Divine hiddenness

Definition

Divine hiddenness refers to the idea that God's existence or presence is not always readily apparent or accessible to human beings. This concept raises questions about the nature of faith, belief, and the relationship between humanity and the divine, particularly in light of the perceived absence of direct evidence or communication from God. Understanding divine hiddenness invites exploration of how individuals come to believe and the implications of God's hiddenness for the experience of faith.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Divine hiddenness poses significant philosophical challenges, particularly regarding how one can have rational justification for belief in God when evidence seems lacking.
2. Some argue that God's hiddenness serves a purpose by allowing for genuine free will and authentic faith, as belief is more meaningful when it is not coerced by overwhelming evidence.
3. The experience of divine hiddenness can lead to feelings of doubt, frustration, or spiritual longing among believers who struggle with God's perceived absence.
4. Various religious traditions offer differing perspectives on divine hiddenness, with some viewing it as a test of faith and others interpreting it as a sign of God's transcendence.
5. Philosophers such as J.L. Schellenberg have developed arguments around divine hiddenness, suggesting that if God exists and desires a relationship with humans, His hiddenness is paradoxical.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of divine hiddenness challenge traditional understandings of faith?
  • Divine hiddenness challenges traditional understandings of faith by presenting a scenario where belief in God must occur without direct evidence or communication. This situation can create tension between a desire for certainty and the reality of uncertainty. Individuals may struggle with doubts about their beliefs when faced with God's apparent absence, prompting them to rethink what it means to have faith.
• Discuss the implications of divine hiddenness for human understanding of free will and authenticity in belief.
  • Divine hiddenness implies that if God does not provide clear evidence of His existence, individuals are left to grapple with their beliefs independently. This lack of overwhelming evidence allows for genuine free will in choosing to believe or not. Authenticity in belief may arise from this struggle, as individuals seek truth without coercion, leading to a more personal and meaningful engagement with their faith.
• Evaluate how different religious traditions interpret divine hiddenness and its impact on believers' spiritual journeys.
  • Different religious traditions interpret divine hiddenness in various ways that significantly impact believers' spiritual journeys. For instance, some see it as a test that fosters deeper faith and reliance on God despite uncertainties. Others may perceive it as an indication of God's transcendence, suggesting that human understanding is limited. This variety leads to diverse responses among believers, where some find strength in perseverance while others experience crises of faith due to feeling abandoned or disconnected from the divine.

Related terms

Theodicy: Theodicy is the study of justifying God's goodness and omnipotence in the face of evil and suffering in the world.

Faith: Faith is a deeply held belief or trust in something, often without empirical evidence, that can include belief in God or divine beings.

Revelation: Revelation refers to the act of God disclosing knowledge or truths about Himself to humanity, often through sacred texts or spiritual experiences.