Why Would God Hide?

[StealthySkeptic]

I would define neutral in the case of religion as stepping outside of all religious perspectives.

Sounds rather like an atheist position to me ;-)

It's more like this: http://wiki.ironchariots.org/index.php?t...sider_test

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The problem with your reasoning is the concept of Hell. The obedience may not be programmed, but it is certainly compulsory, on the pain of eternal torment if it is not forthcoming in the form of belief and compliance.

In short, the fact that a "no" answer brings on eternal torture is exactly what makes a "yes" meaningless. This is love commanded under duress. There is no free-will when one's soul is held for ransom, just as an armed robbery is not a "donation."

It's a good point; however...

Firstly, I see little to no biblical evidence for Hell. The passages usually brought out tend to be Jewish apocalyptic form descriptions not relating to post mortem situations; others, when read in their C1 Jewish context don't give support to the existence of Hell. (A plea for mercy. I won't be able to examine ten different Bible passages in depth- the best two, if that's where you want to head.)

Secondly, I think you're rather making my point. If God were very obvious, and carried a threat as heavy as Hell, it really would be 'love' under duress. Indeed, even if one rules out Hell, the same point would be made mutatis mutandis with exclusion from the Kingdom of God. Therefore it makes sense for God to not be too obvious.

Religion thinks it has all the answers.

That's how I see my Christianity. It's uncertain, short on knowledge, constantly in need of revision and at least partly wrong.

I don't think you're connecting God having a reason for not being obvious with the non-existence (in your opinion- one of the reasons I don't believe in Christianity is because nobody can get their opinion on basic doctrines straight) of Hell. God could easily be obvious, but not have Hell there at all.