Podcast Summary
The Question of God's Hiddenness: God's presence may not be overtly obvious to us, instead we must seek it in the world, religious texts, and experiences of others.
The question of why God appears hidden or invisible to humanity is a complex one that has been pondered by believers and non-believers alike. The atheist argument suggests that an all-powerful being would make himself unmistakably known to us, especially during times of widespread disbelief and suffering. However, many believers argue that God has indeed revealed himself throughout history, most notably in the person of Jesus Christ. Despite our longing for a clear and undeniable divine presence, it seems that such a revelation may not be granted to us in this life. Instead, we must look for God's presence in the world around us, in the teachings of religious texts, and in the experiences of other believers. Ultimately, the question of God's hiddenness may be a mystery that we are meant to ponder and explore throughout our lives.
God's revelation through history: God has revealed himself throughout history through various means, including visions, supernatural events, and the person of Jesus Christ. The perception of God's hiddenness is subjective and cultural, and believers maintain that it is up to individuals to recognize and respond to these signs.
God, as believed by many, is not an entirely hidden being. He has revealed himself throughout history through various means such as visions, supernatural events, and even through the person of Jesus Christ. The perception of God's hiddenness is relative and subjective, and in certain times and cultures, God was seen as evident in nature and human existence. However, the question of why God doesn't reveal himself more directly to all of humanity remains, and this is a common argument raised by atheists. Despite this, believers maintain that God has made himself known in various ways and that it is up to individuals to recognize and respond to these signs.
Focus on loving God instead of forcing belief: The ultimate goal is to love and desire God, not just believe in Him. God allows us to deny His existence, and even a miraculous revelation might hinder true love. Instead, focus on loving Him now.
The ultimate goal of our existence is not just to believe in God, but to love and desire Him. God has chosen to reveal Himself in a way that allows us to deny His existence, and even if He were to appear publicly, some people would still find ways to disbelieve. The point is not to force belief, but to foster love and desire for God. A miraculous revelation might force belief, but it could also hinder some people from truly loving Him. When we stand before God in judgment, we will all believe, but the focus should be on loving Him now, rather than waiting for a sign that may not come.
From infatuation to true love: True love goes beyond initial infatuation and develops deeper over time, allowing for a richer and more lasting relationship.
The initial feelings of infatuation and attraction in a relationship, often referred to as being "in love," are not the same as true love. This initial phase is important for starting a relationship, but it's not where the depth and commitment of true love develops. The speaker uses the analogy of a marriage to explain this concept, drawing on the idea that initial infatuation cools down over time, allowing for the development of a deeper, more lasting love. This shift from infatuation to true love is a crucial part of any healthy and long-lasting relationship. It's important to remember that true love goes beyond surface-level emotions and physical attraction, and it's only when we allow ourselves to move past the initial infatuation that we can truly experience the depth and richness of love.
True love for God requires a deliberate choice, not forced through awe-inspiring experiences: God allows us the freedom to choose Him, leading to a true and noble love that cannot be forced upon us
True love for God cannot be forced upon us through awe-inspiring experiences or revelations. Instead, it requires a willing and deliberate choice. Using the analogy of a romantic relationship between two teenagers, the speaker explains that intense emotional attraction can lead to a false sense of love that falls apart once the attraction wanes. Similarly, if God were to reveal Himself in all His glory, our initial reaction would be one of awe and fear, but it may not lead to true love. Instead, we need a certain distance from God to truly love Him willingly and nobly. Love is a higher, willful thing that cannot be forced upon us, even by the sight of the divine. Therefore, the speaker suggests that God has given us the freedom to choose Him, allowing us to love Him willingly and fully.
God reveals himself gradually to deepen our love: God gradually reveals himself to foster deeper love, allowing us to appreciate his presence fully when ready.
God reveals himself to us in gradual glimpses to allow us the opportunity to develop a deep, loving relationship with him. According to the speaker, if we were to encounter God in all his glory without first loving him, we might be overwhelmed and unable to truly appreciate his presence. Therefore, God gives us hints and signs of his existence, allowing us to grow in our love and understanding of him before revealing himself fully. The speaker uses the example of Jesus' transfiguration, which occurred after Peter had confessed his belief in Jesus as the Son of God. This sequence of events, the speaker suggests, allowed the apostles to develop a deeper love for Jesus before witnessing his divine glory. Ultimately, the speaker argues that God keeps us in this world until we are ready to fully love and appreciate him, and that our love for him is a crucial component of our spiritual journey.
