What is revelation or divine revelation in the context of religion and theology?

Revelation, or divine revelation, is understood as the disclosure of truth or knowledge through communication with a deity or other supernatural entity. This communication is central to many religious and theological frameworks.

What does the image of Hildegard of Bingen illustrate regarding revelation?

The image depicts Hildegard of Bingen receiving a vision, dictating to her scribe, and sketching on a wax tablet, illustrating a form of individual, visionary revelation.

According to Thomas Aquinas, what are the two primary types of individual revelation from God?

Thomas Aquinas identified two types of individual revelation: general revelation and special revelation. General revelation is God revealing Himself through creation, observable via empirical study, while special revelation involves supernatural means like scripture or miracles.

How does general revelation allow individuals to understand God?

General revelation allows individuals to learn at least some truths about God through the empirical study of nature, physics, cosmology, and other aspects of the created world.

What is special revelation, and what kind of knowledge does it provide?

Special revelation is knowledge about God and spiritual matters that is acquired through supernatural means, such as scripture or miracles. It reveals specific doctrines that may not be discoverable through reason alone.

What is direct revelation?

Direct revelation refers specifically to communication that comes directly from God to a particular individual.

What specific theological components of Christianity are cited as examples of special revelation?

The Trinity and the Incarnation are cited as major theological components of Christianity that are revealed through scripture and church teachings, and which may not be deduced through general revelation alone.

How is the Quran related to special revelation in Islam?

The Quran is considered by Muslims to be the product of a special revelation from God to the Prophet Muhammad, representing the final divine religion, Islam.

How do general and special revelations relate to each other according to the text?

General and special revelations are considered complementary rather than contradictory. General revelation provides the foundational conditions for understanding special revelation, and the occurrence of special revelation can, in turn, influence the conditions for general revelation.

What is the Eastern Orthodox Church's perspective on general and special revelation, as described by Dumitru Stăniloae?

Dumitru Stăniloae suggests that the Eastern Orthodox Church views general and special revelation as inseparable, with supernatural revelation embodying the former in historical figures and actions, contrasting with Protestant and Catholic views that often see a clearer distinction and argue for the insufficiency of general revelation alone for salvation.

What does the term "continuous revelation" signify?

Continuous revelation refers to the theological position that God continues to reveal divine principles or commandments to humanity over time.

How did 20th-century religious existentialists view revelation?

Some 20th-century religious existentialists proposed that revelation itself has no inherent content but rather that God inspires people with His presence through contact. They viewed revelation as a human response to God.

What was Friedrich Nietzsche's perspective on "the idea of revelation"?

Friedrich Nietzsche described his personal experience of inspiration as akin to revelation, where a thought flashes with necessity and clarity, likening it to being a "mouthpiece" or "medium" of an almighty power, rather than actively seeking it.

What is an example of public revelation mentioned in the text?

An example of public revelation is the event described in the Book of Exodus where Yahweh is said to have given the Ten Commandments to the Israelites at Mount Sinai.

How is the Day of Pentecost described in relation to revelation in Christianity?

In Christianity, the Day of Pentecost is described in the Book of Acts as a time when the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus' disciples, leading them to speak in tongues and experience mass revelation.

What do the Lakota people believe about divine communication?

The Lakota people believe that Ptesáŋwiŋ spoke directly to the people, which established their religious traditions.

What is "verbal revelation"?

Verbal revelation is the belief that God can communicate with people by providing direct, propositional content, essentially speaking His message.

What is the Jewish theological understanding of revelation, as per the Jewish Encyclopedia?

In Jewish theology, revelation is understood in two senses: Gilluy Shekinah, a manifestation of God's glorious presence through a wondrous act, and the manifestation of His will through oracular words, signs, statutes, or laws.

How did Thomas Paine view revelation in "The Age of Reason"?

Thomas Paine, in "The Age of Reason," developed the theology of deism, rejecting miracles and arguing that a revelation is only valid for its original recipient, with all subsequent accounts being mere hearsay.

