b. 1959
J.L. Schellenberg is a Canadian philosopher of religion at Mount Saint Vincent University, best known for developing the argument from divine hiddenness (or nonbelief) as a challenge to theism. He has also constructed a systematic philosophy of religion centered on 'ultimism'—the hypothesis that there exists an ultimate reality that is metaphysically, axiologically, and soteriologically ultimate—arguing this provides a more defensible basis for religious life than traditional theism.
Developed the argument from divine hiddenness (nonbelief argument) against theism
Introduced 'ultimism' as a minimal religious hypothesis accommodating both theism and non-theistic religion
Argued for religious skepticism as compatible with a meaningful religious orientation
Authored the Prolegomena trilogy systematizing a naturalistic yet religious philosophy
Distinguished epistemic from ontological necessity in soteriology, broadening salvation beyond particular historical events