Divine Hiddenness and the Existence of God

Divine hiddenness refers to the idea that God is absent or quiet in our world. This skeptical philosophical assertion suggests that a loving, personal God would make himself known and obvious to everyone. Yet, it seems like God remains hidden. In philosophical terms, this concept is known as the argument from divine hiddenness.

If you’ve ever wondered why God’s existence seems hidden, you’re not alone—both Christians and skeptics alike have asked this question throughout history.

As we look into this topic together, let’s think about why God’s silence might be more complicated than it seems. We’ll explore the different layers that contribute to this theological discussion.

What Is Divine Hiddenness?

There are two types of so-called divine hiddenness:

1. The alleged hiddenness raised by skeptics who question whether God exists. 
2. The sense or feeling of distance from God that some Christians experience at times.

Let’s first explore the skeptical challenge that divine hiddenness may best be explained as evidence against God’s existence.

The argument from divine hiddenness raises an interesting and difficult question:

If God is perfectly loving and wants a relationship with us, why isn’t it more obvious that he’s here?

The argument is based on the idea that a truly perfectly loving God would make sure everyone knows he exists, which would naturally lead to belief. Yet, many people—even those who genuinely desire to connect with God—still struggle to perceive him and end up not believing.

The Parent-Child Analogy

Consider the analogy of a loving parent who deeply desires to be known and loved by their child. However, if the parent remains hidden, the child might assume the parent doesn’t exist or doesn’t care—despite the parent’s provision for their child behind the scenes.

In a similar way, the divine hiddenness argument affirms that God’s apparent hiddenness means either:

1. he’s not perfectly loving, or
2. he doesn’t exist at all.

Could there be reasons, beyond our understanding, for God’s hiddenness—reasons that might help us grow or shift our perspective in ways we don’t expect?

Could there be more than meets the eye?

We believe so. But first, let’s examine a formal argument made in support of skepticism regarding this issue.

The Schellenberg Hiddenness Argument

The Schellenberg Hiddenness Argument was created by philosopher J. L. Schellenberg. It raises an intriguing question: If a perfectly loving God exists, there shouldn’t be any “reasonable nonbelievers”—people who are reasonably open to having a relationship with God but don’t see or experience God.

Schellenberg argued that if God truly wanted to connect with us, he would reveal himself to everyone, making it impossible not to believe in him. The presence of non-Christians who are open to God but still do not believe suggests to Schellenberg that such a God may not exist.

A Brief Biblical Response to Schellenberg

Of course, this skeptical argument contradicts Scripture in several ways regarding the cause of unbelief.

Consider these three biblical points:

1. Scripture teaches that God has taken the initiative and has sufficiently unveiled himself in:
   
   • the order of the cosmos,
   • the human conscience,
   • the history of Israel,
   • the historic life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and 
   • in Scripture itself.
2. The Bible teaches that no one is neutral about God. It also explains that unbelief is tied to the person’s sinful condition of wanting to avoid moral responsibility before God (see Romans 1).
   
3. The hiddenness claim doesn’t rule out the many clear and logical arguments that rationally support God’s existence (cosmological, teleological, moral, ontological, etc.).
   

The Bible also emphasizes that God—being a perfectly loving God—values our free will. He gives us the ability to choose or reject a personal relationship with him.

This special gift allows us to connect with God authentically, rather than being compelled by overwhelming evidence—just as a child or spouse flourishes under a genuine love from free will rather than obligation.

Similarly, it’s like a parent who lets their child grow up and make their own choices, even if the child sometimes decides differently than the parent wishes. To reflect on the hide and seek analogy of the parent and child, if the parent were to intercede every time the child had doubts, then the child wouldn’t be allowed to grow in confidence and maturity.

Faith also plays an important role. In Hebrews 11:1, faith is described as being sure about what we hope for and believing in what we can’t see. Faith asks us to trust beyond what is right in front of us — a trust that can grow stronger even when we feel God is hidden from us.

