[i]Why is God so invisible?

• Many wonder why God, if He loves humanity and desires a relationship with us, does not make Himself unmistakably visible, a question known as the “argument from divine hiddenness”.
• This issue sparks profound debate about God’s nature and His interaction with humans, questioning why His presence isn’t more overt.
• Christianity asserts that God is not entirely invisible but reveals Himself in ways that preserve human free will, fostering a genuine, voluntary relationship rather than coerced belief.
• This text explores the reasons for God’s apparent invisibility, the methods of His self-revelation, and the divine purpose behind this hiddenness, with additional examples and explanations for clarity.

 God’s invisibility and free will

• Some ask: If God loves us, why doesn’t He manifest in a way that eliminates all doubt, such as through undeniable, visible displays of power?
• This expectation assumes God should impose His presence, but Christianity teaches that God seeks a loving relationship grounded in free choice, not compulsion.
• If God appeared daily in a spectacular manner, such as writing His name in the sky, people might believe out of fear or obligation, not love, resulting in superficial faith.
• John 20:29 (NIV): “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
• This verse emphasises the value of faith rooted in trust rather than visible proof, highlighting the blessedness of voluntary belief.
• For example, if someone coerced love through displays of power, the resulting relationship would lack authenticity; similarly, God desires heartfelt faith that deepens the human-divine bond.
• God’s apparent invisibility preserves human freedom, making faith a meaningful choice that fosters a sincere, love-driven relationship with Him.

God reveals Himself in many ways

• Contrary to being completely hidden, God reveals Himself through multiple channels, inviting humanity to know Him without overwhelming their free will.

Firstly, creation proclaims His presence.

• Psalm 19:1 (NIV): “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”
• The beauty and complexity of nature, mountains, stars, or the intricate structure of DNA, point to an intelligent, purposeful design, serving as a universal testimony to God’s existence.

Secondly, the Bible is God’s written revelation.

• As God’s Word, Scripture contains His promises, character, and history of interaction with humanity, guiding readers to understand His nature and will.

Thirdly, Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation of God.

• John 1:14 (NIV): “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
• Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection embody God’s love, with His resurrection serving as historical evidence of His divinity, inviting belief.
• These avenues demonstrate that God is not distant but accessible to those who seek Him, offering revelation tailored to human capacity and freedom.

Why doesn’t God appear more clearly?

• Some expect God to manifest dramatically, such as resolving global issues instantly or providing daily miraculous signs, assuming this would confirm His existence.
• However, God’s infinite nature and wisdom transcend human expectations.
• Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV): ‘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.’
• God operates according to His divine plan, not human demands, prioritizing eternal purposes over immediate displays.
• For instance, some argue a visible God would eliminate evil, but God permits evil temporarily to allow repentance and moral growth, aligning with His respect for free will.
• God’s apparent invisibility avoids coercion, encouraging a faith born of love rather than fear, aligning with His desire for authentic relationships.

[ii] The purpose of God’s invisibility

• God’s hiddenness serves intentional divine purposes, shaping the nature of faith and human response.
• Firstly, it preserves free will.
• By not overwhelming humanity with His presence, God allows individuals to choose belief voluntarily, fostering genuine faith.
• For example, the disciples’ belief after Jesus’ resurrection was a personal choice, deepening their commitment through trust.
• Secondly, invisibility promotes spiritual growth.
• Facing doubts or challenges strengthens believers’ reliance on God, akin to muscles growing through exercise, enhancing their relationship with Him.
• Thirdly, it encourages seeking God.
• Matthew 7:7 (NIV): “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
• This active pursuit leads to discovering God’s presence, making faith a dynamic journey rather than a passive acceptance.
• God’s hiddenness thus serves to cultivate deeper, more resilient faith, aligning with His goal of relational authenticity.

Signs of God’s presence in the world

• God’s presence is evident in various aspects of life, inviting recognition of His work.
• The beauty of nature, art, and music reflects divine creativity, with phenomena like sunsets or musical harmony evoking awe that points to a Creator.
• Romans 1:20 (NIV): “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
• Human moral conscience, distinguishing right from wrong, reflects a divine law within, as seen in universal outrage at injustice, suggesting a God-given moral standard.
• The clearest revelation is Jesus Christ, who incarnated to teach, live, and demonstrate God’s love through His sacrificial death and resurrection.
• Jesus’ life was not merely a teaching about love but its embodiment, particularly through His atoning sacrifice on the cross.
• These signs serve as invitations to seek and trust God, bridging the gap between His apparent hiddenness and His active presence.

Conclusion

• God is not as invisible as He may seem, revealing Himself through creation, Scripture, and Jesus Christ, each tailored to preserve human freedom and invite faith.
• His apparent invisibility is a deliberate design, respecting free will and fostering genuine, trust-based faith rather than coerced belief.
• Matthew 7:7 (NIV): “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”
• This verse encapsulates God’s invitation to pursue Him actively, promising discovery to those who seek.
• God’s presence shines through the world’s beauty, moral conscience, and Christ’s life, encouraging a loving relationship with Him.
• Far from being a barrier, God’s hiddenness is an invitation to explore His reality through faith, trust, and spiritual growth, deepening the human-divine connection.

[i] https://streettheologian.substack.com/p/why-is-god-hidden?utm_source=publication-search

[ii] Why God hides and where to find him (Fr John Portavella)