The argument from divine hiddenness suggests that a loving God would want a relationship with His creation and would, therefore, make His existence sufficiently clear to allow for belief. However, many people throughout history have remained in a state of inculpable non-belief, meaning they have not had a convincing encounter with God. This raises the question: if a loving God exists, why does He remain hidden from so many?
The Formal Argument
The argument can be laid out in a logical sequence:
If God exists (as the greatest possible being), then God is all-good.
If God is all-good, then God is perfectly loving.
Therefore, if God exists, He is perfectly loving.
A perfectly loving God would ensure everyone is always able to be in a relationship with Him simply by trying.
This ability requires the belief that God exists.
Therefore, if God exists, He would ensure all people believe He exists.
However, not everyone believes that God exists.
Therefore, God does not exist.
Challenging the Premises
The strength of this argument hinges on premises (4) and (5). Are they necessarily true? A perfectly loving God might choose to allow non-belief, either temporarily or permanently, for several reasons.
Immediate Rejection of Relationship
Some resistant non-theists, upon coming to believe in God, would immediately reject a loving relationship. This position is known as Misotheism, the hatred of God.
Formation of Improper Relationships
Some non-theists might form a perpetually improper relationship with God, which could be worse than no relationship at all. This could manifest in several ways:
Not Recognizing God as Good: They might view God as malevolent, a position known as Dystheism.
Lacking Right Desire for God: Their relationship might be purely transactional, seeking only gifts, religious experiences, or an escape from punishment, rather than genuinely praising or praying to God.
Jealousy of God's Power: They might harbor bitterness or resentment, feeling things should be done differently.
Judging God for Allowing Suffering: An appropriate relationship requires trusting God's decisions, even in allowing suffering for greater goods.
Abandonment of Faith
It is also possible that some non-theists, if they became believers, would enter a proper relationship with God only to abandon it later.
Furthermore, one could imagine scenarios where more people enter into a genuine relationship with God precisely because He remains hidden from some non-believers.
Mercy in Ignorance
Finally, it may be more merciful for God to allow some to remain in non-belief. According to scripture, judgment is stricter for those who know God's will and reject it than for those who act in ignorance.