Could it be that divine hiddenness invites us into a deeper, more personal journey of faith in life that ultimately strengthens our relationship with God?

Absolutely.

Human Reason and the Argument from Nonbelief

Next, let’s look at a similar argument about divine hiddenness: the argument from nonbelief.

This argument asks that if a loving and all-powerful God exists, why is there so much nonbelief in the world? According to the argument, the presence of widespread nonbelief argues against the idea of a God who is both loving and intent on forming relationships with his human creatures.

At its core, this argument is built on Schellenberg’s ideas and assumes that a good, perfectly loving God would make sure everyone has been presented with enough information to believe in him. (Don’t forget, from a biblical standpoint, God has sufficiently revealed himself.)

But if God’s presence were as obvious as the physical world around us, then not believing would be entirely unreasonable.

The reality that many smart, thoughtful, and rational people remain unsure about God’s existence raises questions about whether such evidence is available or if God is hiding for a reason. Why would he hide from people who are open to discovering his existence?

As an answer to this question, perhaps people are not as open and neutral as they think they are when it comes to questions relating to God.

When we consider the argument from nonbelief, we must grapple with the idea that “human understanding and belief” might require more than just agreeing with facts and intellectualism. Part of our understanding might require that we place our faith (or trust) in what conclusions our human reason leads to.

The Nonbelief Argument and the Limits of Reason

With the argument from nonbelief, it’s important to note how the idea is strictly and directly tied to human reason. While our ability to reason is strong, it has limits, especially when it comes to things that extend beyond what we can see or touch. The divine, by definition, goes beyond what we can fully understand through human logic and challenges us to press beyond reason alone.

While human reason is a profound tool that helps us understand the complex world around us, make sense of our experiences, and create meaningful narratives, when it comes to divine matters, our reasoning can encounter its own set of challenges.

We want to be especially careful when it comes to discussing human reason and God. Topics of faith and theology can extend beyond reason but matters of faith cannot contradict reason. For example, the historic Christian doctrines of the Trinity and the incarnation can’t be fully comprehended by the finite human mind but these doctrines are not actual formal logical contradictions. So faith extends beyond reason, but faith doesn’t damage or oppose reason. In historic Christianity, faith and reason are seen as compatible and complementary.

The argument from nonbelief suggests that if God were evident, rational individuals would naturally believe in him. The fact that many people don’t believe suggests that either God isn’t as evident as he could be, or that our human reasoning alone is somehow not enough to “see” him. Or maybe human beings are biased against God because of sin (see Romans 8:7–8).

God often exceeds what can be observed or understood through logic alone. This thought creates a challenge: How can we reconcile the limits of human reason with the profound nature of an infinite and eternal divine being? Could it be that God is understood not only through our thoughts but also through our hearts or internal workings, like life experiences and spiritual searching?

The capacity for faith—which often complements reason—plays a critical role. While reason looks for answers based on evidence, facts, and logic, faith encourages us to believe in things that we can’t fully understand or see but still have a reasonable basis to believe to be true. This is reflected in the Christian perspective of “faith seeking understanding.”

This relationship between reason and faith suggests that belief in God and God’s existence may require more than just rational support. Hebrews 11:6 says that “anyone who comes to him [God] must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” The faith component offers a point against the divine hiddenness argument.

Ultimately, the relationship between the argument from nonbelief and the factual limits of human reason prompts us to expand our understanding of how we come to know and believe in God. While reason is critically important, it’s only one piece of a bigger picture.

Biblical Response for a Perfectly Loving God

The Bible gives us many insights into the nature of God and his relationship with us. This relationship is fundamentally personal and goes beyond mere intellectual engagement. It extends beyond the confines of logic and reason. It’s where something inside us knows that “God’s invisible qualities . . . have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made” (Romans 1:20).

The Bible shows God as a divine being who wants to engage with us on a heart level. We see this in his interactions and words throughout the Bible—from walking with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to his covenant with Abraham, and throughout the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭13‬).

