Revelation Flashcards
What does revelation mean?
Revelation is when and how God reveals himself to people.
What are the two types of revelation?
1) General revelation
2) Special revelation
What is general revelation?
General revelation is available to all - it is an indirect experience. People can experience general revelations through religious scripture, the actions and teachings of religious leaders, through a person’s reason, the beauty of nature, faith and conscience, or through worship, prayer and meditation.
What is special revelation?
This is a direct experience, which happens to an individual or a group. Types of special revelation include hearing God’s call, experiencing dreams and visions, miraculous events such as faith healing, and charismatic worship such as talking in tongues.
Briefly explain the story of Saul.
In Acts 9, we can read the story of Saul - and see how a revelation changes his life. Saul is on the road to Damascus, to persecute Christians there. He was blinded by a bright light, and a voice saying “Saul, Saul - why do you persecute me?” He soon saw again, changed his name to Paul and became a Christian, devoting his life to tell others about Jesus.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=acts+9&version=NIV
How do revelations change people?
People often change their whole lives after a revelation. They might convert to a religion, or a different religion - if a revelation has prompted them to change beliefs. They may change the way they dress, or what they eat and drink - or they may join a religious community/ become a monk or a nun so they can focus on their spiritual life/ get closer to God.
How have revelations helped people to get a better understanding of God?
Through revelations, people have built up an understanding that God is:
1) omnipotent (all powerful)
2) omniscient (all knowing)
3) omnipresent (eternal and existing in all space and time)
4) the creator of the universe
5) benevolent (all loving)
6) merciful
7) forgiving
How do Christians believe God revealed himself?
Through the bible - which they believe was inspired by God yet written down by humans.
What do Muslims believe about the Qur’an?
Muslims believe the Qur’an is the actual words of Allah, which were revealed directly to Muhammed.
How many names are there for Allah in Islam?
In Islam, there are 99 names for Allah.
Why are there 99 names for Allah?
It is to symbolically demonstrate that we cannot know God fully.
What does immanent mean?
That God is active and involved in the world, and in our everyday lives.
What does transcendent mean?
That God is distant - outside or beyond the world.
What does it mean to say that God is personal?
That He had human qualities; or that we can have a relationship with Him.
What does it mean to say that God is impersonal?
That he is beyond human understanding, or in some way abstract.
