What is the argument from disbelief?
The Argument from Disbelief: A Theological Analysis in the Light of Baptist Theology
The "argument from disbelief," also known as the argument from reasonable non-belief or inculpable disbelief, posits that the existence of sincere non-believers invalidates the existence of a loving and all-powerful God. This argument suggests that if God truly exists, He would provide clear and compelling evidence to ensure that every rational person who desires to believe would be convinced of His reality. The continued existence of reasonable non-belief, according to proponents of this argument, indicates either the absence of God or a failure on His part to reveal Himself adequately.
This argument challenges both the nature and the actions of God, asserting that the presence of unbelief is evidence against divine existence or divine love. From a Baptist theological perspective rooted in Scripture, the argument from disbelief is fundamentally flawed, resting on two erroneous premises: (1) the assumption that sincere, objective non-belief exists, and (2) the claim that God has not provided sufficient evidence for His existence.
1. The Nature of Disbelief According to Scripture
The argument from disbelief assumes that there are individuals who genuinely seek God but fail to believe due to insufficient evidence. However, the Bible categorically denies the possibility of true, objective non-belief. According to Scripture, unbelief is not the result of a lack of evidence but a willful suppression of the truth:
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:18–20, NKJV).
This passage asserts that the evidence for God’s existence is clear and manifest in creation. The problem is not a lack of evidence but the human tendency to suppress the truth in unrighteousness. The denial of God stems from a moral issue rather than an intellectual one.
“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they have done abominable works” (Psalm 14:1, NKJV).
This verse underscores the moral nature of disbelief, connecting it to human corruption and rebellion rather than intellectual deficiency.
2. The Sufficiency of God’s Revelation
The Bible teaches that God has revealed Himself both generally and specifically, providing ample evidence of His existence:
General Revelation:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:1–3, NKJV).
The natural world proclaims God’s existence, testifying to His glory, power, and wisdom. This revelation is universal, accessible to all humanity.
Special Revelation:
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:1–2, NKJV).
God’s clearest revelation comes through Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection provide the ultimate evidence of God’s love and truth.
The problem lies not in the insufficiency of evidence but in humanity’s refusal to respond to it. Jesus Himself addressed this issue:
“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19, NKJV).
Humanity’s rejection of God stems from a preference for sin and darkness over righteousness and truth.
3. The Role of the Human Heart in Disbelief
The argument from disbelief overlooks the biblical teaching on the depravity of the human heart. Scripture consistently teaches that unbelief is not merely intellectual but spiritual and moral. The natural man is resistant to God and incapable of recognizing spiritual truths apart from divine intervention:
“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV).
Jesus highlights the role of the will in belief:
“If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority” (John 7:17, NKJV).
A willingness to obey God is a prerequisite for recognizing the truth of His revelation.
4. Misconceptions About God’s Obligations
A hidden premise within the argument from disbelief is the assumption that God is obligated to provide evidence in a way that satisfies human demands. However, Scripture refutes this notion:
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6, NKJV).
Faith involves trusting in God based on the evidence He has provided, not demanding additional signs or proofs.
Furthermore, Jesus rebukes those who seek signs as a basis for belief:
“An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah” (Matthew 12:39, NKJV).
God is not obligated to meet arbitrary human standards of evidence.
5. Practical and Theological Refutations
The argument from disbelief collapses under scrutiny for several reasons:
Inconsistent Logic: The claim that God’s existence depends on universal belief assumes that disbelief is purely intellectual and ignores the moral and spiritual dimensions of unbelief.
Unreasonable Standards: The demand for more evidence ignores the abundance of general and special revelation already provided.
Biblical Teaching: Scripture explicitly teaches that disbelief stems from human sinfulness and rebellion, not from a lack of evidence.
Empirical Refutations: The existence of former atheists and skeptics who have come to faith after examining the evidence contradicts the claim that sincere disbelief is proof of God’s non-existence.
Conclusion
The argument from disbelief ultimately fails to account for the nature of God, the sufficiency of His revelation, and the reality of human sin. Scripture provides a comprehensive explanation for the presence of unbelief, rooted in humanity’s suppression of truth and resistance to God. The Bible affirms that God has revealed Himself clearly and sufficiently, both through creation and through Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to trust in the truth of God’s Word and proclaim it faithfully, knowing that ultimate belief is a work of the Holy Spirit:
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17, NKJV).