Finding and “seeing” God is rooted not just in formal reason but also in love and relationship. God invites the non-Christian into such a trusting relationship.

But what about Christians who struggle with a hidden God?

Reconciling A Personal God and Distance

Let’s now shift to the challenge that Christians encounter when God seems distant.

Understanding God—a “hidden” God—involves more than acknowledging he exists. It requires trust, love, and spiritual growth—all of which come from the human heart. Trust grows through experiences and a willingness to rely on God’s wisdom and promises, even when we can’t see clear and undisputed evidence for his existence.

Love, as described in the Bible, is the foundation of our relationship with God. Love encourages us to respond to his love with our own: “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

A Growing Personal Relationship

Spiritual growth is another essential part of this relationship.

As we journey in faith, we face various trials and challenges that test our beliefs and ultimately help us mature. James 1:3 reminds us that “the testing of your faith produces perseverance . . . that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Spiritual growth emerges from difficult experiences. In other words, at the point where many Christians encounter “divine hiddenness,” that’s where God sustains them on their journey of faith.

In short, the biblical answer to the argument from nonbelief asks us to focus on reason and matters of the heart. Scripture tells us that “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). When we realize that God wants a personal relationship with us, we take a step toward opening ourselves to experiencing the divine in ways that go beyond mere evidence and into the depths of maturing faith.

If God Exists, Why Doesn’t He Show Himself More Clearly?

Many of us, whether we are Christians or skeptics, have wondered: Why doesn’t God show himself more clearly, especially to those who are genuinely trying to find him?

This query revisits the central point of divine hiddenness, which asserts that people would expect a loving God to make his existence obvious. However, the truth of God’s presence is more subtle and complex.

As we unpack Christian responses as to why God doesn’t more overtly show himself, let’s again recognize the many ways he has revealed himself to us.

First, there’s his Word—Scripture.

Revelation Through Scripture

The Bible is a powerful testament to God’s character, his promises, and how he interacts with people. Through its stories, lessons, and prophecies, we can learn about who he is and what he wants for us. The written words of Scripture effectively allow us to “see” him.

Revealed Through Creation

Then there’s God’s world—his creation—which entails all of existence, from Earth to the ends of the cosmos. The natural world around us is a testament to God’s creativity and power. From the intricate details built into the smallest cells to the incomprehensible vastness of the starry sky, creation speaks of the Creator’s grand, purposeful universe.

As Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

Jesus Was Not Hidden

Perhaps most importantly, God has revealed himself through his Son. In Jesus, we see what God’s love and grace look like, giving us a clear path to understand and connect with him. Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection are at the heart of the Christian faith and show us the intense depth of God’s loving commitment to humanity.

Freedom to Choose

If God showed himself clearly and directly, like the sun in the sky, believing in him might start to feel more like an obligation instead of something we want and get to do. Having the freedom to choose is important for any true relationship, as it lets us seek intimacy because of love, not because we feel forced to.

Encouraging Spiritual Growth

The challenges and uncertainties we face can expand our faith, trust, and love outward like an ever-widening circle. Just like a seed has to push through the soil to reach the sunlight, our life’s journeys can push us out of darkness and ignorance into God’s light.

A parent who has taught a child to be responsible watches a situation from afar to see if they’ve matured—not because they don’t love the child, but because they do. When the parent sees the child succeed and when the child realizes the parent trusted them on their own, faith in each other grows.

Could it be that God calls us, his children, into a more meaningful relationship of faith? Do the “growing pains” encourage personal growth and trust far beyond mere surface level? As we consider these questions, let’s stay open to the idea that there may be wisdom in how God’s hiddenness unfolds.

Divine Hiddenness and Human Faith

As we look further into the Schellenberg Divine Hiddenness Argument, it’s important to consider what the Bible says about why God seems hidden. From a biblical standpoint, God’s hiddenness doesn’t indicate his absence or lack of love. Instead, apparent hiddenness is a key part of his relationship with humanity that’s designed to build genuine faith and trust.