What is Shruti in Hinduism, and how is it described?

Shruti, meaning "that which is heard," refers to the most authoritative ancient religious texts in Hinduism, including the Vedas and early Upanishads. It is described as revelation through direct experience (anubhava) or as primordial origins realized by ancient Rishis, and is considered apaurusheya, meaning "not created by humans."

What is the Islamic belief regarding God's final message and Muhammad?

Muslims believe that God revealed His final message to all of existence through Muhammad via the angel Gabriel. Muhammad is considered the Seal of the Prophets, and the Quran is believed to be the flawless final revelation of God.

How do Muslims view the Quran's revelation?

Muslims believe the Quran was revealed word by word and letter by letter to Muhammad.

What distinction do many Muslim scholars make between revelation and inspiration?

Many scholars distinguish between revelation, which only prophets receive, and inspiration, which all righteous people can receive. Inspiration refers to God guiding someone to perform an action, whereas revelation is direct divine communication.

What is the Jewish concept of the Oral Torah?

In addition to the written Torah, Orthodox Judaism believes God also revealed a set of oral teachings to Moses, known as the Oral Torah.

How do Conservative Jews generally view the Torah and the Oral Law?

Conservative Jews tend to view both the Torah and the Oral Law as not being verbally revealed, with the Torah often seen as compiled by redactors, though its authors are considered divinely inspired. The Oral Law is also seen as divinely inspired but potentially subject to human error.

What is the Quaker belief regarding direct experience of the divine?

Quakers believe in each person's ability to experience "the light within" or "that of God in every one," emphasizing continuing revelation where God directly reveals truth to individuals.

What does the Latter Day Saint movement teach about the origin of the movement and the role of revelation?

The Latter Day Saint movement teaches that it began with a revelation from God, initiating a process of restoring the gospel of Jesus Christ. They believe revelation is foundational to Christ's true church.

What scriptures are recognized by Latter Day Saints in addition to the Bible and Book of Mormon?

Latter Day Saints recognize scriptures such as the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price, which contain revelations from modern-day prophets.

How do members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints view their church leaders in relation to revelation?

Members sustain the President of the Church as the primary prophet, seer, and revelator for the entire church, and also sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators.

What is the Catholic Church's stance on the fullness of revelation?

The Catholic Church asserts that Jesus Christ represents the fullness and mediator of all revelations, and no new divine revelation is expected until the Second Coming.

How does the Catholic Church view the relationship between reason and revelation?

The Catholic Church teaches that God can be known through human reason and the created world, but also that humans need divine revelation to understand certain religious and moral truths with certainty and ease.

What is the concept of "private revelations" within Christianity?

Private revelations are understood as messages from God directed towards individuals, which can occur in various ways, though the Church does not obligate belief in them.

How is the Bible viewed as a revelation in Christianity?

Christians view the books of the Bible as having been written by human authors under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, serving as a revelation and a witness to Jesus Christ, who is considered the supreme revelation of God.

What is the Islamic perspective on the equality of prophets?

Muslims believe that all prophets of God are equal in importance, and making distinctions among them is considered a sin, as the Quran itself promotes equality among God's prophets.

What is the Jewish view on the authority of Moses and the Torah?

Traditional Judaism, particularly Orthodox Judaism, holds that Moses was the greatest of the prophets and that the Torah revealed to him on Mount Sinai is divinely given and will never change.

How do Reform and Reconstructionist Jews differ in their views on the Torah and Oral Law?

Reform and Reconstructionist Jews generally accept the Documentary Hypothesis for the Torah's origin and view the Oral Law as entirely human-created. Reform Judaism sees the Torah as a product of ongoing revelation through history, while Reconstructionist Judaism denies the concept of revelation altogether.

What is the significance of the Guru Granth Sahib in Sikhism?

In Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib is considered a divine revelation from God to the Sikh gurus, who acted as channels for this divine word.

What does the term "revealed religion" signify?

