In the ongoing debate about the existence of God, a compelling question emerges: If there is an all-powerful Creator who longs for a relationship with humanity, why isn't His presence clearly visible to everyone? This dilemma is captured in the Argument from Non-Belief, often referred to as the Problem of Divine Hiddenness. Gaining traction in the 1990s through philosophers like John Schellenberg, this argument scrutinizes the idea of a God who wishes to be known yet remains hidden from many.
Schellenberg posited that if God genuinely exists and desires for humanity to connect with Him, His existence should be apparent, particularly to those earnestly seeking that connection. The Problem of Divine Hiddenness prompts essential questions about faith, the nature of the divine, and the credibility of belief in a Creator when so many individuals are skeptical or apathetic. This perceived absence creates a significant tension within the theistic perspective: if God truly wants a relationship with humanity, why does He not make His presence known in a universally recognizable manner?
Seek, And You Will Find
The Argument from Non-Belief challenges believers to acknowledge the absence of clear and compelling evidence for the existence of God. It raises the possibility that God's wish for a relationship with us hinges on our willingness to seek Him. This idea is echoed in Matthew 7:7, which states, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” This verse suggests a complex relationship between divine authority and human choice. If God were to reveal Himself in an undeniable way, would authentic faith retain its significance? This inquiry invites a profound investigation into the concept of divine hiddenness and what it means for our connection with God.
Let’s delve deeper into the concept of divine hiddenness. Many people question why, if God truly exists and wishes to connect with humanity, He does not make His presence unmistakably evident. However, a closer look indicates that this hiddenness might actually facilitate His revelation. Insights from philosophers like Plato, theological musings from Søren Kierkegaard, and the lived experiences of Jesus Christ provide valuable perspectives on this matter.
In Plato's Symposium, love is portrayed as a quest for the divine—a journey toward truth and beauty that goes beyond mere physical existence. Plato outlines a hierarchy of love, ascending from physical attraction to a profound love for the ultimate good. This highest form of love embodies a deep yearning for God, even if seekers are not fully aware of it. Plato posits, “Love is the desire for the eternal possession of the good.” This implies that every individual’s heart longs for what they consider the ultimate good. If God were to be overtly present, the essence of genuine seeking would be diminished. Just as a treasure hidden in a field requires a diligent search (Matthew 13:44), so too does God’s presence beckon us to engage in a more profound exploration of our faith.
Søren Kierkegaard, a prominent existential philosopher and theologian, delves into the notion that genuine faith often arises from a place of uncertainty. He asserts that “faith is the highest passion,” indicating that faith transcends mere intellectual agreement; it is a profound emotional commitment that flourishes amid doubt. If God were to reveal Himself in an unmistakable manner, it would eliminate the necessity for faith and diminish the existential challenges that define our human journey. Kierkegaard argued that God's hiddenness encourages individuals to face their uncertainties, guiding them toward a richer understanding of themselves and their connection with the Divine. This perspective resonates with Romans 10:17, which tells us, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” The path to faith is an active dialogue with the Divine, promoting personal growth and transformation, as illustrated in Philippians 2:12-13: “...for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”
Parable of the King
To further elaborate on this concept, let’s examine a parable often linked to Jesus, featuring a king who has a profound affection for a destitute beggar. In this narrative, if the king were to unveil his true identity and lavish her with riches, her affection might stem from his wealth rather than his true self. Such gifts could foster a sense of dependency, transforming love into a mere transaction. Instead, the king opts to conceal his royal status, allowing for a genuine bond to develop, as the beggar must choose to love him for his character rather than his position (Matthew 20:25-28). This story illustrates that God's hidden nature serves a parallel purpose; it promotes authentic love and connection rather than superficial recognition based on authority. As noted in 1 John 4:19, “We love because he first loved us,” emphasizing that true love arises from a mutual relationship rather than force.
Jesus: The Divine Revelation
The theme of hiddenness is powerfully illustrated in the life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Incarnation signifies God's profound humility; He willingly embraces poverty and lowliness, choosing to dwell among us. Jesus' existence, characterized by humility and suffering, reaches its peak in the crucifixion—a moment that may appear as divine forsakenness. However, this act profoundly demonstrates God's love and His longing for a genuine relationship with humanity.
As Jesus endures the agony of the cross, He personifies the world's suffering, inviting each person to confront the deep mystery of redemption. His resurrection confirms that divine hiddenness does not imply absence; instead, it unveils a richer understanding of God's connection with humanity. Paul emphasizes this in Philippians 2:7-8, stating, “But made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”
The Bible reinforces this perspective as well. Jeremiah 29:13 declares, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” This verse highlights that sincere searching is essential for discovering God. The hiddenness of God serves as an invitation for deeper exploration, urging individuals to actively engage with their faith. As Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, “And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Pascals Wager
Pascal’s Wager beautifully summarizes the core philosophy of this discussion. Should God be real, the rewards of forging a connection with Him are beyond measure, while the consequences of dismissing that possibility could be everlasting. Thus, it is wise to engage with the divine with an open heart and a genuine plea for understanding. I urge you to pray each day, “If You are real, God, please reveal Yourself to me.” This sincere approach captures the spirit of exploration, allowing us to uncover the profound truths that remain concealed yet are eager to be found. The path to faith, grounded in love and sincere inquiry, ultimately unveils a God who longs for a true relationship with every one of us.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the Problem of Divine Hiddenness challenges us to rethink how we perceive God's presence in our lives. Instead of interpreting His absence as a reason to doubt His existence, we can embrace it as a heartfelt call to earnestly pursue a connection with Him. This hiddenness nurtures authentic faith, prompting us to delve deeper into our relationship with the Divine, which can guide us toward the profound truth of His existence and unwavering love.
Comments