If we are вЂњever-presentвЂќ, their response will be coerced they will behave in a particular way not because they love us, but because they know we are present (and they fear the consequence of rebellion). When we give our kids direction and ask them to accept this direction as a reflection of their love for us, we must step away and give them the freedom to respond (or rebel) freely. We love our children and we want them to love us.

This kind of universe requires a number of pre-requisites, however, and these pre-requisites are best achieved when God is вЂњhiddenвЂќ in the way He often seems to be: But love requires a certain kind of world, and if loving God does exist, it is reasonable that He would create a universe in which love is possible a universe capable of supporting humans with the ability to love God and love one another. These were values I embraced as essential to our survival as a species, and values I considered to be foundational to human вЂњflourishingвЂќ (as many atheists commonly describe it). I held love and compassion in high regard, even as an unbeliever. I often thought, вЂњIf God exists, why would He hide in this way? Why wouldnвЂ™t God just come right out and make it obvious to everyone He exists?вЂќ As I examined these questions many years later, I began to consider other factors and considerations, particularly related to the nature of вЂњloveвЂќ. I knew my parents, teachers and friends were real, because I could see them and I could see their impact on the world around me. During my elementary school years, I found it difficult to understand why anyone would believe in God without visible evidence. As a young atheist, I denied the existence of God for practical, experiential reasons.

What is the hidden face of god