Revelation of God to the world general and specific.pptx

The revelation of God

1. REED – 1 FAITH and REVELATIONS Elmer G. Cabanillas , LPT AB-Philosophy (St. John Mary Vianney Seminary) MA- Philosophy (Silliman University)(on-going)

2. OBJECTIVES To ensure the formation of students based on Charity, the love of community, neighbor, and God; To equip students with professional skills and knowledge in the line of law enforcement, crime prevention, scientific crime detection, correctional administration, public safety, and community crisis management for community and nation-building; To inculcate the mandates of the Constitution in the administration of criminal justice; To foster research and inquiry in the field of criminal justice and investigation, psycho-social response to crimes and victimology, and the dynamics of safety and security;  To form in the students the values of charity in the administration of justice, obedience in abiding by the law, universality in the common respect for life, recollection in the common goal of law enforcement, accountability in the exercise of duty, grace in the administration of correction and environmentalism in the commitment for the common good.

3. COURSE DESCRIPTION This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of faith and revelation in various religious traditions. Through exploration of these concepts, students will develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of their own and others' beliefs.

4. TOPICS: Week 1: Introduction What is Religion? The Importance of Religious Education Exploring the Concepts of Faith and Revelation

5. Week 2-4: Faith in Different Religions Defining Faith and its Characteristics Faith in Christianity Faith in Islam Faith in Hinduism Faith in Buddhism

6. Week 5-8: Revelation in Different Religions Different Forms of Revelation Sacred Texts as Revelation Prophets and Messengers Mystical Experiences

7. Revelation is a central concept in many religions, often referring to the divine or supernatural disclosure to humans of something relating to human existence or the divine. While the specifics vary widely across traditions

8. ETYMOLOGY OF THE WORD The word "revelation" comes from the Latin term revelatio, which means "a revealing" or "an uncovering." This Latin word itself is derived from the verb revelare, meaning "to unveil" or "to disclose," which is a combination of the prefix re- (meaning "again" or "back") and the root velare (meaning "to cover" or "to veil").

9. So, the etymology of "revelation" implies the act of removing a veil or uncovering something that was previously hidden or obscured. This fits well with the concept of revelation in religious contexts, where it often involves the disclosure of divine truths or insights that were previously unknown or hidden from human understanding.

10. Greek: The Greek equivalent is apokalypsis (from apo- meaning "away from" and kalypto meaning "to cover"), which means "an uncovering" or "a disclosure." This term is used in the New Testament, particularly in the title of the Book of Revelation (Apocalypse), which is the final book of the Christian Bible.

11. who coined the term revelation? The term "revelation" wasn't coined by a specific individual but evolved through linguistic and theological traditions.

12. The usage of the term in a religious context to describe divine disclosure or communication became formalized through theological discussions and writings over centuries. In Christian theology, "revelation" has been used since the early Church Fathers to describe the unveiling of divine truth through sacred scriptures and prophetic experiences. The concept has also been adopted and adapted by other religious and philosophical traditions, each contributing to its broader understanding.

13. 1. Christianity Nature: In Christianity, revelation is the way God discloses Himself and His will to humanity. This is seen in both the Old Testament and the New Testament.

14. Sources: The Bible is the primary text for divine revelation, with the Old Testament covering the covenantal relationship between God and Israel and the New Testament focusing on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Additionally, many Christians believe in ongoing revelation through the Holy Spirit.

15. Key Figures: Jesus Christ is considered the ultimate revelation of God, and his teachings are central to Christian faith.

16. In Christianity revelation is understood as the way in which God discloses Himself and His will to humanity. This concept is central to Christian theology and is seen as the means through which humans come to understand divine truths, moral laws, and the nature of their relationship with God.

17. 1. Divine Revelation General Revelation: This refers to the knowledge of God and His attributes that can be discerned from the natural world and human conscience. Christians believe that God's existence and some of His qualities can be inferred from creation and the moral sense inherent in human beings. This is reflected in passages like Romans 1:20, which suggests that God's invisible qualities are evident through creation.

