Revelation: Towards a Christian Interpretation of God's Self-Revelation in Jesus Christ

by Gerald O'Collins

Since the late 1980s the theme of God's self-revelation has been treated only briefly in Christian theology, at times simply ignored, and often confused with biblical inspiration. Revelation: Towards a Christian Theology of God's Self-Revelation lays out its basic characteristics, and begins
by distinguishing between revelation in the primary sense (a living encounter with God's self-disclosure) and in the secondary sense (statements of faith derived from that encounter, or 'propositional' revelation). It considers revelation as transforming and informing, as being 'sacramental' or
mediated through words and deeds, as communicated through an endless variety of means and mediators, as related to but distinct from biblical inspiration and truth, and as reaching those of 'other' faiths or of no faith at all.

Gerald O'Collins skilfully distinguishes between past (or 'foundational') revelation, present (or 'dependent') revelation, and future (or 'eschatological') revelation. He expounds with ecumenical sensitivity the complex relationship between tradition and scripture. O'Collins moves into controversial
areas by insisting that the divine self- revelation takes place only when received by human faith and that 'outside revelation there is no salvation (extra revelationem nulla salus'). This volume offers a coherent account of God's self-revelation, which can serve as a basis for all that follows in
theology and for dialogue with those who follow 'other' living faiths or none at all. O'Collins extends and enriches what he has proposed in earlier books and articles about the characteristics of God's self-revelation.

Genres: Theology

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2016

About the author

Born in Australia, Gerald O’Collins received his PhD at Cambridge University in 1968. From 1973 to 2006 he taught at the Gregorian University (Rome), where he was also dean of the theology faculty (1985–91). He is now a research professor in theology at St Mary’s University College in Twickenham.

Reviews

[Damien Rappuhn · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of this book's best features is its brevity.