who were lonely and struggling. They made it a point to teach me and my sisters the value of hospitality and to train us in the art of gracious hospitality.

When at age sixteen I was appointed the director of observations for Vancouver’s chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, I asked my parents if I could host a chapter meeting in our home. They agreed on one condition: I had to clean the house, prepare refreshments, and greet everyone who came (the hardest part, for me!)—in other words, play host. Everything went well, that evening, and the only help I received, at least knowingly, came from my pet parrot, Pedro. He assisted me with hospitality by happily greeting and spending a few minutes on the shoulder of everyone who came. 

During my years as a graduate student at the University of Toronto, I made it a point to invite fellow graduate students and other people I met on campus for meals and conversation. At the time, autism was not a widely acknowledged condition. Decades later, I realized that some of my fellow students were also on the spectrum, but I now see, also, that some of my social deficits were ameliorated as I interacted with neurotypical people.

I continued to practice hospitality when I arrived at Caltech for postdoctoral research. During that time, I finally found and began attending a Bible-believing church (where I still serve as a member of the ministry team). There I noticed that young single men in the church were often enjoying home-cooked meals in the homes of families and older couples. So, I invited them to my apartment for a little talk. I pointed out that they had more time and disposable income than most families in our church. I showed them how to cook and serve simple meals so that they could host families and/or offer free childcare so that parents could enjoy an evening out. I especially encouraged them to invite church newcomers. 

Before long I discovered that providing hospitality for church families differed considerably from hosting university faculty and students. Most of the latter were too much like me and did not help me much with my social and verbal awkwardness. It was through showing hospitality to neurotypical people, observing them and listening to their polite suggestions about relating to “normal people” that I began to experience some breakthroughs.

Greater progress came through partnering with neurotypical people in Christian ministry and outreach. One young woman, in particular, boldly but graciously offered suggestions as to how I could become more effective in ministering to others. I remember her telling me that people would be more willing to listen to my words if I would look them in the eye instead of staring at the floor. It was not easy for me to put this advice into practice, but I was amazed at how much more effective my ministry became when I did. 

Now that Kathy is my wife, I continue to receive help and encouragement from her. When autistic people ask me for advice, I encourage them to spend time with neurotypical people, to be open and transparent, to humbly receive and put into practice, as much as possible, the suggestions they offer, with patience and persistence.

My point in telling this personal story of overcoming—at least to some degree—a few of my autistic tendencies is to remind you that we all need significant social interaction, both in terms of quality and quantity. We were made for community. We especially need it with people who are different from us. We especially need it today.   

Loneliness Epidemic

On May 2, 2023, US Surgeon General Dr. Vivel Murthy called attention to a public health crisis: “loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection.” The United States Department of Health and Human Services issued this statement:

The physical health consequences of poor or insufficient connection include a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults. Additionally, lacking social connection increases risk of premature death by more than 60%. . . . With more than one in five adults and more than one in three young adults living with a mental illness in the U.S., addressing loneliness and isolation is critical in order to fully address the mental health crisis in America.²

The United States is not the only nation suffering from a loneliness epidemic. It is worldwide and particularly rampant in large cities. Suggested causes of the epidemic (beyond Covid-19) include the Internet, social media, and broken families. I agree that these causes are contributing factors. However, I am suggesting that as Christians, God has specially called and equipped us, wherever we may be in our life journey and whatever challenges we may be facing, to make a significant difference, for now and for eternity. He has given us the capacity to show his supernatural love through prayer and hospitality.

Endnotes

1. Hugh Ross with Kathy Ross, Always Be Ready: A Call to Adventurous Faith (Covina, CA: RTB Press, 2018), 42–46.
2. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, “New Surgeon General Advisory Raises Alarm about the Devastating Impact of the Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation in the United States,” (May 3, 2023).

The post Autism: A Gift God Can (and Will) Use appeared first on Reasons to Believe.

