Hiddenness, holiness, and impurity. Issue 2 (28th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: KYLE, BRENT G.
• Is Part Of: Religious studies. Volume 53:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: 239
• Page End: 259
• Publication Date: 2016-07-28
• Subjects: Religion -- Periodicals; Theology -- Periodicals; 200
• DOI: 10.1017/S0034412516000081
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0034-4125

Abstract

Abstract: John Schellenberg has advanced the hiddenness argument against God's existence, based on the idea that an all-loving God would seek personal relationships. This article develops a reply to Schellenberg's argument by examining the notion of moral impurity, as understood by Paul the Apostle. Paul conceptualized moral impurity as a causal state that transfers from person to person, like a contagious disease. He also believed that moral impurity precludes divine–human relationship. The goal of this article is to develop these ideas into a problem for one of Schellenberg's key premises.