Video: Why is god hidden? What is divine hiddenness of god?
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- Definition of Divine Hiddenness: Divine hiddenness refers to the perceived absence of God, where even earnest seekers may not find palpable evidence of His presence. The term “nonresistant nonbelief” describes those who don’t believe in God not out of defiance, but due to a lack of evidence or experience.
- Core of the Argument: The primary challenge presented by divine hiddenness is the contradiction between the existence of an all-loving God desiring relationships with humans and the presence of genuine nonresistant nonbelievers. If such a God exists, then nonresistant nonbelievers shouldn’t exist.
- Responses & Nuances: Various perspectives have been proposed to address this conundrum, ranging from denying the existence of “reasonable nonbelief” to suggesting that relationships with God might not necessarily require conscious belief. Understanding the nature of nonbelief, the potential for indirect relationships with God, and the role of personal experience are crucial facets of the debate.
For millennia, humans have grappled with the question of God’s existence and nature. Among the many issues arising from the discourse on theology and philosophy is the question of “divine hiddenness.” Why, if a benevolent and powerful God exists, does He seem hidden from so many? This question is particularly pressing when considering those who don’t believe in God through no fault of their own. Let’s delve into this enigmatic topic.
What is Divine Hiddenness?
Divine hiddenness refers to the apparent absence or non-obviousness of God. It’s the sense that, even if one tries to seek God, His presence is not immediately or palpably evident. Philosopher J.L. Schellenberg, who has greatly contributed to discussions on this topic, coined the term “nonresistant nonbelief” to describe individuals who, despite their openness, do not believe in God simply because they haven’t encountered sufficient evidence or experience of God’s existence.
The Problem:Why is god hidden?
The crux of the hiddenness argument is this: if God is all-loving and desires a relationship with every capable human being, then it’s unexpected for there to be any genuine nonresistant nonbelievers. An all-loving deity would ensure that anyone willing and capable of forming a relationship with Him would have the requisite evidence or experience to believe in Him. The very existence of nonresistant nonbelievers, therefore, seems to challenge the idea of such a deity’s existence.
Responses to Divine Hiddenness
Many responses have been posited over the years to address the divine hiddenness problem:
1. Denying Nonresistant Nonbelief Exists
- Douglas Henry: He argues that it’s unlikely “reasonable nonbelief” exists. If one truly recognized the importance of the question of God’s existence, they would deeply investigate it.
- Ebrahim Azadegan: Claims every nonbelief instance occurs due to sin, suggesting a kind of culpability. Essentially, sinful desires can cloud judgment, leading to nonbelief.
- Other Defenders: Some, like V. Martin Nemoianu, argue that God’s hiddenness is largely due to our choices. However, critics note that this doesn’t cover nonresistant nonbelievers who genuinely seek God.
2. Relationship with God Doesn’t Require Conscious Belief
- Conscious Relationships: It’s suggested that it’s possible to have a conscious relationship without full belief in the entity’s existence. An example is of online relationships where one isn’t fully certain of the other’s existence but continues the relationship based on interactions.
- Nonconscious Relationships: Terence Cuneo presents the idea that we might have relationships with God without being conscious of them. By doing good in the world and towards others, one might indirectly be relating to God.
Understanding the Nuances
Several critical nuances can be discerned from the discussion:
- Nature of Nonbelief: It’s essential to understand that nonresistant nonbelief doesn’t equate to active resistance or hostility towards God. It’s a more passive state, where individuals simply aren’t convinced due to lack of evidence or experience.
- Multiple Facets of Relationships: The idea that one can have a conscious or nonconscious relationship with God without recognizing Him provides a profound perspective. If true, this challenges the assumption that belief precedes relationship.
- Role of Personal Experience: Personal experiences, cognitive predispositions, and cultural backgrounds play significant roles in shaping one’s beliefs or nonbeliefs. What’s sufficient evidence for one might not be for another.
Conclusion
The question of divine hiddenness remains one of the many compelling puzzles in theology and philosophy. While some see God’s apparent absence as evidence against His existence, others find nuanced ways to reconcile this hiddenness with faith. The discussion underscores the profound complexities surrounding our understanding of the divine, belief, and the nature of our relationship with the transcendent.