18. Special Revelation: This is more direct and specific, referring to God's communication through particular events, individuals, and texts.

19. 2. Special Revelation: Scripture: The Bible is considered the primary source of special revelation. Christians believe that the Old and New Testaments contain the authoritative and inspired word of God, revealing His will and character. The Old Testament details God's covenant with Israel, while the New Testament focuses on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the apostles.

20. Jesus Christ: Christians view Jesus as the ultimate and complete revelation of God. According to John 1:14, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." Jesus is seen as the embodiment of God's Word and truth, offering the clearest insight into God's nature and purpose.

21. The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is believed to continue revealing God's will to believers. This includes guiding, teaching, and reminding them of God's truth. The Spirit is also seen as active in interpreting Scripture and in providing personal insights and convictions.

22. Purpose of Revelation To Know God: Revelation allows humans to have a relationship with God, understanding His nature, character, and will. To Understand Salvation: Revelation provides the knowledge necessary for understanding the means of salvation through Jesus Christ, including the concepts of grace, faith, and redemption. To Live Righteously: Through revelation, Christians receive moral and ethical guidelines on how to live in accordance with God's will, including teachings on love, justice, and holiness. To Encourage Faith: Revelation strengthens and nurtures the faith of believers by providing assurance of God's promises and His plan for humanity.

23. 3. Theological Implications Inspiration and Authority: Christians believe that the Bible is divinely inspired and authoritative, meaning that it is not merely a human document but has divine origins and truth. Ongoing Revelation: While the core of Christian revelation is seen as complete in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the Scriptures, many Christians believe in an ongoing role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and illuminating believers' understanding of God's will.

24. In summary, revelation in Christianity encompasses the ways in which God communicates His will and nature to humanity, primarily through Scripture, the life of Jesus Christ, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.

25. QUIZ 1. What is revelation? 2. What is Divine revelation? 3. what is General Revelation? 4. what is Special revalation? 5. What is the purpose of revelation?

26. THANK YOU!!!

27. Sacred Texts as Revelation

28. Sacred Texts as Divine Revelation: Exploring Religious Scripture

29. INTRODUCTION TO SACRED TEXT • Sacred texts are religious writings considered holy or divinely inspired • They serve as foundational documents for various faiths • These texts often contain teachings, laws, and stories central to religious beliefs • Examples include the Bible, Quran, Vedas, and Torah

30. Importance of Sacred Texts • Provide spiritual guidance and moral teachings • Offer explanations about the nature of reality and human existence • Serve as a source of comfort and inspiration for believers • Form the basis for religious practices and rituals • Help preserve and transmit religious traditions across generations

31. Common Themes in Sacred Texts • Creation stories and the origin of the universe • Moral and ethical guidelines for human behavior • Prophecies and visions of the future • Accounts of miracles and divine interventions • Descriptions of afterlife or ultimate reality

32. The Bible as Revelation • Central text for Christianity and Judaism • Believed to be inspired by God • Contains the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and New Testament • Includes various literary genres: history, poetry, prophecy, and letters • Christians view Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God

33. The Quran as Revelation • Sacred text of Islam • Muslims believe it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad by Allah • Considered the literal word of God in Arabic • Organized into 114 chapters ( suras ) • Provides guidance on spiritual, social, and legal matters

34. Hindu Scriptures as Revelation • Vedas: Ancient texts considered divinely revealed • Upanishads: Philosophical treatises exploring spiritual truths • Bhagavad Gita: Dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna on duty and spirituality • Puranas: Ancient legends and stories with spiritual significance

35. Buddhist Texts as Revelation • Not typically viewed as divine revelation in the same way as other religions • Buddha's teachings (dharma) seen as insights gained through enlightenment • Tripitaka: Collection of early Buddhist scriptures • Sutras: Discourses attributed to the Buddha or his close disciples

36. Interpretation of Sacred Texts • Hermeneutics: The study of interpreting religious texts • Literal vs. allegorical interpretations • Role of context: historical, cultural, and linguistic • Importance of scholarly analysis and commentary • Varying interpretations among different religious traditions and denominations

