Understanding the existence of God is multifaceted and influenced by human limitations.
Humans are inherently finite beings, limiting their understanding of an infinite God.
Sin further complicates the pursuit of knowledge about God.
Explore the limitations of gaining knowledge of God through creation.
Some theologians argue that one can perceive God by examining the world and its intricacies.
Human insight into God is constrained due to:
The epistemic gap.
The presence of sin that clouds perception.
An ontological divide exists between humans and God, where:
God is eternal and infinite.
Humans are mortal and finite.
Human comprehension of God is inherently limited by our nature.
Isaiah 55:8-9:
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord..."
This emphasizes the profound difference between divine understanding and human understanding.
Even proponents of natural theology recognize limitations in understanding God through creation.
John Calvin emphasizes two types of knowledge:
Knowledge of God as Creator
Knowledge of God as Redeemer (duplex cognitio Domini)
Understanding God through creation is subjective and reliant on personal experiences.
In theory, humans could attain a complete knowledge of God; thus, sin acts as a barrier to this full understanding.
Calvin remarks that due to the āruin of mankind,ā experiencing God as a loving Father or as a Savior is not possible until Christ reconciles humanity with God.
Roman Catholic Perspective:
Original sin does not entirely obstruct knowledge of God.
Instead, it dulls attentiveness to God and diminishes oneās desire for Him.
Effects of original sin (Catechism, §29) include:
Religious ignorance or indifference.
Distractions from cares and riches of the world.
The tendency to conceal oneself from God.
Potential personal reflections on original sin and its manifestations.
Both Protestant and Catholic traditions acknowledge Augustineās contributions:
He described the division of human will between cupiditas (selfish desires) and caritas (selfless love).
The struggle leads to an imbalance favoring selfish pursuits over altruistic love.
It is essential for humanity to receive revealed knowledge to understand God adequately.
Humans cannot grasp the concept of God as a triune entity without divine revelation.