A revealed religion is one that possesses religious texts believed to be divinely or supernaturally revealed or inspired.

How is the Bhagavad Gita viewed within Hinduism?

Hindus consider the Bhagavad Gita to contain direct revelation from Krishna.

What is the role of angels in Islamic revelation?

In Islam, the angel Gabriel is believed to have conveyed God's final message, the Quran, to Muhammad.

What is the concept of "apaurusheya" in Hinduism?

In Hinduism, apaurusheya refers to the Vedas being "not human compositions," suggesting they were directly revealed rather than created by humans.

What does the Catholic Church teach about the role of human reason in knowing God?

The Catholic Church teaches that God can be known through human reason and the created world, but also that humans need divine revelation to understand certain religious and moral truths with certainty and ease.

What is the Latter Day Saint belief regarding the United States Constitution?

Latter Day Saints believe that the United States Constitution is a divinely inspired document.

How did the loss of apostolic succession affect Christian doctrine, according to Latter Day Saint belief?

According to Latter Day Saint belief, the loss of apostles and prophets after the early church led to the introduction of human reasoning and speculation, resulting in the corruption or loss of doctrinal truths and disagreements within Christianity.

What is the Quaker belief about the source of divine teaching?

Quakers believe that "Christ has come to teach His people Himself," emphasizing direct, personal spiritual guidance rather than reliance on intermediaries.

What is the distinction between a prophet and a mystic, as suggested by "The Norton Dictionary of Modern Thought"?

The Norton Dictionary of Modern Thought suggests that while a prophet receives direct communication from the divine, a broader term for such an encounter is "mystic," implying that all prophets could be considered mystics, but not all mystics are necessarily prophets.

What is the Islamic view on the age and duration of Muhammad's revelations?

Muslims believe Muhammad began receiving revelations at age 40, which were delivered by the angel Gabriel over the last 23 years of his life.

What is the Jewish perspective on the nature of prophetic accounts in the Nevi'im (Books of the Prophets)?

Rabbinic Judaism holds that prophets used metaphors and analogies, and Maimonides suggested that some prophetic accounts in the Nevi'im reflect allegories rather than literal commands or predictions, differing from the more literal interpretation of the Torah.

What is the significance of "revelation writing" in the Baháʼí Faith?

"Revelation writing" refers to the shorthand script used by an amanuensis to record the rapid utterances of Baháʼu'lláh's revelations, which were later revised and approved by him.

What does the Catholic Church teach about the necessity of divine revelation for understanding certain truths?

The Catholic Church teaches that divine revelation is necessary to enlighten humanity about religious and moral truths that, while not inherently beyond human reason, might be difficult to grasp with certainty and without error in the present human condition.

What is the role of the Bible in Christian revelation?

The Bible is considered by Christians to be a revelation in the sense that its books were written by human authors inspired by the Holy Spirit, serving as a witness to Jesus Christ, who is seen as the supreme revelation of God.

Revelation Wiki: The Divine Unveiling: Exploring Revelation Across Faiths

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Defining Revelation

The Disclosure of Truth

Revelation, often termed divine revelation, signifies the disclosure of truths or knowledge through communication originating from a deity or other supernatural entities. This concept is central to many religious and theological frameworks, positing a direct channel of understanding from the divine to the human realm.

A Universal Phenomenon

Across diverse cultures and historical periods, humanity has sought to understand divine communication. While the specific manifestations and interpretations vary significantly, the underlying concept of receiving knowledge or guidance beyond ordinary human perception appears to be a recurring theme in spiritual discourse.

Communication Beyond the Mundane

The essence of revelation lies in its perceived origin: a source external to standard human sensory experience and rational deduction. This communication is understood to impart knowledge concerning the divine, spiritual matters, or the divine will, often considered essential for salvation or ethical guidance.

