Many would argue that the problem of perceived divine hiddenness is one of the most potent objections to the existence of God. For those unfamiliar with the argument, many agree that the most formidable version is offered by philosopher J.L. Schellenberg. It is as follows:
1. If a perfectly loving God exists, then there exists a God who is always open to a personal relationship with any finite person.
2. If there exists a God who is always open to a personal relationship with any finite person, then no finite person is ever non-resistantly in a state of non-belief in relation to the proposition that God exists.
3. If a perfectly loving God exists, then no finite person is ever non-resistantly in a state of non-belief in relation to the proposition that God exists (from 1 and 2).
4. Some finite persons are or have been non-resistantly in a state of non-belief in relation to the proposition that God exists.
5. No perfectly loving God exists (from 3 and 4).
6. If no perfectly loving God exists, then God does not exist.
7. God does not exist (from 5 and 6). 1
1. If a perfectly loving God exists, then there exists a God who is always open to a personal relationship with any finite person.
2. If there exists a God who is always open to a personal relationship with any finite person, then no finite person is ever non-resistantly in a state of non-belief in relation to the proposition that God exists.
3. If a perfectly loving God exists, then no finite person is ever non-resistantly in a state of non-belief in relation to the proposition that God exists (from 1 and 2).
4. Some finite persons are or have been non-resistantly in a state of non-belief in relation to the proposition that God exists.
5. No perfectly loving God exists (from 3 and 4).
6. If no perfectly loving God exists, then God does not exist.
7. God does not exist (from 5 and 6). 1
In the above discussion, apologist Lukas Rueggar and atheist Alex O'Connor (Cosmic Skeptic) discuss why doesn't God seem to reveal himself to people who are open and seeking him.
This was a great back and forth. Everyone can learn from the respectful and transparent tone of this interaction.
What do you think of the the problem of divine hiddenness? Please share in the comments below!
Courage and Godspeed,
Chad
Footnote:
1. J.L. Schellenberg, The Hiddenness Argument: Philosophy’s New Challenge to Belief in God (Oxford University Press, 2015), p. 103.
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