just came across somethign interesting about why God is hid- am going to have to readm ore tomorrow on it though- one reason might be that ‘too much too soon could be detrimental’ and that we are better off startign out in faith, and building from that solid foundation onwards- like a person startign out in mathematics- they don’t start off in algebra or geometry else they get overwhelemd and discouraged and turn back - they start off slow in math- then work their way up as they learn more of the dynamics as they can handle it.
Thank you for this thread, which I have just read through this morning. Allow me to add my view, for what little it may be worth.
I believe that there is present proof enough for God’s existence, for those who are seeking Him; and there will never be enough proof for those who do not. I wonder what proof, or means of revelation, of God’s existence would be a sufficient showing such that no one could doubt His existence ever again. I suspect that there is nothing that could convince everyone, in our present human state.
God, however, could have created us is such a way that there would have been no questioning of Him. We could all function as automatons, praising and worshiping God in the manner He wished. I do not believe that God wanted that sort of creation, so He made us with inquiring, creative minds (in His image?) with an internal need for fulfillment, which could only be satisfied by faith in Him. Our worship and faith has to be from within ourselves in order to be of true value to God.
The example I have used in teaching my adult Sunday School class is a parent whose child brings a gift of an imperfectly made work of “art” or who, without having been asked, does a needed chore around the house, although perhaps imperfectly, or who just comes up to the parent and gives a hug and says “I love you.” The parent could have forced the child to do these things, but the reward to the parent would be missing. The true value is that the child does these things on his own, looking to show love and care for the parent. So it is, I believe, with us and God. He wants us to love and worship Him, but He is not going to force us to do so. And even though our love and worship may fall far short of how God ought truly to be honored, God recognizes it as our best efforts, and is pleased with us. The analogy can be carried on in other areas, but I hope you see my point.
I want to have the kind of faith that might, one day, make God smile.