Classifications of Revelation

Individual Revelation

This category encompasses divine communication directed towards a specific person. Thomas Aquinas distinguished between general revelation (knowledge of God through creation and empirical study) and special revelation (knowledge conveyed through supernatural means like scripture or miracles). Direct revelation refers to specific, personal communications from the divine.

Public Revelation

Some religious traditions believe in revelations imparted to a collective group. Examples include the Ten Commandments given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai in Judaism and Christianity, or the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples during Pentecost as described in the Book of Acts.

Continuous vs. Completed Revelation

Theological discourse often debates whether divine revelation is a closed canon (completed) or an ongoing process. The concept of continuous revelation posits that God continues to reveal divine principles. This contrasts with views that hold revelation concluded with specific historical figures or texts.

Modes of Divine Communication

Verbal Revelation

This perspective posits that God can communicate directly through words, conveying specific, propositional content. Certain traditions, such as Orthodox Judaism and some Christian denominations, believe that foundational texts were dictated by God in this manner.

Non-Verbal & Inspirational

An alternative view suggests revelation may be non-verbal yet carry propositional meaning, often described as divine inspiration. This can manifest as profound insights or a deep sense of divine presence, guiding individuals without literal dictation. Philosophers like Nietzsche described personal experiences of sudden, necessary inspiration.

The Epistemology of Revelation

Knowing the Divine Will

A central epistemological question concerns how one distinguishes true divine revelation from false claims. Abrahamic religions, in particular, have developed criteria to discern genuine prophets. This involves understanding how such divine knowledge is recognized and validated.

Mysticism and Prophecy

Encounters with the divine, whether through visions, direct conversation, or other means, are often categorized as mystical experiences. While all prophets might be considered mystics, the reverse is not necessarily true. The validation of such experiences remains a complex theological and philosophical challenge.

Interpretations Across Religions

Baháʼí Faith

The Baháʼí Faith centers on the revelations of Baháʼu'lláh, `Abdu'l-Bahá, and the Báb. Their writings, often dictated rapidly and meticulously reviewed, are considered divine revelations. The concept of progressive revelation suggests a continuous unfolding of God's will through successive divine messengers.

Christianity

Christians believe the Bible, comprising the Old and New Testaments, is divinely inspired. Jesus Christ is seen as the ultimate revelation of God. While acknowledging the possibility of private revelations, the Church emphasizes the Bible as the authoritative witness to Christ, with its truth being infallible for salvation.

Hinduism

In Hinduism, the Vedas are considered Shruti, meaning "that which is heard," and are often described as divinely revealed or realized by ancient sages (Rishis). These texts, along with others like the Bhagavad Gita, are viewed as containing profound spiritual truths and divine insights.

Islam

Muslims believe Allah revealed His final message to humanity through the Prophet Muhammad via the Angel Gabriel. The Qur'an, considered the literal word of God, is the ultimate and flawless revelation, valid until the Last Day. Islam views itself as the culmination of a single, consistent divine message delivered through various prophets throughout history.

Judaism

Jewish theology distinguishes between Gilluy Shekinah (manifestation of God's presence) and the revelation of His will through laws and statutes. The Torah, received at Mount Sinai, is central, alongside the Oral Torah. Different branches of Judaism hold varying views on the nature and authority of these revelations.

Sikhism

The Guru Granth Sahib is regarded as a divine revelation, with the Sikh Gurus acting as channels for God's word. The text itself asserts its divine origin, emphasizing that the Gurus spoke only what the divine teacher commanded, reflecting a direct transmission of spiritual truth.

Latter Day Saint Movement

The movement emphasizes continuous revelation, with prophets and apostles receiving divine guidance. Members believe in an open scriptural canon, including the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants, and encourage personal revelation for individual guidance and testimony.

Quakers (Religious Society of Friends)

Quakers believe in the "inward light" or "that of God in everyone," emphasizing continuing revelation directly to individuals. They reject intermediaries, affirming the priesthood of all believers and focusing on the direct experience of God's presence and guidance.

