History, Revelation and the Knowledge of God (monotheistic faith)

Three Interrelated Topics: History, Revelation and Faith We want to answer the following questions: –How is the Divine present in human history? –How is the Divine revealed? –How is the Divine known?

Judaism, Christianity and Islam Center much on the importance of history, revelation and faith

Judaism, Christianity and Islam These are called “historical religions” because of the nature in which followers believe that the Divine communicates with specific individuals.

Revelation “Truth that is inaccessible to reason alone, although it may be consistent with reason. It is unfolded, disclosed, revealed by God, e.g., through the biblical writings that contain the truth, illumined by the action of the Spirit of God.” –From Dictionary of Religion and Philosophy by Geddes MacGregor

Revelation “God reveals himself in a more general way in the writings of noble men and women through the ages and the leaders of other religions, but in a special way in Christ as the ‘full and final revelation of God’” and in others... –From Dictionary of Religion and Philosophy by Geddes MacGregor

Revelation General Revelation (Richardson) allows people in some way to know about God. –1. Reason- the capacity to think about God. –2. Artistic Expression - beauty in art, scenes of nature and music –3. Sense of morality –4. Laws of the Universe –5. Holy men and women throughout time. Special Revelation is God disclosed in a very special way to specific people so that they personally experience God. Examples –Moses and the burning bush. –Mohammed and the angel Gabriel.

Various opinions Richardson claims that general revelation has “redeeming power for those who experience God through philosophy, art forms and nature.” Other theologians i.e. Karl Bart, Emil Brunner “hold that special revelation alone serves as a vehicle for saving grace.”

How is knowledge of God possible? Faith and/or Reason?

Knowledge of the Divine Faith may emphasize special revelation and –revelation –theology –humanity’s will –humanity’s freedom –trust –God as personal –Divine disclosure Reason may emphasize general revelation and –discursive thinking –philosophy –humanity’s intellect –humanity’s knowledge –logic –philosophical speculations –human discovery –God as abstract, impersonal

Faith and Reason What are the possibilities?

What is Faith? Faith – It is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (NIV)

What is Reason? Reason -- The ability to reflect on an idea or object or to demonstrate the existence or proof of something or to determine its veracity by way of experiment, deduction or inference.

Reason rejects Faith When reason rejects faith it leads to skepticism –reason seeks God either atheism or agnosticism results

Reason embraces Faith When reason embraces faith it leads to acceptance. – Reason is included in the way of faith; all truth is God’s truth. There is a close identity between philosophy and the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Faith rejects Reason When faith rejects reason, in extreme examples, leads to cynicism. –Reason is out and out rejected when it comes to the knowledge of God. –Human reason is incapable of grasping the sovereign mind.

Faith embraces Reason When faith embraces reason it leads to improved faith. –“Reason is only helpful when guided by faith.”

Sources Slide 5 Slide 5 Slide 5 Slide 10 Slide 11 Slide 12 Slide 13 Slide 14 Slide 15 Slide 18