Revelation

Question 1

Definition of general revelation

Answer 1

When God becomes known in common human experiences. This type of revelation is indirect and can happen to anybody

Question 2

Definition of special revelation

Answer 2

When God is believed to have spoken directly to an individual or group of people. It is not a general everyday experience

Question 3

General revelation through nature

Answer 3

Many people believe they can get an idea of what God is like through looking at his creation, (artists). Believers see the creation as the work of God. It shows his power and ability

Question 4

General revelation through people

Answer 4

Believers see humans as Gods greatest creation. Humans share some of Gods qualities. We learn things about God by looking at positive actions. These qualities must come from their creator. Some people such as Ghandi gave up their lives to help others

Question 5

General revelation through sacred texts

Answer 5

All religions have some form of a sacred text. The messages from sacred texts have to be taken seriously as it reflects the message from God. They are often based on the experiences of religious leaders. They are revealed by God. They show believers how God wants them to behave.

Question 6

Special revelation through visions

Answer 6

Seeing something, especially in a dream or trance that say something about the nature of God or the afterlife. The vision lets the receiver become aware of reality in a new way. Visions can be shared by a few people sometimes. There are many examples in the bible e.g. Saul/Paul.

Question 7

Special revelation through dreams

Answer 7

A series of thoughts, images and sensations occurring in a person’s mind during sleep. These dreams leave a deep impression on the person and give them insight into reality and into God. These dreams are memorable and give people a new direction in life. They can give God a role in their lives

Question 8

Special revelation through prayer and worship

Answer 8

Communicating with God through words of praise, Thanksgiving or confession, or requests for help or guidance. Opening up your mind and heart to God. This allows God to reveal himself to one praying, as you are accepting the reality of God.

Question 9

Why is worship a revelation

Answer 9

Believers become aware of the presence of God and become open to receiving guidance from God whist getting greater insight into the nature of God, e.g. Pentecostals

Question 10

What is an Illusion

Answer 10

A false idea or belief often based on a wrong impression

Question 11

Definition of reality

Answer 11

Things as they truly are

Question 12

Why do atheists believe revelation is an illusion

Answer 12

False experience of God -drugs and alcohol
Desperate wishful thinking
Physical or mental illness
Mind tricks

Question 13

Why do religious believers believe revelation is reality

Answer 13

Effects on the individual and groups - experiences & conversions
Millions follow religion - martyrs willing to die
Common beliefs found - matches scientific observations

Question 14

Revelation does not prove Gods existence

Answer 14

Special revelation occurs to individuals and are difficult to prove
Not possible to prove using observations or scientific testing
General revelations are available to everyone and are interpreted differently

Question 15

Revelations prove Gods existence

Answer 15

Revelations correspond with things in the real world e.g. Healing water in Lourdes
Revelations are similar to ones that have happened in the past
Causes people to change their beliefs and become religious - atheists to theists / Muslim to Christian

Question 16

Definition of Revelation

Answer 16

God shows himself to believers, this is the only way anybody could really know anything about God

Question 17

Power of revelation

Answer 17

The power of Revelation is to reveal Gods nature to the religious believer or, in the case of Buddhism to bring enlightenment. The power of revelation can include:
Providing proof of gods existence
Helping to start off the religion
Helping people to know what they must do to live as God wishes

Question 18

The impact of Revelation

Answer 18

The main impact of revelation is that it is life changing.
It can make someone change their way of life
Commitment to a religion may influence the way in which people worship, as they seek to become closer to God or achieve greater understanding

Question 19

Revelation of Guru Nanak

Answer 19

Had a vision of God during his 3 day disappearance in the river. When he came out, he began teaching about God and everyone being equal

Question 20

What is revealed to Christians

Answer 20

That there are 3 aspects to God (Trinity). This is revealed through the Bible

Question 21

What is revealed to Hindus

Answer 21

Brahma through the Vedas. Hindus also worship Brahman through many different gods & goddesses

Question 22

How is God revealed to Jews

Answer 22

Through the Tenath

Question 23

What is revealed to Muslims

Answer 23

The direct word of Allah in the Qur’an that is unchanged

Question 24

What is revealed to Sikhs

Answer 24

The teachings of the Gurus in the Guru Granth Sahib

Question 25

Definition of Impersonal nature of God

Answer 25

The idea that God has no human characteristics, is unknowable and mysterious, like an idea or force

Question 26

Definition of Personal nature of God

Answer 26

The idea that God is an individual or person with whom people are able to have a relationship or feel close to

Question 27

Definition of Immanence

Answer 27

The idea that God is present and involved in with life on earth and in the universe (a quality of God)

Question 28

Definition of Transcendence

Answer 28

The idea that God is beyond and outside life on earth and in the universe (a quality of God)