My pastor recently gave a sermon that focused on believers in Christ suffering affliction. He shared that African Christians have a greeting that says “God is good all the time.” The person receiving the greeting responds with “All the time God is good.” This greeting and response is also common in predominantly black Pentecostal churches in America.

Having recently gone through some significant health challenges, I was encouraged by my pastor’s sermon. Moreover, I appreciate this African Christian greeting and response so I put it on my social media pages:

“God is good all the time.”

Most people loved it, but I did receive one somewhat critical response. Here is that response followed by my comment. I hope this brief exchange is helpful as we think about facing suffering and how to encourage our fellow believers when they face it as well.

Respondent:
While true, I dislike trite cliches, however encouraging they may be designed to be. It doesn’t help a discouraged, hurting, and confused believer. I much prefer to say the hard but poignant truth: God will cause all things to work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purposes. 

It doesn’t ignore, nor gloss over bitter realities. Rather, it brings the perspective that God will take the dung you’re walking through and use it to grow something beautiful if you can (like the Hebrew figure Joseph in the book of Genesis) keep your wits enough to stay faithful in loving him while walking out your calling within his purposes.

Me:
Greetings in Jesus’s name. 

What may seem like a “trite cliché” to one person (in the global north) may not be to another person (in the global south). I think you can appreciate that many Christians living in Africa are quite acquainted with the bitter realities of life. Depending on the country, African Christians face credible threats of imprisonment and physical violence (even martyrdom) from hostile secular and Islamic forces. Despite such hardships, the African continent is one of the places where Christianity is growing rapidly.

When a believer in Christ suffers affliction, be it discouragement, hurt, confusion, or even possible imprisonment and death, it’s tempting to doubt God’s goodness. I think biblical figures like Joseph, Job, and Paul, who suffered greatly, would have appreciated this common and encouraging Christian greeting.

We all in one way or another face evil, pain, and suffering in our fallen world.

Peace be with you.

Respondent:
Well said, brother.

Takeaway
Regardless of our geographical location and culture, the human condition is such that we all face suffering of various kinds. But we can often learn and appreciate insight from others who have suffered intensely and yet continue to uphold God’s goodness.

Resources

Here are some resources for you or your friends who face suffering of various kinds:

• Jerry Bridges, Trusting God 

• Mark P. Cosgrove and James D. Mallory, Jr., Mental Health: A Christian Approach

• Joni Eareckson Tada and Steven Estes, When God Weeps: Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty

The post Is God Good All the Time? appeared first on Reasons to Believe.

Data indicates that: (1) the growing human population size, (2) the increasing conversion of land for agricultural usage, and (3) the continuing abuse of the environment all contribute to the destruction of ecosystems. And as ecosystems are destroyed, extinction risks increase. Studies show that species loss is accelerating at rates that exceed background extinctions (those due to normal environmental or ecological factors) by 10 to 100 times.¹

Current estimates place about 25% of the world’s species on the verge of extinction. If these species are lost, ecosystems will reorganize and, in turn, render even more species vulnerable to extinction. It’s a vicious cycle. Extinctions beget extinctions. 

This loss of species is tragic because it robs the world of beautiful, majestic organisms. The biodiversity loss also threatens human civilization. We depend on ecosystems to deliver several critical benefits, such as: 

• stable climates
• sources of fresh water 
• agricultural pest control 
• control of disease-causing vectors
• crop pollination 

In short, without flourishing ecosystems, human flourishing is impossible. 

Extinctions: A Challenge for the Design Argument 
As frightening as the prospect of another mass extinction may be, extinctions are troubling for another reason—at least for people who believe that a Creator played a role in the origin, design, and history of life. 

Skeptics often argue that if there is a Creator, he must not be very capable—as evidenced by all the extinctions that have occurred throughout life’s history. Surely, if he is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-good, God could have created organisms that weren’t vulnerable to extinction. 

