Revelation

Hildegard von Bingen

The Ten Commandments (Bible Card)

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Joseph Smith receiving golden plates

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Revelation refers to the act of revealing or disclosing something that was previously unknown or hidden. In religious contexts, it often pertains to the divine or supernatural disclosure to humans of something relating to human existence or the world. The concept of revelation is central to several world religions, where it is believed to be the primary means through which the divine communicates with humanity.

Definition and Etymology

The term "revelation" is derived from the Latin revelatio, which means "unveiling" or "laying bare." It is used to translate the Greek word apokalypsis, meaning "uncovering" or "disclosure." In a religious context, revelation usually involves information that is not accessible to the human mind but is made known through divine or supernatural means.

Types of Revelation

Revelation can be categorized into two main types: general (or natural) revelation and special (or supernatural) revelation.

General Revelation

General revelation refers to the knowledge of God and spiritual matters that can be discerned through nature, reason, and universal human experience. It is considered accessible to all people at all times. General revelation is often associated with the beauty, complexity, and order of the universe, which are seen as evidence of a divine creator.

Special Revelation

Special revelation, on the other hand, involves God making Himself known through extraordinary means, such as miracles, visions, sacred texts, and the incarnation. This type of revelation is considered specific to certain individuals or groups and often serves as the foundation for the world's major religions. For example, Christians believe the Bible is a form of special revelation, while Muslims regard the Quran as the ultimate revelation from God to humanity.

Religious Perspectives

Christianity

In Christianity, revelation is primarily associated with the Bible, which is considered the written word of God. Christians believe that through the scriptures, God reveals His nature, will, and plan of salvation for humanity. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ are central to Christian revelation, embodying God's ultimate act of love and redemption for humankind.

Islam

Islam teaches that God (Allah) has revealed His will to humans through a series of prophets, culminating in Muhammad, who is considered the last prophet. The Quran is believed to be the literal word of God, revealed to Muhammad over 23 years. Muslims also recognize the Hadith, reports of the sayings and actions of Muhammad, as an important source of revelation.

Judaism

In Judaism, revelation is closely tied to the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. Jews believe that God revealed the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai. This event is seen as the definitive moment of divine revelation, containing the laws and commandments that form the basis of Jewish religious practice and ethics.

Philosophical and Theological Debates

The concept of revelation has been the subject of extensive philosophical and theological debate. Issues include the nature and mechanisms of revelation, the reliability and interpretation of sacred texts, and the relationship between revelation and human reason. Some thinkers argue that revelation must be consistent with reason, while others maintain that it can transcend or challenge human understanding.

Conclusion

Revelation remains a fundamental concept in many religious traditions, serving as a bridge between the divine and the human. It provides the basis for religious belief and practice, offering insights into the nature of God, the moral and spiritual order of the universe, and the purpose and destiny of human life.