The dictionary definition of the word 'revelation' is 'the act of revealing or disclosing', or 'something revealed, especially a dramatic disclosure of something not previously known or realized'.
When people use the word revelation, they are usually referring to the word with religious connotations. Some religions have texts that they hold to mean that something is divinely revealed or inspired. There are many types of religious revelation. Verbal revelation is the belief that God can communicate in a way that gives direct instruction; the books of Moses are believed by Christians to have been dictated by God using verbal revelation.
Philosophers of the medieval era believed that revelation was the discovery of truths about the universe, and the place of God and man therein. This is known as Aristotelian rationalism. Natural revelation is the belief that God reveals himself, by the fact that he is his own creation, and that by studying nature and physics can learn truths about God.
Some people that believe in God are inspired by his message, rather than a verbal direction, and this is classed as non-verbal propositional. Examples of this include Isaiah, who received messages through visions he experienced, and Micaiah.
Historical faith development is another belief that states that other revelations are impossible and that the will of God is revealed through interaction throughout history. Religious existentialists say that revelation has no connection with religion, and that God actually inspired people with his mere presence and that by coming into contact with people he was able to get responsive action.
The final school of belief is systematic theology, which states that the texts of faith should be taken into account, whilst the subjects of history, philosophy, science and ethics should also be taken into account to give a broader approach on the subject.
When people use the word revelation, they are usually referring to the word with religious connotations. Some religions have texts that they hold to mean that something is divinely revealed or inspired. There are many types of religious revelation. Verbal revelation is the belief that God can communicate in a way that gives direct instruction; the books of Moses are believed by Christians to have been dictated by God using verbal revelation.
Philosophers of the medieval era believed that revelation was the discovery of truths about the universe, and the place of God and man therein. This is known as Aristotelian rationalism. Natural revelation is the belief that God reveals himself, by the fact that he is his own creation, and that by studying nature and physics can learn truths about God.
Some people that believe in God are inspired by his message, rather than a verbal direction, and this is classed as non-verbal propositional. Examples of this include Isaiah, who received messages through visions he experienced, and Micaiah.
Historical faith development is another belief that states that other revelations are impossible and that the will of God is revealed through interaction throughout history. Religious existentialists say that revelation has no connection with religion, and that God actually inspired people with his mere presence and that by coming into contact with people he was able to get responsive action.
The final school of belief is systematic theology, which states that the texts of faith should be taken into account, whilst the subjects of history, philosophy, science and ethics should also be taken into account to give a broader approach on the subject.