Deism

Emerging during the Enlightenment, Deism generally rejects supernatural revelation and miracles, viewing reason as the primary means of understanding the divine. Revelations are often considered valid only for their original recipients, with subsequent accounts treated as hearsay.

Revealed Religions & Texts

Scripture as Divine Manifestation

Religions that identify as "revealed" typically possess sacred texts believed to be divinely or supernaturally inspired. For instance, the Torah in Judaism and Christianity, the Qur'an in Islam, and the Vedas in Hinduism are all considered direct conduits of divine knowledge, shaping the core tenets and practices of these faiths.

Experiential Revelation

Beyond textual revelation, many traditions acknowledge experiential forms. Visions, auditory phenomena, and even physical artifacts accompanying divine messages are reported. These experiences, often personal, contribute to the broader understanding of how divine communication is perceived and transmitted.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "Revelation" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about revelation while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

chi-huey wong

world health assembly

time in yemen

barnstorming

moog synthesizer

spokane metropolitan area

References

Ninian Smart (1999) "Mysticism" in The Norton Dictionary of Modern Thought (W. W. Norton & Co. Inc.) p. 555

Wikisource:Confession of Faith Ratification Act 1690

2 Peter 1:20â21

2 Peter 3:15â16

The term Qur'an was first used in the Qur'an itself. There are two different theories about the term and its formation that are discussed in Quran#Etymology and meaning

Rabbi Nechemia Coopersmith and Rabbi Moshe Zeldman: "Did God Speak at Sinai", Aish HaTorah

Jewish Theology and Process Thought (eds. Sandra B. Lubarsky & David Ray Griffin). SUNY Press, 1996.

Aryeh Kaplan, The Handbook of Jewish Thought (1979). e Maznaim: p. 9.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Revelation Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer

Important Considerations

This document has been generated by an AI, synthesizing information from publicly available sources for academic and educational purposes. While striving for accuracy and comprehensiveness, it is essential to recognize that the content reflects a specific interpretation and may not encompass the full spectrum of theological or philosophical nuances.

This is not theological or spiritual advice. The information presented here is intended for scholarly inquiry and should not substitute professional guidance from religious leaders, theologians, or spiritual counselors. Always consult authoritative sources and qualified individuals for matters of faith and practice.

The creators of this platform are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Divine Unveiling

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Defining Revelation 💡

📜 The Disclosure of Truth

🌍 A Universal Phenomenon

🗣️ Communication Beyond the Mundane

Classifications of Revelation 📚

👤 Individual Revelation

👥 Public Revelation

🔄 Continuous vs. Completed Revelation

Modes of Divine Communication ⚙️

🗣️ Verbal Revelation

🧠 Non-Verbal & Inspirational

The Epistemology of Revelation 🧠

❓ Knowing the Divine Will

🌟 Mysticism and Prophecy

Interpretations Across Religions 🕌

🌟 Baháʼí Faith

✝️ Christianity

🕉️ Hinduism

☪️ Islam

✡️ Judaism

☬ Sikhism

⛪ Latter Day Saint Movement

🕊️ Quakers (Religious Society of Friends)

☀️ Deism

Revealed Religions & Texts 📖

📜 Scripture as Divine Manifestation

✨ Experiential Revelation

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Academic Disclaimer ⚠️

⚖️ Important Considerations

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Defining Revelation

The Disclosure of Truth

A Universal Phenomenon

Communication Beyond the Mundane

Classifications of Revelation

Individual Revelation

Public Revelation

Continuous vs. Completed Revelation

Modes of Divine Communication

Verbal Revelation

Non-Verbal & Inspirational

The Epistemology of Revelation

Knowing the Divine Will

Mysticism and Prophecy

Interpretations Across Religions

Baháʼí Faith

Christianity

Hinduism

Islam

Judaism

Sikhism

Latter Day Saint Movement

Quakers (Religious Society of Friends)

Deism

Revealed Religions & Texts

Scripture as Divine Manifestation

Experiential Revelation

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Considerations