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Similarities of the Models
Revelation is God’s free action whereby he communicates saving truth to humankind, especially through Jesus Christ as accepted by the apostolic Church As witnessed by the Bible As witnessed by the continuing
community of believers.
Contradictions
Simply note that each model in its “pure form” provides severe contradictions to the specifics about Revelation. (We’ll go over them later. Or see
supplemental powerpoints.)
Options of what to do… A. Choose one model
And get its weaknesses B. Flip-flop between models
And have an inconsistent theology C. Harmonization
And experience contradictions D. Innovation
A “new approach” that incorporates the best but leaves behind the worst.
Thesis Revelation never occurs in a purely
interior experience or an unmediated encounter with God.
It is always mediated through symbol
I. The Meaning of Symbol Symbol as an externally perceived
sign that works mysteriously on the human consciousness so as to suggest more than it can clearly describe or define.
Symbol It is a special type of sign
IT IS NOT an indicator or a conventional cipher.
Allow us to bring indefinite number of memories and experiences into a kind of focus
Requires full, conscious and active participation
Symbol Defined
A sign pregnant with a plenitude of meaning which is evoked rather than explicitly stated.
Note about Symbol
This isn’t “fictitious representation.” Most people think FAKE, but NOT in academic understanding.
Don’t restrict it to “literary understanding.” Natural objects, historical persons,
visible artifacts and dreams can all be symbols.
Revelatory Symbolism in Scripture
Old Testament The miracles of Exodus Theophanies of Sinai, The “still, small voice” Elijah heard The great visions of the Prophets
Revelatory Symbolism in Scripture
New Testament The Life of Jesus introduced in highly
symbolic circumstances of his conception and birth
Start of his public ministry (Baptism) Passion, death and Resurrection
Revelatory Symbolism in Scripture
The teachings of the prophets, of Jesus, and of the apostles are symbolic in form. E.g. The Kingdom of God
(note: Scripture presents that Jesus never did define it)
Common Properties of Symbolism and Revelation
Symbol: Gives participatory knowledge Has a transforming effect Powerful influence on
commitment and behavior Introduces us into realms of
awareness not normally accessible to general communication
Participatory Knowledge A symbol speaks to us
only insofar as it lures us to situate ourselves mentally within the universe of meaning and value which it opens up to us.
(Makes you stop and think, even wrestle with the symbol)
“Symbols are places to live, breathing spaces that help us discover the possibilities that life offers…every symbol deals with a new discovery and every symbol is an open-ended action, not a closed-off object.”—Nathan Mitchell
Transforming Effect
Occurs insofar that it involves the knower.
It does something to us when we engage it.
“Wow, that’s deep...”
Powerful Influence to commitments and behavior
Stirs the imagination, releases hidden energies in the soul, gives strength and stability to the personality.
E.g. A National Flag or anthem
A New awareness
It gives rise to thought. “Opens up levels of
reality which otherwise are closed to us” –Paul Tillich
Revelation does these 4 things
1. Gives participatory knowledge 2. Has a transforming effect3. Powerful influence on
commitment and behavior4. Introduces us into realms of
awareness not normally accessible to general communication
Participatory Knowledge
To accept the Christian revelation is to involve oneself in a community of faith and thus to share in the way of life marked out by Jesus.
Transforming Effect
Christians come to perceive themselves as personally related to God.
Adopted members of God’s family and household.
Powerful Influence to commitments and behavior
The response to Revelation (faith) must express itself in conduct.
FAITH IN ACTION.
A New awareness
Revelation obviously gives insight into mysteries that reason alone cannot make sense of.
It’s still intelligible nonetheless.
Back to the Five Models
Revelation as1. Propositional (Literal)2. History (Acts/deeds of God)3. Inner Experience4. Dialectical Presence5. New Awareness
Point and Summary
The best way of understanding the concept of revelation is by “symbolic mediation.” It makes use of the strengths of each
model and overcomes their weaknesses.
Symbol can be understood as “a visible sign of an invisible reality.” Sound familiar?