This challenge was recently leveled against me on social media in response to an article I posted making the case for a Creator based on the design of biochemical systems. The challenger, Joshua, retorted in the comments, “If life on earth was designed, it wasn’t by an intelligent creator as evidenced by the thousands of extinct species that have existed.”

It’s not the first time I’ve heard this all-too-common objection. Even prominent scientists such as the late evolutionary anthropologist Irven DeVore quipped, “I personally cannot discern a shred of evidence for ‘[intelligent] design.’ If 97% of all creatures have gone extinct, some plan isn’t working very well!”

Withstanding the Challenge 
On the surface, this challenge appears to undermine the design argument and the idea that God designed life and oversaw its history. But there’s no reason to fear. Careful reflection exposes a serious flaw in this counterclaim to the design argument: namely, extinctions don’t equate to bad designs.

First, many of the species that have disappeared from Earth became extinct tens of millions to hundreds of millions of years after their first appearance. Considering how long these species endured on Earth, it is hard to argue that they were poorly designed. 

Second, Earth’s conditions have changed throughout life’s history. Organisms perfectly suited for an earlier era of Earth’s history, over time, will gradually become ill-adapted to the new environments that emerge as Earth’s conditions evolve. These losses in fitness between organisms and their environments will render species vulnerable to extinction. Again, it’s hard to argue that these organisms were poorly designed when they were ideally created for specific sets of conditions that no longer exist on Earth. 

Third, many of the organisms lost to Earth’s past disappeared because of mass extinction events. In almost every instance, some type of cataclysmic event caused the wide-scale loss of biodiversity. Paleontologists have identified five mass extinction events that eliminated between 70–95% of all species in one fell swoop. In addition to these “big five” catastrophes, paleontologists think that somewhere between 5 and 15 additional mass extinctions occurred. These extinctions weren’t as dramatic as the big five, but they still resulted in substantial biodiversity loss. 

These extinctions had little to do with the “poor” design of these organisms. Instead, dramatic events rendered conditions on much of Earth so extreme that few life-forms could survive even if they were well-designed.

A Philosophical or Biblical View of the Creator?
When considering challenges to God’s competence and goodness as a Creator, it’s necessary to engage with the concept of God as revealed in Scripture as opposed to a nonbiblical philosophical depiction of God—which is how Joshua (and Irven DeVore) view God.

Though it may be surprising to some, passages in the Bible such as Psalm 104 and Job 38 and 39 describe animal death as part of the good creation God instituted. In these passages, the Creator is worshipped and celebrated for providing prey for predators. It may seem counterintuitive, but there are good and necessary reasons why God would create a world with plant and animal death. Stable, thriving ecosystems would be impossible without plants and animals dying. Is it possible that the Bible teaches that mass extinctions are part of God’s good creation, too?

I think so. Consider Psalm 104:27–30. This passage describes a cycle of life and death regulated by God’s ongoing actions. Some Bible commentators see this passage as describing the daily occurrences of birth and death in ecosystems. Others have argued that the text has an even richer and deeper meaning, presciently describing mass extinction and mass origination events that have taken place throughout life’s history. 

Key to this interpretation is the use of the words bara and ruach in this passage. God is described as renewing (bara) the Earth with life by his Spirit (ruach). The word bara—translated as “renew” in Psalm 104—occurs in Genesis 1 in reference to God originating things that are new; things that did not previously exist. In other words, God isn’t merely replacing creatures with the same creatures. Instead, he is replacing animals that vanished with entirely new ones—unlike anything that has previously existed. 

The word ruach is also found in Genesis 1:2, where it refers to the spirit of God hovering over the earth. The use of these two words doesn’t seem accidental. It looks intentionally designed to highlight the connection of the Genesis 1 creation account to Psalm 104. In this way, Psalm 104 not only echoes Genesis 1 but also extends it. If this interpretation of Psalm 104:27–30 is sound, then it expands our understanding of creation days 5 and 6. And it means that mass extinctions and mass originations were part of a divinely orchestrated natural history. 

