S7E2 Why Does God Seem So Hidden?

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By: Brian G. Chilton, Ph.D. | September 14, 2023

Have you ever looked for God and not found him? Perhaps you have been in situation where God seemed so distant. If you have ever been in situation like this, then you have encountered a theological conundrum called the hiddenness of God. Why is it that God does not more openly reveal himself to the world? Skeptics like J. L. Schellenberg argue that because God does not more openly reveal himself, then it must mean that God does not exist.

How does a Christian respond to this accusation? Well, today’s guest has an answer for the problem of divine hiddenness. We are talking about Dr. Joshua Waltman, Associate Professor of Theology and Apologetics at Liberty University and former coordinator of the Learning Commons at the Jerry Falwell Library at Liberty University. Dr. Waltman wrote a book where he engages this issue, entitled Why Does God Seem So Hidden? A Trinitarian Theological Response to J. L. Schellenberg’s Problem of Divine Hiddenness published by Pickwick, an imprint of Wipf & Stock Publishers. Dr. Waltman, welcome to the Bellator Christi Podcast.

Questions Covered on S7E2 Why Does God Seem So Hidden?

1. What do we mean by divine hiddenness?
2. Describe J. L. Schellenberg’s problem of divine hiddenness.
3. What counterargument do you use to respond to Schellenberg’s argumentation?
4. I found your comments on theological analogy quite interesting. I have been reading through the complete work of the Summa Theologica by Thomas Aquinas. Aquinas uses the analogical approach in his works. So, what are the limitations of the analogical approach and how does this impact the way that Schellenberg understands divine hiddenness?
5. How does understanding the greatness of God in his Tri-unity help us with the problem of divine hiddenness?
6. You discuss God’s love, particularly the inner nature of love within God’s triune nature. How does a proper understanding of divine love help the sticky issue of divine hiddenness?
7. Do you have some final words of encouragement that you would like to share with those struggling with the issue of divine hiddenness?

S7E2 Why Does God Seem So Hidden? on YouTube

About the Host

Brian G. Chilton is the founder of Bellator Christi Ministries and the co-host of the Bellator Christi Podcast. Dr. Chilton earned a Ph.D. in the Theology and Apologetics at Liberty University (with high distinction), a M.Div. in Theology from Liberty University (with high distinction); his B.S. in Religious Studies and Philosophy from Gardner-Webb University (with honors); earned a Certificate in Christian Apologetics from Biola University, and completed Unit 1 of Clinical Pastoral Education at Wake Forest University’s School of Medicine. Dr. Chilton is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society and the Evangelical Philosophical Society.  In his spare time, he enjoys reading, working out in his home gym, and watching football. He has served in pastoral ministry for over 20 years and serves as a clinical chaplain.

https://www.amazon.com/Laymans-Manual-Christian-Apologetics-Essentials/dp/1532697104 

https://www.amazon.com/Conversations-about-Heaven-Difficult-Questions/dp/1666762687

About our Guest: Dr. Josh Waltman

Dr. Josh Waltman is an Associate Professor of Theological Studies at Liberty University and the former Director of the Learning Commons at the Jerry Falwell Library. Dr. Waltman received a Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics at Liberty University and a Ph.D. in Theological Studies from Columbia International University at Columbia, South Carolina. He also holds degrees from the University of Kentucky. Dr. Waltman is the author of the newly published book Why Does Seem So Hidden: A Trinitarian Theological Response to J. L. Schellenberg’s Problem of Divine Hiddenness.

(c) 2023. Bellator Christi.