Knowledge Of God's Existence: Key Terms

Question 1

Natural Theology

Answer 1

General revelation - knowing God through reason, observation and conscious

Question 2

Revealed Theology

Answer 2

God can only be know when he reveals himself to us through prophets, scripture and special revelation

Question 3

General Revelation

Answer 3

God can be known at all times to all people e.g. through nature

Question 4

Special Revelation

Answer 4

Revelation only available at a specific time for a specific person chosen by God

Question 5

Trinity

Answer 5

The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit

Question 6

Fideism

Answer 6

Faith alone

The belief that all you need to know God and act on the will of God is to have faith.

Question 7

Imago Dei

Answer 7

In the image of God

Question 8

Principle of accommodation (Calvin)

Answer 8

God adapts himself to human needs in order to allow humans to understand God.

Question 9

Sensus divinitatis (Calvin)

Answer 9

Human sense of a higher divine being

Question 10

Point of contact (Brunner)

Answer 10

Sensus divinitatis is enabled by a ‘point of contact’ that allow humans to be aware of God’s will and our own sinful nature.

Question 11

Immanent

Answer 11

God on Earth, involved with our world

Question 12

Regeneration

Answer 12

The objective work of God in a believer’s life. Rebirth or change, change brought about by the Holy Spirit. It’s change brought about God, revealing what he views as unnecessary.