If, indeed, Psalm 104:27–30 references mass extinctions and originations throughout Earth’s history, it is one more example of the remarkable scientific accuracy of the creation accounts found in Scripture. The author of Psalm 104 (presumably David) and those who originally received this psalm wouldn’t have had any concept of mass extinctions and originations. Yet, inspired by the Holy Spirit, the author of this psalm communicated ideas that the original audience would grasp, while at the same time anticipating future scientific insight that would resonate with a modern reader.

Resources 

A Christian View on Extinctions 

“A Christian Perspective on the Sixth Mass Extinction” by Fazale Rana (article)

“Did Humans Cause the Global Extinctions of Mammals?” By Fazale Rana (article)

“Did Humans Cause the Global Extinction of Large Mammals?” By Fazale Rana (video)

“How Should Christians Respond to the Sixth Great Mass Extinction?” By Fazale Rana (video)

Animal Death and the Good Creation

“Wolf Predation Improves Moose Herd Health” By Fazale Rana (article)

“Is Cruelty in Nature Really Evil?” by Fazale Rana (article)

“Why Would God Create a World Where Animals Eat Their Offspring?” by Fazale Rana

“Why Would God Create a World with Parasites?” by Fazale Rana (article)

“Why Did God Create the Thai Liver Fluke?” by Fazale Rana (article)

“Scientists Uncover a Good Purpose for Long-Lasting Pain in Animals” by Fazale Rana (article)

“Of Weevils and Wasps: God’s Purpose in Animal Death” by Maureen Moser (article)

“Animal Death Prevents Ecological Meltdown” by Fazale Rana (article)

“Animal Death before the Fall: What Does the Bible Say?” by Lee Irons (article)

“Animal Death and the Atonement” by Krista Bontrager (article)

“Life from Death” by Fazale Rana (article)

Extinctions and Psalm 104

“Does Psalm 104 Affirm Progressive Creation?” By Hugh Henry and Dan Dyke (article)

Endnotes

1. Christopher Sandom et al., “Global Late Quaternary Megafauna Extinctions Linked to Humans, Not Climate Change,”Proceedings of the Royal Society B 281 (July 22, 2014): doi:10.1098/rspb.2013.3254; John C. Briggs, “Emergence of a Sixth Mass Extinction?” Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 122 (October 2017): 243–248, doi:10.1093/biolinnean/blx063; Gerardo Ceballos et al., “Accelerated Modern Human-Induced Species Losses: Entering the Sixth Mass Extinction,” Science Advances 1 (June 19, 2015): e1400253, doi:10.1126/sciadv.1400253; Carlos P. Carmona et al., “Erosion of Global Functional Diversity across the Tree of Life,” Science Advances 7 (March 26, 2021): eabf2675, doi:10.1126/sciadv.abf2675; Gerardo Ceballos and Paul R. Ehrlich, “Mutilation of the Tree of Life Via Mass Extinction of Animal Genera,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA 120 (September 18, 2023): e2306987120, doi:10.1073/pnas. 2306987120.

The post Q&A: Do Extinctions in the Fossil Record Undermine Creation? appeared first on Reasons to Believe.

—The scholar department team at RTB

When I was five years old, Postman Pat was my favorite TV show. So, when I misbehaved my punishment included missing the show. I suffered, as only a five-year-old can, knowing that my siblings were watching while I was banished to my room. 

Punishment involves suffering, be it big or small. Humans intuitively recognize that it is wrong to inflict suffering on someone, thus it follows that it is wrong to punish someone. So, why would an all-loving, all-good God make someone suffer by punishing them? Why would God send some people to suffer in hell as punishment?

Responsibility and Punishment
To address these questions, we will consider free will and how society rewards or punishes choices people make. In human society, we generally accept that it is morally justified to punish criminal behavior. When society punishes someone for committing a crime, it holds that person responsible for a free choice made. Likewise, when society praises someone for making a commendable choice, it holds that person responsible for praiseworthy behavior.

