Hawking’s isn’t questioning God. Hawking has made his views quite clear concerning the Grand Designer. He clearly states that there is no God, and if He exists, God is merely the creation of man.
You commented:
“Hawking’s dealing with his God is between him and his God.”
That’s your opinion, and one which Hawking does not agree with. After all, he wrote a book on the subject. He isn’t keeping it “between him and his God.”
Albert Einstein made it clear that he doesn’t believe in God, so to base your “question” argument on this falsehood is completely groundless. You described Einstein as a “Philosopher”. Albert Einstein was not a philosopher by any stretch of the imagination. He was not schooled in the disciplines and principles, nor did he earn a degree in the field of Philosophy. He was a Physicist.
You said:
“At the very core of the covenant is the truth that God always welcomes back those who he feels have at sometime defied his wishes, in short, we mere humans can’t help but question. God knows this. It is for each of us to decide, and Hawking...”
You must be talking about another covenant. The Old and New Testament prophesy’s and reveals who Christ is, and what our personal relationship with Christ is through His death and resurrection. God reconciles with His own, which does not include those who reject him as the Almighty Creator and Savior.
Hawking has presented his position on the subject. He rejects God.
Please, please do not disappear, but rather please explain to me exactly what a philosopher truly is for you seem to know, it is more than a piece of paper we can agree. Do not go away but please engage me further, I should wish to know this question of a true philosopher. I believe that I might know, but through your perceptive well trained mind I, us, we might be able to see if Hawking is or is not a real philospher. Shall we dance pilgrim?