Posted on 02/24/2011 2:33:41 PM PST by Natural Law
Introduction
Has God made himself known only in the Bible and/or Jesus? Are there any other ways in which He has revealed himself to us? If so, how? What is the nature, extent, and value of that revelation and how does it compare with the knowledge we have of God through Christ and Scripture? Does everyone inherently know God? If so, in what way(s)? These are just some of the questions we will treat in this brief paper.
Our use of the term “revelation” comes from the Greek term ajpokavluyi" (apokalupsis) and means “to uncover, reveal, disclose,” or “make known” (cf. Rom 16:25; Rev 1:1).1 Therefore, in terms of divine revelation, it is God making himself known to the objects of that revelation, e.g., angels and people. The fact that God must make himself known in order for us to know him is necessary since we are finite and he is infinite, and we are sinful and he is holy.
Those that have studied revelation have suggested that Scripture affirms a two part division to God’s revelation, namely, (1) general, and (2) particular. Some have used the terms (1) general, and (2) special. General revelation refers to God making himself known in creation, providentially orchestrated history, and conscience (i.e., in conjunction with the moral law).2 Thus, it is general in the sense that it is equally available to all men and women, everywhere, all the time, and is less specific information about God than one acquires in special revelation. Special revelation refers to God making himself known through special acts (e.g., signs and miracles), appearances, Christ, and Scripture.
Since the current practice in the Forum is to preemptively lock up and lock out certain topics and posters I am re-posting threads where Latin and Eastern Rite Catholics were denied an oportunity for discussion. In this case the legitimacy of Apostolic Tradition and Appirations as a means of Divine Revelation suggested in the original article can be considered.
I really dont know.Some think not.
Has God made himself known only in the Bible and/or Jesus? Are there any other ways in which He has revealed himself to us?
The seas, the mountains, the skies, the birds, the trees, the flowers and on and on.
Has God made himself known only in the Bible and/or Jesus? Are there any other ways in which He has revealed himself to us?
The seas, the mountains, the skies, the birds, the trees, the flowers and on and on.
So I guess it's probably safe to talk about the Holy Spirit on this thread?
I believe it is Catholic (perhaps Orthodox too) teaching that there will be no more public revealation until Christ returns. There can be private revelation and there can be a growth of understanding regarding public revelation but nothing “new”.
God has revealed Himself to us by means other than Scripture. The purpose of this revelation must be emphasized and that is so people will turn to Him and turn to His written, oral and living Word. We call these Scripture, Tradition and Christ. All of which are protected and taught by the Church.
One primary way He has done this is in the glory of Creation. Another is through what is called natural law.
I’m sure there are others. It must be remembered they are not a permenant substitution for the public revelations found in Scripture, Tradition and in the person of Christ, Jesus. They are meant to lead us to the fullness of Truth not to replace it.
That Abraham, Melchizedek and Hammurabi existed at about the same time strongly points to prior revelation finding its way into the Code of Hammurabi which itself anticipated the Ten Commandments.
Nostradamas, Casey, Mayans, tons of fables through the ages.
I think the Bible is just a beginning into His nature, and does represent through Christ the only path to salvation, that life everyday is actually a conversation with the Almighty, we literally walk on His word as it is His word that creates and forms the reality we call life..
Some would argue (me included) that "Tradition" can be a form of revelation from God, in the sense that it represents the gradual unfolding of His will as we live together within the Body of Christ.
After all, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matt. 18:20).
Of course, Tradition can be misused or misconstrued.... as can Scripture.
Is anyone sure that God revealed himself?
I am. It's how I became a Christian -- God spoke to me.
(And that's before I paid attention to Scripture.)
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