In matters of reward and punishment, free choice is a key factor. Let’s consider a hypothetical person (Bob). First, imagine that Bob rushes to save a child from an oncoming car. Bob would deserve praise for his action. Had Bob happened to trip and push the child to safety by accident, we would not praise Bob, though perhaps credit him with good luck. In the first scenario Bob was responsible for saving the child, but in the second scenario he happened to trip and fall and that accident resulted in the child being saved.

Next, imagine that Bob shoves an elder aside, resulting in an injury. We would rightly blame Bob and hold him respsonsible for the harm he caused. On the other hand, if Bob had stumbled on uneven pavement or was himself pushed from behind, then we would not blame him for the elder’s injury since he was not responsible­—the situation was beyond Bob’s control or free will.

When society punishes a criminal, they are blaming that person appropriately for freely choosing to commit the crime. None of this is to say that there are not cases in the criminal justice system where we find that someone who committed a criminal act should not be held responsible because they suffer from a cognitive limitation. In these cases, we hold that the individual was not responsible for the act as they did not fully understand their actions.

Are We Humans or Animals?
Nevertheless, respecting free choice treats people as individuals who are rational and capable of exercising moral judgment. Yet some, like philosopher and political activist Bertrand Russell, have argued that we should not punish criminals, but treat their criminal actions as symptoms of a disease.¹ These groups often advocate for what they believe are more “compassionate” treatments. But a world that absolves criminals of responsibility for those crimes would be highly problematic. Christian writer and intellectual C. S. Lewis wrote:

To be “cured” against one’s will and cured of states which we may not regard as disease is to be put on a level with those who have not yet reached the age of reason . . . and domestic animals. But to be punished, however severely, because we have deserved it, because we “ought to have known better,” is to be treated as a human person made in God’s image.²

I agree with Lewis. If we don’t punish people for wrong actions they chose to do, then we are really treating them like animals. Animals are not morally responsible for their actions. If my dog relieves himself on the carpet, I work to train my dog not to do that in the future. However, if a person commits a crime, we do not merely train them not to do it again. They cannot be trained, like an animal, not to do certain things; rather they must freely choose not to do those things in the future. We cannot override their free will through training. And most people have a deep sense that it is inappropriate to treat a person in the same way we would treat an animal.

Philosopher Herbert Morris pointed out further problems with no-punishment treatments. He argued that a world that treats criminals as suffering from a disease would permit preventive detention before any offense is committed, if someone is believed to have dangerous tendencies. He wrote:

In the punishment system, because we are dealing with deprivations, it is understandable that we should forbear from imposing them until we are quite sure of guilt. In the therapy system, dealing as it does with benefits, there is less reason for forbearance from treatment at an early stage.³  

It would also not allow offenders to pay back their debt to society. If you did not earn a punishment, then how can you earn back the respect of society? Morris wrote:

Infliction of the prescribed punishment carries the implication . . . that one has “paid one’s debt” to society, for the punishment is the taking from the person of something commonly recognized as valuable . . . What is clear is that the conceptions of “paying a debt” or “having a debt forgiven” or pardoning have no place in a system of therapy.⁴

Respect and Mercy
Punishment respects our free choices and respects us as persons capable of making moral decisions. If God holds us responsible for our moral actions, then he treats us like rational people who are responsible for our choices. In punishing those who do wrong God is not being unfair or mean, but is treating us with respect. This is the same way the criminal justice system, when properly applied, respects offenders as persons by punishing them rather than treating their offenses as something they had no control over.

