Why Does God Seem So Hidden? A Trinitarian Theological Response to J. L. Schellenberg’s Problem of Divine Hiddenness
Ebook
Why does God seem so hidden, obscure, and silent? Why doesn't he make himself known in a more explicit way to those who dispute his existence? This line of questioning presents a perplexing conundrum for Christian theologians. On the one hand, Christians affirm that God's revelation of himself is sufficient, but, on the other hand, it appears that some genuine seekers remain unconvinced of his existence. In recent decades, philosopher J. L. Schellenberg has proposed an argument for atheism that attempts to exploit this apparent contradiction.
This book offers a new take by approaching the conversation using a Trinitarian theological lens. The character of Trinitarian love shapes the way God communicates in pursuit of relationships. Namely, God desires spiritually oriented, communal divine-human relationships, and this endeavor necessarily entails hiddenness. This work proposes five spiritual criteria that an individual must meet to be open to having a relationship with the triune God, and these are the criteria that atheists have failed to consider. Articulating these five is exactly what is needed to resolve the vexing theological puzzle of divine hiddenness.
“Why Does God Seem So Hidden? is a valuable contribution to the recent discussion of the ‘problem of divine hiddenness.’ Joshua Waltman develops a novel rebuttal to J. L. Shellenberg’s atheistic argument that is based in Trinitarian theology. Waltman argues that if God is triune in the way orthodox Christian theology holds, the ‘hiddenness’ of God’s being should be expected. This work will be of interest to Christian pastors, theologians, apologists, and philosophers.”
—Jonathan Reibsamen, professor of philosophy, Columbia International University
“Joshua Waltman has produced an admirably clear, well-researched treatment of the problem of divine hiddenness. He seeks to provide a new and improved formulation of a controversial solution to that problem, arguing that nonresistant nonbelief does not actually exist. He develops that solution in dialogue with a wide assortment of sources from both philosophy of religion and systematic theology, such that the work will be of interest to scholars from both disciplines.”
—Travis Dumsday, associate professor of philosophy, Concordia University of Edmonton
“Though many works have been written on divine hiddenness, Why Does God Seem So Hidden? stands out by offering an impressive and uniquely Trinitarian response to J. L. Schellenberg’s argument from nonresistant nonbelief. Joshua Waltman engages in theologically rich and philosophically rigorous argumentation, while remaining irenic in tone. This book is essential reading for anyone troubled by the thorny problem of divine hiddenness. Highly recommended!”
—Ronnie P. Campbell, professor of theology and apologetics, Liberty University
“Joshua Waltman’s approach in Why Does God Seem So Hidden? is both scholarly and pastoral, offering a detailed (and unique) Trinitarian response to J. L. Schellenberg’s problem of divine hiddenness while also serving as balm to those who have struggled with the issue themselves. As someone who has personally wrestled with the problem of divine hiddenness, I highly recommend this book!”
—Stephen S. Jordan, director of spiritual life, First Presbyterian Day School, Macon, GA
- Title: Why Does God Seem So Hidden? A Trinitarian Theological Response to J. L. Schellenberg’s Problem of Divine Hiddenness
- Author: Joshua C. Waltman
- Publisher: Pickwick Publications
- Print Publication Date: 2023
- Logos Release Date: 2023
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666760873, 9781666760859, 1666760854, 9781666760866, 1666760862, 1666760870
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666760873
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-04-16T09:54:21Z
Joshua C. Waltman is the coordinator of the Learning Commons at the Jerry Falwell Library and an adjunct professor of apologetics and theology at the Rawlings School of Divinity at Liberty University.