The hiddenness of God should be seen as a means to help us grow and mature. Just as a parent lets a child explore and learn on their own, God’s quiet presence encourages us to develop and to seek him earnestly.

The Bible stresses the vital role of faith and emphasizes that God desires a personal and voluntary relationship with us. As Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”

The Purpose of Divine Hiddenness

From a Christian perspective, God does not hide himself for no reason. His hiddenness serves to prompt genuine seeking. In our busy lives, many people say they’ve looked for God but didn’t find him. They use this apparent hiddenness as an argument to dismiss his existence and live their lives however they want. 

God’s hiddenness isn’t meant to be a game of hide-and-seek, but a call to sincere pursuit. When we seek sincerely, “with all our heart,” it often means diving into deeper questions like “Why am I here?” or “What’s the purpose of life?”

Faith Beyond Certainty

The Bible reveals time and again that God values faith and belief that doesn’t rely purely on evidence.

• In John 20:29 Jesus tells Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 
• In Matthew 12:39 Jesus warns, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.”
• In 2 Corinthians 5:7 we read, “For we live by faith, not by sight.”
• In Romans 1:17 the apostle writes that “The righteous will live by faith.”

These verses emphasize that faith serves as the driving force behind deeper belief in God’s existence. Faith also fosters a more trusting relationship with him—where we learn to rely on God’s promises and character. People who trust in God’s character no longer need constant signs or miracles as proof for something that stretches beyond our ability to fully comprehend.

This biblical approach helps us build a strong and lasting faith that can handle life’s uncertainties and challenges. By trusting in God’s presence and goodness, even when he feels hidden or distant, we develop a deeper, more authentic spirituality that isn’t shaken by the absence of signs.

Ultimately, divine hiddenness is not a void but a potential space for those willing to seek him sincerely. It challenges us to engage with God on a level that passes mere mental acknowledgment into a transformative relationship.

The Limits of Human Reason

As a further consideration of the argument from nonbelief, we observe that the theory is rooted purely in human reason, which is limited. When we think about human reason and understanding, we affirm that reason is necessary for knowing, but we must acknowledge that it falls short when it comes to fully grasping the concept of an infinite God.

The human mind is great at figuring out mysteries in the natural world, but there are instances where our reason is stretched thin, as in the two examples that follow. Similarly, many aspects of the divine remain mysterious and beyond our full comprehension. 

Consider the complexity of the universe for a modern example that demonstrates the limitations of human reasoning. The vastness of space, the strange rules of quantum mechanics, and the enigma of dark matter and dark energy all push the boundaries of our understanding.

These phenomena inspire a sense of wonder and remind us that there’s so much more to the universe than we can currently or fully grasp. These wonders hint at a Creator’s existence.

The human brain is another marvel that challenges our comprehension. Even with all the progress in studying the brain (neuroscience), scientists are still working to understand consciousness and the intricacies of thought and emotion.

These complexities suggest that while reason can guide us, it may not always provide complete or crystal-clear answers.

When it comes to trying to understand God and the “why” of divine hiddenness, we must realize that we as mortal human beings have our limits.

As Isaiah 55:8–9 says,

‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’

This verse reminds us that some aspects of God’s character, including what he does and why, are too big for us to fully understand. His higher ways and thoughts should encourage us, as creatures made in his image, to be humble and to trust him.

By accepting the limits of our humanity, we’re invited to see the divine with wonder and awe. When we recognize that some mysteries might never be solved, we allow ourselves to experience God in ways that go beyond our mental grasp. Such awe strengthens our faith through the reality of divine hiddenness.

The Hiddenness of God Explained

Man’s Hiding—Humanity’s Role in Resisting God

As we continue to unpack the hiddenness of God, it’s essential to recognize humanity’s role. Our separation from God began at the beginning in the Garden of Eden.

