Special revelation

Definition

Special revelation refers to the unique and specific ways in which divine knowledge is disclosed to humanity, often through miraculous events, sacred texts, or direct communication from God. This form of revelation is considered distinct from general revelation, which is accessible through nature and human reason. Special revelation provides deeper insights into the nature of God, moral laws, and the path to salvation, making it central to the understanding of many religious traditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Special revelation is often associated with pivotal moments in religious history, such as prophetic visions, the incarnation of deities, or direct messages received by prophets.
2. It plays a crucial role in shaping religious doctrines and beliefs, as it is believed to provide definitive guidance on issues of morality, ethics, and spirituality.
3. Different religions interpret special revelation differently; for instance, Christianity emphasizes the Bible as a key source of special revelation, while Islam regards the Qur'an as its ultimate expression.
4. The authenticity and authority of special revelation can be subjects of debate among adherents of different faiths, often leading to discussions on interpretation and understanding.
5. In many traditions, special revelation is viewed as necessary for salvation or a deeper relationship with God, distinguishing it from general knowledge available to all.

Review Questions

• How does special revelation differ from general revelation in conveying knowledge about God?
  • Special revelation differs from general revelation in that it provides specific insights into God's nature and will that are not accessible through nature or human reasoning alone. While general revelation allows people to perceive God through creation and natural order, special revelation includes direct communications from God, sacred texts, and significant religious events. This distinction highlights the unique role that special revelations play in religious beliefs and practices.
• Discuss the significance of inspiration in the context of special revelation and how it affects the interpretation of sacred texts.
  • Inspiration is essential in understanding special revelation because it asserts that sacred texts are divinely guided. This belief influences how followers interpret these texts, often seeing them as authoritative and sacred messages from God. The concept of inspiration fosters a sense of trust in these writings as authentic revelations, while also raising questions about interpretation and the human role in conveying divine truths.
• Evaluate the impact of special revelation on the formation of religious doctrines across different faith traditions.
  • Special revelation significantly shapes the formation of religious doctrines by providing foundational teachings believed to originate directly from divine sources. For example, in Christianity, the teachings of Jesus and the writings of apostles inform core beliefs about salvation and ethics. In contrast, Islam relies on the revelations received by Prophet Muhammad. By analyzing how various religions view their special revelations, we can see both similarities and differences in their theological developments and practices. This impact underscores how special revelations serve not only as guides for individual belief but also as frameworks for entire communities.

Related terms

general revelation: General revelation refers to the knowledge of God and divine truths that can be discovered through nature, human experience, and reason.

inspiration: Inspiration is the process by which sacred texts are believed to be guided by divine influence, ensuring that the writings convey God's intended message.

sacred texts: Sacred texts are the authoritative writings considered holy within a religious tradition, often believed to contain special revelations from God.