The good news is that God extends mercy—even though we deserve divine punishment due to our free choices to do moral wrongs. This is not to say that God takes our moral wrongs lightly and dismisses them easily. Rather, Jesus took the punishment that we deserved by suffering and dying in our place. His righteousness (moral goodness) is imputed to us if we choose to follow and obey him. Moreover, as Morris and Lewis pointed out, mercy only makes sense if someone deserves to be punished and punishment is not carried out. Lewis wrote: “If crime is only a disease which needs cure, not sin which deserves punishment, it cannot be pardoned. How can you pardon a man for having a humboil or a club foot?^”5 Therefore, in order to be merciful, God must hold us responsible, and mercy is clearly an exercise of a loving God.⁶ 

Endnotes

1. Bertrand Russell, Proposed Roads to Freedom (New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1919), 125.
2. C. S. Lewis, “The Humanitarian Theory of Punishment,” in God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics, ed. Walter Hooper (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 2014), 287–301.
3. Herbert Morris, “Persons and Punishment,” The Monist 52, no. 4 (October 1, 1968): 475–501, https://doi.org/10.5840/monist196852436.
4. Morris, “Persons and Punishment,” 484.
5. Lewis, “Punishment,” 294.
6. This is not to say that those to whom God extends mercy will not suffer in life, as suffering can develop character (Romans 5:5). Rather, believers in Christ will not suffer the eternal punishment they deserve for sin.

The post Article Highlight: Why Would a Loving God Punish Us? appeared first on Reasons to Believe.

Some would say it’s the problem of evil. If God exists and he is good, why is there so much seemingly senseless pain and suffering in the world?

Others might say it’s God’s hiddenness. If God exists and he is good, and wants us to acknowledge and worship him, why doesn’t he make himself and his wishes clearly known to us?

This is the challenge I received from someone on X (formerly Twitter) in response to an article I posted presenting scientific evidence for God’s role in life’s history. He wrote:

I’ve followed Hugh and yourself since around 2008 or so and valued your perspectives. . . . In my mind, if any of this was true, we wouldn’t have to have these discussions. This God of the universe would be present and unambiguous.

Divine hiddenness presents one of the most serious challenges to Christian theism. There are good responses to the problem. However, if truth be told, none of the responses “feel” fully complete, nor fully adequate.

Divine Hiddenness and God’s Transcendence
In response to the problem of divine hiddenness, theologian and philosopher Michael Rea writes:

God’s transcendence should be understood as implying that all of God’s intrinsic attributes—divine love included—elude our grasp in ways that should put us in doubt about any revelation-independent claim about how a perfectly loving deity would likely behave toward human beings.¹

Rea’s point is that if, indeed, God is transcendent, his hiddenness is endemic to his nature. As creatures who are part of his creation, we have no hope of being aware of or experiencing a transcendent God who exists outside and independent of the universe. We can only know God if he chooses to reveal himself to us.

The Islamic concept of God embodies Rea’s understanding. In Islam, God is entirely hidden from us, and, therefore, unknowable to us. Muslims intertwine God’s greatness with his hiddenness. All we can know of Allah is what Allah wills. (And Allah wills what Allah wills.) To say that we can somehow know Allah is considered blasphemy because to know him means that we are in some way his peers. We are elevating ourselves to his level when we say we can know him.

The Doctrine of Revelation
Considering the Islamic concept of God’s hiddenness, the Christian doctrine of revelation becomes quite radical. According to the doctrine of revelation, the transcendent Creator of the universe, who is intrinsically hidden from us, has chosen to make himself known to us. From Scripture, it appears that this Creator wants us to see his attributes in that which he has made, and desire to be in a loving relationship with him.

According to Christian theologians, God has made himself known from:

1. that which he has made (which is the basis for the cosmological and design arguments),
2. our conscience (which is the basis for the moral argument), and 
3. human nature—human beings bear God’s image and, consequently, we image God. 

Theologians refer to this form of revelation as general revelation because it’s generally available to all people at all times. Theologians also describe a second type of revelation: special revelation. Here God has revealed himself to specific people, at specific times, under specific circumstances. These interactions with God have been written down and recorded in the pages of the Old and the New Testaments.

