Curated by Justin Bailey
In one sentence: The existence of non-resistant non-believers raises complex theological discussions but does not necessarily contradict Romans 1, which asserts that knowledge of God is evident to all through creation.
Why it matters:
This question is crucial for understanding the nature of belief and divine revelation in Christian theology. It addresses how God’s existence is perceived and the implications for those who do not believe despite an apparent lack of resistance to faith.
State of play:
Romans 1:18-20 suggests that the truth about God is obvious to everyone through what has been made, so people are without excuse. This passage is often interpreted to mean that God’s existence and basic attributes can be clearly seen in the natural world, making unbelief a result of willful ignorance or suppression of this truth.
Yes, but:
The concept of non-resistant non-believers—those open to believing in God but who find themselves genuinely unconvinced or unaware of compelling evidence—poses a challenge to this interpretation. These individuals do not actively resist belief in God but remain skeptical due to perceived insufficient evidence or meaningful personal experience.
What skeptics say:
Skeptics argue that the existence of sincere non-believers who are open to belief but find no compelling reason to accept God's existence is a strong counterpoint to the claim that divine truths are self-evident. They suggest that if divine qualities were truly evident through nature, non-resistant non-belief would be improbable.
Between the lines:
The issue might reflect a deeper theological or interpretative question about how divine revelation is experienced and understood differently among individuals. It also touches on the problem of divine hiddenness and why God might allow sincere seekers to remain in doubt.
Zoom out:
This discussion intersects with broader debates about the nature of faith, the role of evidence in belief, and divine justice. It raises questions about the accountability of those who do not believe and the mechanisms of divine revelation.
The bottom line:
While Romans 1 asserts that God’s divine nature and qualities are clearly perceived, the existence of non-resistant non-believers challenges this view and invites deeper theological inquiry into the nature of belief and the dynamics of divine revelation. The discussion remains open and is particularly sensitive to interpretations of how God reveals Himself to humanity.
Follow Up Questions
How do different interpretations of Romans 1 address the existence of non-resistant non-believers in the context of divine revelation? (Coming Soon)
What philosophical arguments support the idea that non-resistant non-belief does not contradict the clear revelation of God as described in Romans 1? (Coming Soon)
How has the concept of divine hiddenness been addressed by theologians in light of Romans 1, and what implications does it have for the existence of non-resistant non-believers? (Coming Soon)
Can the experiences and testimonies of non-resistant non-believers be reconciled with the biblical assertion that knowledge of God is evident through creation? (Coming Soon)
What are the theological consequences if non-resistant non-believers are seen as a challenge to the claims made in Romans 1? (Coming Soon)
In what ways can the church respond to the phenomenon of non-resistant non-believers to bolster faith and understanding of divine revelation? (Coming Soon)
How do the fields of psychology and cognitive science contribute to the understanding of non-resistant non-belief in the context of Romans 1? (Coming Soon)
What role does personal experience play in influencing the perception of evidence for God's existence, especially in the case of non-resistant non-believers? (Coming Soon)
How do modern apologetic approaches address the challenge posed by non-resistant non-believers to traditional interpretations of Romans 1? (Coming Soon)
What further research could be conducted to better understand the intersection of divine revelation, human perception, and non-resistant non-belief? (Coming Soon)
Justin Bailey – Creator of ChristianAnswers.ai
All answers are curated and manually reviewed prior to being posted. Multiple language models are used to assist with verification.