In modern history and science, never has there been a verified occasion of a god appearing or demonstrating the powers ascribed throughout history to deities. Always, there is a prophet who speaks for the god. Why cannot the god speak? If a god is omnipotent, then the god can speak. If he cannot, then that god is not omnipotent. Often, the prophets say that a god will only speak to the chosen, the worthy.
Should a people accept a god who is either too powerless to speak, or too devious or too sceptical to appear? Or a god who will only accept those who swallow a faith laid out by a prophet who merely claims that deity exists - without proof? Yet people have done so, and have granted enormous powers to those who speak for god.

L. E. Modesitt Jr. - The Parafaith War