37. Challenges in Understanding Sacred Texts • Language barriers and translation issues • Cultural and historical context gaps • Symbolic and metaphorical language • Apparent contradictions or inconsistencies • Balancing traditional interpretations with modern scholarship

38. Sacred Texts and Religious Authority • Texts often serve as the basis for religious laws and practices • Religious leaders interpret texts for their communities • Some traditions have additional sources of authority (e.g., Church tradition) • Debates over who has the right to interpret sacred texts

39. Sacred Texts in Daily Life • Regular reading and study as a spiritual practice • Use in worship services and rituals • Memorization and recitation (e.g., Quran in Islam) • Application of teachings to moral and ethical decisions • Source of comfort and guidance in times of difficulty

40. Comparative Study of Sacred Texts • Identifying common themes across different traditions • Understanding unique aspects of each text • Promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding • Recognizing the diversity of human spiritual experiences • Challenges in comparing texts from different cultural contexts

41. Sacred Texts and Science • Potential conflicts between scientific discoveries and religious accounts • Various approaches to reconciliation (e.g., allegorical interpretation) • Impact of scientific methods on textual analysis and archaeology • Debates over the historical accuracy of sacred texts • Role of faith in accepting revelatory claims

42. Preservation and Transmission of Sacred Texts • Oral traditions and memorization • Development of writing systems and scribal traditions • Importance of accurate copying and translation • Modern efforts in textual criticism and manuscript studies • Digital preservation and access in the modern era

43. Sacred Texts in Art and Literature • Influence on visual arts (e.g., paintings, sculptures) • Inspiration for literature and poetry • Use of biblical or quranic references in Western culture • Calligraphy and illuminated manuscripts • Adaptations in music, theater, and film

44. Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of Sacred Texts • Continue to shape beliefs and practices of billions worldwide • Offer insights into human spirituality and existential questions • Provide moral and ethical frameworks for many societies • Remain subject of ongoing study, interpretation, and debate • Challenge us to consider the nature of revelation and truth

45. Discussion Questions How do sacred texts shape individual and communal identities? What challenges arise when applying ancient texts to modern issues? How can we approach sacred texts respectfully while maintaining critical thinking? In what ways do sacred texts continue to influence contemporary culture and society?

46. Critical Perspectives on Sacred Texts • Academic study of religion vs. faith-based approaches • Historical-critical method in biblical scholarship • Feminist and liberation theology interpretations • Postcolonial critiques of traditional interpretations • Balancing respect for believers with critical analysis

47. Thank you!

48. 2. Islam Nature: In Islam, revelation (known as "Wahy") is the means by which Allah communicates with prophets to guide humanity.

49. Sources: The Quran is the primary text of divine revelation, believed to be the literal word of Allah as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Hadiths, which are records of the sayings and actions of Muhammad, also serve as important sources of guidance.

50. Key Figures: Muhammad is considered the final prophet, and his revelations are seen as the culmination of God's messages to humanity.

51. 3. Judaism Nature: Revelation in Judaism involves the communication of God's will and laws to His chosen people. Sources: The Torah, which includes the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, is considered the foundational text of Jewish revelation. The oral tradition, later codified in texts such as the Talmud, also plays a crucial role.

52. Key Figures: Moses is the central figure in Jewish revelation, having received the Torah at Mount Sinai.

53. Week 9-11: Faith and Revelation in Practice The Impact of Faith on Religious Practices The Role of Revelation in Shaping Religious Ethics Faith and Reason: Can They Coexist?

54. Week 12-13: Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding The Importance of Interfaith Dialogue Challenges and Opportunities in Interfaith Communication Building Bridges Between Different Faith Traditions

55. Week 14: Course Review and Conclusion

56. GRADING SYTEM Criteria Percentage Major Examination (i.e. prelim, midterm, etc.) 30% Quizzes and Assignments 30% Activities, Projects, etc. 30% Attendance 10% TOTAL Grade Percentage 100%

57. Thank You!