The Models of Revelation

A quick overview of Avery Dulles’ work.

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.

The Symbolic Mediation

A quick overview of Avery Dulles’ work.

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.

Not an Indicator

Not a cipher

Like words or diagrams

5 x 10 = 50

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.

Examples of Christian Symbolism

Examples of Christian Symbolism

Examples of Christian Symbolism

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?

Reflection

Communication theorists tend to say that “communication is symbolic.”

Experts say that in our communication: 10% is in actual words 30% is in sounds 60% is in the nonverbal

How is all of this insightful for our faith?