The Problem of Divine Hiddenness

One of the most significant challenges to theism, particularly the belief in a personal God, is the apparent lack of divine intervention in the world. This conundrum has been debated by philosophers and theologians for centuries, with some arguing that it constitutes evidence against the existence of God.

The Argument from Divine Hiddenness

Philosopher John Schellenberg has famously articulated this challenge as the “argument from divine hiddenness.” In essence, the argument claims that if God existed, He would make His presence known to humanity. Since we do not experience any direct, unequivocal evidence of God’s existence, it is reasonable to conclude that God does not exist.

The Atheistic Interpretation

Atheists like Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens have seized upon this argument, contending that the absence of divine intervention is evidence that God is nothing more than a figment of human imagination. According to Dawkins, “The universe is indifferent to our existence, and whatever happens to us is a matter of chance.” (1)

The Theistic Response

However, this critique oversimplifies the complex relationship between God’s sovereignty and human free will. Theists argue that God’s presence is not necessarily incompatible with the absence of overt divine intervention.

The Free Will Defense

One possible response to the argument from divine hiddenness is the free will defense. This perspective posits that God values human freedom above all else, allowing individuals to make choices without coercion or interference. By doing so, God respects humanity’s autonomy, even if it means permitting evil and suffering.

As philosopher Alvin Plantinga notes, “God can’t give us freedom to do good without also giving us the freedom to do evil.” (2) This understanding of free will acknowledges that humanity bears responsibility for the state of the world, rather than blaming God for not intervening.

The Soul-Making Theodicy

Another approach is the soul-making theodicy, which suggests that God’s primary concern is the development of human souls. According to this perspective, the experiences and challenges of life serve as opportunities for spiritual growth, even if they do not necessarily involve direct divine intervention.

Philosopher John Hick argues that “the world is a place of ‘soul-making,’ where we are free to respond or fail to respond to God’s presence.” (3) This understanding emphasizes the importance of humanity’s response to God, rather than expecting God to intervene in every circumstance.

Addressing Common Counterarguments

The Problem of Evil

A common counterargument is that if God exists, He would prevent evil and suffering. However, this objection assumes a simplistic view of God’s nature and the complexities of human existence.

As theologian David Bentley Hart notes, “Evil is not a thing, but rather the privation of good; it is a lack, a negation, a destruction.” (4) This understanding recognizes that evil is an inherent aspect of human freedom, rather than an external force that God must combat.

The Argument from Inconsistency

Some argue that if God exists, He would be inconsistent in His actions, sometimes intervening and sometimes not. However, this critique overlooks the possibility that God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).

As philosopher William Lane Craig argues, “God’s moral character is not bound by human standards of consistency.” (5) This perspective acknowledges that God’s actions may not always conform to human expectations or logical reasoning.

Conclusion

The apparent absence of divine intervention does not necessarily constitute evidence against the existence of a personal God. Theistic responses, such as the free will defense and soul-making theodicy, offer coherent explanations for this phenomenon.

Ultimately, the debate surrounding divine hiddenness highlights the complexities of human existence and the limitations of our understanding. Rather than assuming that God’s absence is evidence of His nonexistence, we should engage in a more nuanced exploration of the relationship between God and humanity.

References

(1) Dawkins, R. (2006). The God Delusion. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

(2) Plantinga, A. (1974). God, Freedom, and Evil. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

(3) Hick, J. (1966). Evil and the God of Love. Macmillan.

(4) Hart, D. B. (2009). The Doors of the Sea: Where Was God in the Tsunami? Eerdmans Publishing Company.

(5) Craig, W. L. (2011). Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics. Crossway Books.