Theme C: Revelation and Gods existence Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is Revelation?
Revelation is how God makes Himself known to humanity.
What are the two types of Revelation?
Revelation can be general (indirect) or special (direct).
What is General Revelation?
General Revelation is available to everyone through nature, reason, and morality.
What is an example of General Revelation from nature?
The beauty and complexity of the universe suggest a creator.
Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God.”
What is an example of General Revelation related to conscience?
Some believe moral awareness is God’s way of guiding humans.
What is Special Revelation?
Special Revelation is when God communicates directly to individuals or groups through visions, miracles, or prophecy.
What is an example of Special Revelation involving Moses?
Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3) – God speaks directly to Moses, showing His will.
What is an example of Special Revelation involving Saul?
Saul’s Conversion (Acts 9) – A vision of Jesus transforms Saul into Paul, leading him to spread Christianity.
What is an example of Special Revelation involving Muhammad?
Muhammad’s Revelations (Qur’an) – Divine messages received by the Prophet Muhammad.
What is an example of Special Revelation involving Bernadette?
Bernadette of Lourdes – Visions of the Virgin Mary led to a site believed to have healing powers.
What is a supporting argument for Revelation as proof of God?
Transformative Impact – Religious experiences often lead to deep spiritual commitment.
Who argued that true religious experiences bring long-term change?
William James.
What is a challenge to Revelation as proof of God?
Subjectivity and Psychological Explanations.
Who suggested that religious experiences can be neurological responses?
Richard Dawkins.
What is the Design Argument?
The universe’s complexity suggests an intelligent designer.
What analogy did William Paley use to support the Design Argument?
William Paley’s Watch Analogy – Just as a watch has a designer, so must the universe.
What is the First Cause Argument?
Everything has a cause; the universe must have a first cause—God.
Who argued for the First Cause Argument?
Thomas Aquinas.
What is the Moral Argument?
Humans have an innate sense of right and wrong, suggesting a divine lawgiver.
Who argued that moral law exists because there is a moral lawgiver?
C.S. Lewis.
What is the Problem of Evil and Suffering?
If God is all-loving and all-powerful, why does suffering exist?
What is a scientific explanation against God’s existence?
Evolution and the Big Bang provide natural causes for life.
What is a conflicting religious claim example?
Christianity vs. Islam – Christians believe in Jesus as God, while Muslims see him as a prophet.