God’s ultimate revelation of himself is in the person of Christ—God incarnate. 

Some Remain Skeptical
As a Christian, it’s clear to me that God has made himself and his desires for all humanity abundantly known. I find the case for the Christian faith to be compelling. But I recognize that others don’t. Many skeptics remain sincerely unconvinced that God exists. They assert that this “revelation” is still unclear and ambiguous, leaving room for a skeptic to sincerely question God’s existence and goodness.

I’m sympathetic to that point. To be fair, the conclusions drawn from cosmological, design, and moral arguments bear an element of uncertainty. The likelihood that the conclusions ring true can be in the “eye of the beholder.” Likewise, while the evidence for Jesus’s life and crucifixion is certain, the case for Christ’s resurrection is probabilistic.

Based on my reading of Scripture, I’m not surprised by ongoing skepticism in the face of divine revelation. Scripture teaches that some people will not see God revealed through his creation (Romans 1:19–25). In fact, there were people who directly experienced Jesus’s ministry firsthand, yet rejected him as the Messiah. So why wouldn’t that be true today?

Space for Sincere Unbelief
God has chosen to make himself known to us, yet it seems like he’s left space for sincere unbelief.

Why wouldn’t God be clearer in his revelation to us? This question brings us back to Michael Rea’s thought. As creatures, we don’t get to dictate the manner and the extent to which a transcendent God makes himself known to us. Yet his revelation to us must be sufficient because there are many people like me who do see God’s fingerprints in creation, who are convinced that Jesus rose from the dead, and who have encountered God through religious experiences.

Philosopher Michael Murray has suggested two related possibilities for God’s ambiguity in revealing himself to us. First, he argues that if God made his existence undeniable, it would strip us of moral freedom. As a result, we would be coerced into following his moral mandates. We wouldn’t really have the freedom to choose to obey God.² Second, he argues that God’s hiddenness is essential to “soul-making.” For people to develop and grow and be transformed in their innermost being, they must possess free will. They must be able to choose wrong from right, good from evil.³

Yet, if God is revealed so plainly and his will made unambiguous, then we would be so overwhelmed by God that we would have no choice but to believe in him and follow his commands. Our free will would be stripped from us, and our souls could not be transformed. 

Another point related to Murray’s arguments is the idea that God created humans in his image to be in a relationship with him. He made us with a free will so that we could choose him or reject him. Any relationship becomes meaningless if one person in the relationship compels the other person to be in the relationship with them and to love them. If God made himself unambiguously known to us and his desire for a relationship with us were undeniable, we wouldn’t have any choice whatsoever. We would be compelled to believe in him and serve and worship him. If this scenario were the case, then it would render God a megalomaniac, not a God of love, grace, and mercy.

In short, God has good reasons for not making himself ever-present and his desires for us unambiguous. We can ascertain some of the reasons, but others may remain unknown to us. Still, just because we don’t know (or can’t know) those reasons doesn’t mean they don’t exist in the mind of a transcendent God.

Resources

• Without a Doubt: Answering the 20 Toughest Faith Questions by Kenneth Samples (book)

• Christianity Cross-Examined: Is It Rational, Relevant, and Good? by Kenneth Samples (book)

Divine Hiddenness

• “Is God’s “Hiddenness” a Rational Objection to Christianity?” by Kenneth Samples (article)

• “Heaven and the Hiddenness of God” by Sean Oesch (article)

• “Is God Hidden from Us?” by Joseph Palmer (article)

Endnotes

1. Michael C. Rea, The Hiddenness of God (New York: Oxford University Press, 2018), 8–9.
2. Michael J. Murray, “Coercion and the Hiddenness of God,” American Philosophical Quarterly 30, no. 1 (January 1993): 27–38.
3. Michael J. Murray, “Deus Absconditus,” Divine Hiddenness: New Essays, ed. Daniel Howard-Snyder and Paul K. Moser (New York: Cambridge University Press, 2002), 62–82.

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