Revelation Flashcards Preview

Religious Studies > Revelation > Flashcards

Flashcards in Revelation Deck (28)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

Definition of general revelation

A

When God becomes known in common human experiences. This type of revelation is indirect and can happen to anybody

2
Q

Definition of special revelation

A

When God is believed to have spoken directly to an individual or group of people. It is not a general everyday experience

3
Q

General revelation through nature

A

Many people believe they can get an idea of what God is like through looking at his creation, (artists). Believers see the creation as the work of God. It shows his power and ability

4
Q

General revelation through people

A

Believers see humans as Gods greatest creation. Humans share some of Gods qualities. We learn things about God by looking at positive actions. These qualities must come from their creator. Some people such as Ghandi gave up their lives to help others

5
Q

General revelation through sacred texts

A

All religions have some form of a sacred text. The messages from sacred texts have to be taken seriously as it reflects the message from God. They are often based on the experiences of religious leaders. They are revealed by God. They show believers how God wants them to behave.

6
Q

Special revelation through visions

A

Seeing something, especially in a dream or trance that say something about the nature of God or the afterlife. The vision lets the receiver become aware of reality in a new way. Visions can be shared by a few people sometimes. There are many examples in the bible e.g. Saul/Paul.

7
Q

Special revelation through dreams

A

A series of thoughts, images and sensations occurring in a person’s mind during sleep. These dreams leave a deep impression on the person and give them insight into reality and into God. These dreams are memorable and give people a new direction in life. They can give God a role in their lives

8
Q

Special revelation through prayer and worship

A

Communicating with God through words of praise, Thanksgiving or confession, or requests for help or guidance. Opening up your mind and heart to God. This allows God to reveal himself to one praying, as you are accepting the reality of God.

9
Q

Why is worship a revelation

A

Believers become aware of the presence of God and become open to receiving guidance from God whist getting greater insight into the nature of God, e.g. Pentecostals

10
Q

What is an Illusion

A

A false idea or belief often based on a wrong impression

11
Q

Definition of reality

A

Things as they truly are

12
Q

Why do atheists believe revelation is an illusion

A

False experience of God -drugs and alcohol
Desperate wishful thinking
Physical or mental illness
Mind tricks

13
Q

Why do religious believers believe revelation is reality

A

Effects on the individual and groups - experiences & conversions
Millions follow religion - martyrs willing to die
Common beliefs found - matches scientific observations

14
Q

Revelation does not prove Gods existence

A

Special revelation occurs to individuals and are difficult to prove
Not possible to prove using observations or scientific testing
General revelations are available to everyone and are interpreted differently

15
Q

Revelations prove Gods existence

A

Revelations correspond with things in the real world e.g. Healing water in Lourdes
Revelations are similar to ones that have happened in the past
Causes people to change their beliefs and become religious - atheists to theists / Muslim to Christian

16
Q

Definition of Revelation

A

God shows himself to believers, this is the only way anybody could really know anything about God

17
Q

Power of revelation

A

The power of Revelation is to reveal Gods nature to the religious believer or, in the case of Buddhism to bring enlightenment. The power of revelation can include:
Providing proof of gods existence
Helping to start off the religion
Helping people to know what they must do to live as God wishes

18
Q

The impact of Revelation

A

The main impact of revelation is that it is life changing.
It can make someone change their way of life
Commitment to a religion may influence the way in which people worship, as they seek to become closer to God or achieve greater understanding

19
Q

Revelation of Guru Nanak

A

Had a vision of God during his 3 day disappearance in the river. When he came out, he began teaching about God and everyone being equal

20
Q

What is revealed to Christians

A

That there are 3 aspects to God (Trinity). This is revealed through the Bible

21
Q

What is revealed to Hindus

A

Brahma through the Vedas. Hindus also worship Brahman through many different gods & goddesses

22
Q

How is God revealed to Jews

A

Through the Tenath

23
Q

What is revealed to Muslims

A

The direct word of Allah in the Qur’an that is unchanged

24
Q

What is revealed to Sikhs

A

The teachings of the Gurus in the Guru Granth Sahib

25
Q

Definition of Impersonal nature of God

A

The idea that God has no human characteristics, is unknowable and mysterious, like an idea or force

26
Q

Definition of Personal nature of God

A

The idea that God is an individual or person with whom people are able to have a relationship or feel close to

27
Q

Definition of Immanence

A

The idea that God is present and involved in with life on earth and in the universe (a quality of God)

28
Q

Definition of Transcendence

A

The idea that God is beyond and outside life on earth and in the universe (a quality of God)