The argument from divine hiddenness is a philosophical claim that posits God's existence would be more evident if God were truly willing to reveal Himself to everyone. This argument suggests that the lack of clear evidence for God’s existence, especially for those who seek Him, raises questions about the nature of a perfectly loving deity. The hiddenness of God is thus seen as a significant obstacle to faith for many individuals, leading to doubts about divine love and the existence of an all-knowing, all-powerful being.
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The argument from divine hiddenness was notably articulated by philosopher J.L. Schellenberg, who emphasized that if God exists and desires a relationship with humanity, He would not remain hidden.
This argument can challenge traditional views of God's love, as it raises questions about why a loving God would not make His presence known to those who sincerely seek Him.
Divine hiddenness is often contrasted with religious experiences claimed by believers, which some argue provide evidence of God’s presence.
The argument is particularly compelling in discussions about agnosticism and atheism, as it addresses the psychological impact of perceived divine silence on belief.
Critics of the argument may argue that human free will is a factor in divine hiddenness, suggesting that God allows individuals to choose faith rather than imposing it.
Review Questions
How does the argument from divine hiddenness relate to the concept of God's love and its implications for belief?
The argument from divine hiddenness raises crucial concerns about the nature of God's love. If God is perfectly loving, one might expect Him to make His existence known to all who seek Him. The hiddenness could imply either a lack of desire for relationship or a failure in communicating that love effectively, which can lead individuals to doubt both God's existence and His benevolence.
Discuss how evidentialism interacts with the argument from divine hiddenness in relation to belief formation.
Evidentialism posits that beliefs should be based on adequate evidence. The argument from divine hiddenness challenges this view by highlighting that many individuals do not have access to compelling evidence of God's existence due to His apparent hiddenness. This lack of evidence can lead to skepticism or agnosticism, which further complicates the relationship between belief formation and divine revelation.
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the argument from divine hiddenness within the broader context of theological discourse.
The strengths of the argument from divine hiddenness lie in its ability to articulate genuine feelings of abandonment among seekers and its challenge to traditional views of God's accessibility. However, its weaknesses include potential reliance on human perspective regarding divine communication and underestimating factors like free will in belief formation. Overall, it invites deeper discussions on the nature of faith, evidence, and the character of God within theological discourse.
Related terms
Evidentialism: A philosophical stance suggesting that beliefs should be formed based on sufficient evidence and rational justification.
Theodicy: A defense of God's goodness and omnipotence in the face of the existence of evil and suffering in the world.
Atheism: The disbelief in the existence of God or gods, often citing lack of evidence as a primary reason.