The existence of God and revelation

Design argument

The argument that God designed the universe, because everything is so intricately made in its detail that it could not have happened by chance

Theist

A person who believes in God

Atheist

A person who believes that there is no God

Agnostic

Someone who thinks that there is not enough evidence for belief in God

First cause argument

The argument that there has to be an uncaused cause that made everything else happen, otherwise there would be nothing now

Eternal

Without beginning or end

Creation

The act by which God brought the universe into being

Miracle

A seemingly impossible event, usually good, that cannot be explained by natural or scientific laws, and is thought to be the action of God

Proof

Evidence that supports the truth of something

Faith

A commitment that goes beyond the proof and knowledge, especially used about God and religion

Evil

The opposite of good, a force or the personification of a negative power that is seen in many traditions as destructive and against God

Suffering

When people have to face and live with unpleasant events or conditions

Ultimate reality

The supreme, final, fundamental power in all reality

The divine

God, gods or ultimate reality

Revelation

God showing himself to believers

Special revelation

God making himself known through direct personal experience or an unusual specific event

Vision

Seeing something, especially in a dream or trance, that shows something about the nature of God or the afterlife

Enlightenment

The gaining of true knowledge about God or self, usually through meditation and self-discipline

General revelation

God making himself known through ordinary, common human experiences

Nature

The physical world including plants, animals and landscape; the environment or natural world

Scriptures

The sacred writings of a religion

Omnipotent

Almighty, having unlimited power

Omniscient

Knowing everything

Benevolent

All-loving, all-good

Immanent

The idea that God is present in and involved with life on earth and in the universe

Transcendent

The idea that God is beyond and outside life on earth and the universe

Personal nature (of God)

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

Impersonal nature (of God)

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

What does ‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth’ mean?

This quotation teaches Christians that God created the world freely out of nothing. Design Argument; First Cause Argument; Different ideas about the divine: omnipotent; General revelation

What does ‘God knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I shall come out like gold’ mean?

This quotation teaches Christians that God can use times of suffering to test our belief in Him. Problem of evil; Different ideas about the divine: omniscient

What does ‘Nothing is impossible with God’ mean?

This quotation teaches Christians that God alone has the power to do anything. Miracles; Problem of evil; Special revelation; Different ideas about the divine

What does ‘Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake’ mean?

This miracle breaks the laws of nature and demonstrates Jesus’ divine power. Different ideas about the divine; Miracles

What does ‘I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted’ mean?

This quotation describes the prophet Isaiah’s vision of God. After this vision, Isaiah went on to spread God’s message. Different ideas about the divine; Special revelation: vision; Enlightenment

What does ‘God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth’ mean?

This quotation teaches Christians that God can reveal Himself or His message to those who are faithful. This also is a moment where Mary is enlightened of God’s omnipotence. Different ideas about the divine; Special revelation; Enlightenment; Miracle (virgin birth)

What does ‘A light from heaven flashed around him’ mean?

This quotation teaches Christians that God can reveal Himself to people for a specific purpose. After Saul’s sight was restored he became enlightened to God’s existence and no longer persecuted Christians. Different ideas about the divine; Special revelation; Enlightenment; Miracle

What does ‘For the word of God is alive and active’ mean?

This quotation teaches Christians that the Bible is a valuable source for revelation. It is alive and has authority. Miracles; Special revelation; General revelation through scripture

What is the Roman Catholic view on visions?

Visions can be genuine forms of special revelation if approved by the Church and agree with Christian teaching

What is the Church of England view on visions?

Some believe visions are real experiences from God, while others are cautious and may see them as symbolic

What is the atheist view on visions?

Visions are usually explained through psychology, hallucinations, dreams, or mental illness rather than God

What is the humanist view on visions?

Visions come from the human mind and emotions, not from a divine being

What is the Roman Catholic view on miracles?

Miracles are real acts of God that show His power and may strengthen faith

What is the Church of England view on miracles?

Many believe miracles can happen through God’s power, though some see Bible miracles as symbolic

What is the atheist view on miracles?

Miracles are coincidences or events that science cannot yet explain, not acts of God

What is the humanist view on miracles?

Miracles are not supernatural; unusual events should be explained through reason and evidence

What is the Roman Catholic view on nature as general revelation?

Nature reveals God’s existence, power, and design through creation

What is the Church of England view on nature as general revelation?

Nature helps people understand God through awe, wonder, and the beauty of creation

What is the atheist view on nature as general revelation?

Nature exists through scientific processes such as evolution and the Big Bang, not God

What is the humanist view on nature as general revelation?

Nature should be appreciated through science and human experience rather than religion