Theme C: the existence of God and revelation- Glossary

Question 1

Design argument

Answer 1

An argument suggesting that proof of God’s existence can be seen through
the evidence of ‘design’ in the world; also known as the teleological
argument.

Question 2

Enlightenment

Answer 2

A state of spiritual awakening and the gaining of a deeper understanding of
reality.

Question 3

Evil

Answer 3

A cause of suffering; the moral opposite of good. Believed by some to be
contrary to the will of God.

Question 4

First cause argument

Answer 4

An argument suggesting that God’s existence can be proved by logical
argument and the evidence of a universal chain of causes and effects.
Therefore, the universe requires an uncaused cause at the start, which
must be God

Question 5

General revelation

Answer 5

Indirect revelation; the idea of being able to see something of God through
nature and scriptures which are readily available in everyday experience.

Question 6

Immanent

Answer 6

A characteristic of God; the belief that God is present and involved in the
world, (eg through special revelations/miracles).

Question 7

Impersonal

Answer 7

A characteristic of God; the belief that God is beyond human
understanding.

Question 8

Miracle

Answer 8

An event that contradicts the laws of nature, and is usually thought to be
impossible, (eg being raised from the dead).

Question 9

Omniscient

Answer 9

All-knowing; believed by theists to be an attribute of God.

Question 10

Omnipotent

Answer 10

All-powerful; believed by theists to be an attribute of God.

Question 11

Personal

Answer 11

A characteristic of God; belief that humans can build relationships with
God.

Question 12

Revelation

Answer 12

When God is revealed to humans; can be special or general.

Question 13

Science

Answer 13

The collection of knowledge from observation and testing

Question 14

Special revelation

Answer 14

Direct revelation; God being revealed directly to an individual or group
through experiences such as visions.

Question 15

Suffering

Answer 15

An effect of evil; undergoing pain and hardship

Question 16

Transcendent

Answer 16

A characteristic of God; belief that God is outside space and time

Question 17

Ultimate reality

Answer 17

Belief in a supreme and fundamental power in the universe. In Hinduism,
Brahman is often referred to as the ultimate reality and supreme cosmic
power

Question 18

Vision

Answer 18

An experience of seeing/experiencing something in the imagination or
through a dream.