Genesis 3:8 paints a vivid picture of this moment: Adam and Eve, having chosen to sin, hid themselves—or at least tried to—from God. This act of hiding marked the start of humanity’s separation from the divine.

God’s original design was for an intimate, unbroken relationship with us. He walked with Adam and Eve in the garden, showing the closeness and fellowship he intended for his creation.

Yet, they chose to disobey. They ate fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil—an event known as original sin—and fractured their relationship with God. Adam and Eve made a barrier that was not meant to be there.

This separation wasn’t just physical. It was a spiritual divide that has continued throughout history and all generations.

On a personal and individual level, when thinking about why God seems hidden or distant, it’s important to understand that this doesn’t mean he doesn’t care. Apparent hiddenness doesn’t equate to divine indifference.

On the contrary, God’s distance can often be linked to our own actions and choices. Our sin has created a veil that obscures our view of him. It’s not that God wants to stay hidden; it’s that our hearts have turned away from him.

Throughout Scripture, God consistently reaches out to humanity to mend this fractured relationship and sometimes to execute judgment. His judgment can seem like he’s “turning away his face” or “hiding” due to people’s sin.

God’s hiddenness is a reminder of the chasm between human sin and divine holiness. But it also serves as a call to reconcile and points to Jesus Christ who bridged this divide for us. God’s love is steadfast, and his desire for closeness remains unwavering. He always invites separated sinners to turn back toward him.

On this journey of divine hiddenness and the existence of God, we should feel called to examine our hearts and how we might be contributing to this separation. Remember, God wants us to return to him and seek him. When we do, he comes running to meet us as in Jesus’s parable of the lost son in Luke 15:11.

By acknowledging the choices we’ve made and what’s in our hearts, we open ourselves to the possibility of healing and restoration. Knowing that we’ve been forgiven of all our sins allows us to feel God’s presence as a loving father rather than a judge.

God’s Hiddenness

While the idea of God’s hiddenness can sometimes be overwhelming, it’s important to remember that God is much closer to us than we might think or feel. Even when it doesn’t seem like it, God is always a part of our lives. He works quietly in all the details of our lives and invites us to know him more and see his unfailing provision.

Romans 8:28 reminds us, even through the hardships and the silence:

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

One of the most comforting truths for any of us is that God continually seeks to restore his relationship with humanity. Through Christ’s sacrificial death, this restoration took on a physical, visible, and tangible form. Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection are profound demonstrations of God’s desire to bridge the gap that sin has created. Jesus’s atoning death forever changed history. By believing in and receiving Christ, we are given the way back to a close relationship with God.

Scripture, too, serves as a vital conduit for experiencing God’s presence. The Bible is more than a historical book; it’s a living text through which God speaks to us. In its pages, we find guidance, comfort, and the reassurance that God plays an active role in our lives. As we read Scripture, we start to see his fingerprints in our experiences, our hearts, and the world around us.

Adding to this comfort, creation itself has a way of showing how close God is to us. The beauty and complexity of the natural world remind us of a Creator who is powerful and caring. From the details of a snowflake to the miracle of photosynthesis to the mystery of animal instincts, the creation we see every day reflects the presence of God. This revelation peels back another layer against the argument of divine hiddenness.

Even when we can’t feel it, God’s hiddenness is not a sign of his absence. Instead, it serves as an invitation to seek him with expectant faith and trust. By knowing how he shows himself—through Christ, the Bible, and creation—we can understand why he seems hidden when in fact his presence is strong and always pulling us closer to him.

A God Who Exists and Reveals

As we think about the case for God’s divine hiddenness, it’s important to recognize and acknowledge that God does exist and has shown himself in many meaningful ways.

Christian thinkers affirm that Scripture is backed by historical accounts and archaeological evidence. Its reliability is a roadmap to the divine and one of the primary ways God reveals himself today. Through the Bible, we learn about his attributes, plans, and promises. Scripture serves as a guide to help us understand God’s heart and how to grow our faith. As we read and think about the Bible, we become part of a story that connects us with God.

Nature, too, is a testament to God’s handiwork. The beauty of the world around us—from the majesty of mountains to the delicate complexity of a single flower and the animals that interact with them—reflects the creativity and intent of a Creator who delights in his creation. But we must be willing to see it. When we pause to appreciate the natural world, we can “see” a part of God.

Our conscience serves as another way through which God communicates and reveals himself. The inner sense of right and wrong and the gentle nudges that guide our choices are a God-given moral compass. This inner voice helps us follow his will and encourages us to live according to his principles.

Personal experiences are perhaps the most intimate way God shows himself to us. In times of happiness, sorrow, challenges, or triumphs, we encounter his presence in ways that are hard to explain. These moments require faith, as they may not always present themselves in dramatic or obvious ways. Instead, they might appear as a quiet assurance, a comforting peace, or a helpful word that hits home at just the right time.

God’s hiddenness doesn’t mean he’s not there. Instead, it encourages us to seek him with faith and an open heart. By paying attention to how he quietly shows himself—through the Bible, nature, our conscience, and personal experiences—we can build a relationship that goes beyond the need for evidence of his existence.

Christian Response to Divine Hiddenness

In our exploration of divine hiddenness, it’s essential to consider how we, as Christians, are called to respond. Faith, hope, and love lie at the heart of this response. They form key parts of a relationship with God that’s built not on obligation or force, but on genuine connection. God’s hiddenness is not a wall that keeps us away but is a call to seek him with a sincere heart.

As Proverbs 3:5 reminds us:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Faith That Grows Relationship with God

Faith plays a crucial role. By faith we believe in God’s presence and goodness even when he seems far away. This kind of faith goes beyond seeing to having confidence in the unseen. It encourages us to embrace the mystery and find comfort in knowing that God is working all things for good, even when we don’t have all the answers.

Trusting in God’s Existence & God’s Love

Trust, too, is vital. It means having confidence in God’s character and promises. It’s believing that he wants what’s best for us and that his plans, though sometimes hidden, are good for us in the end. This hopeful trust helps us build a stronger relationship, knowing that God is always faithful and ever-present.

Pursuing Personal Relationship with Our Perfectly Loving God

By seeking God out of the sincerity of the heart rather than out of obligation that would come from overwhelming evidence (divine obviousness), our relationship becomes dynamic and transformative. His hiddenness is not a test but an opportunity to deepen our faith. It allows and inspires us to pursue God with an open heart. This pursuit pushes us to grow and prompts us to rely on what we’ve been given and not strictly on external proof.

As we finish our exploration of divine hiddenness, let’s think about how this idea can help us grow spiritually and build a closer relationship with God. The mysterious nature of God’s presence invites us into a journey of discovery, where our faith is stretched and our trust solidified. This journey isn’t just about finding answers but about enjoying the process and the route life takes us.

Trust acts as an anchor in situations of uncertainty, as in the idea of God’s hiddenness. Although God’s presence may not always be obvious, Christians believe that he shows himself in his perfect timing. This trust encourages Christians and those who want to believe to remain patient and hopeful, confident that God’s wisdom guides his interactions with us to shape our paths in ways we might not understand right away.

Personal experiences with God, whether during times of deep thought, peaceful moments, or tragedy, help strengthen our connection with him. These experiences may be subtle or overwhelming, but they all help us grow closer to God. By being open to learning from these moments, we can develop a heart that recognizes his presence.

In conclusion, divine hiddenness isn’t a barrier. It’s an invitation to grow. It encourages us to trust God’s wisdom and timing, to seek him sincerely, and to accept the mystery of life’s journey of faith as part of the human experience.

When we change how we think about the idea of why God seems hidden or doesn’t clearly show himself, we deepen our relationship with God. We then find comfort in his hidden but always present support.

Be encouraged! May God strengthen your faith, and may he draw you closer to himself, especially when he seems hidden. Take comfort in the fact that God always reveals himself to those who truly seek him.