February 11, 2010

Natural revelation and special revelation are two terms that in a theological context refer to God and in particular how he is revealed. I don't know very much about these terms. I have just come in to have a cup of tea after pruning the Braeburn apple tree I planted several years ago. If I said that God revealed himself to me while pruning the apple tree would that be natural or special revelation? What constitutes a revelation? Does it have to be a dramatic event that is recorded? (Moses and the burning bush; Paul's conversion experience, etc.) Or can it be a very small thing? (the miracle of swelling apple buds, two blue jays scolding and frolicking in the wet grass under the pear tree, etc.) Does revelation require an observer? "Day to day pours forth speech (dahbar, God's creative word)..." the psalmist asserts. I assume this is natural revelation but isn't it also very specific and what makes it less special than what happens with Moses or Paul? I guess what I'm getting at is the fact I am not very familiar or comfortable with these terms that show up in some of the reading I do. I would like to understand a little better why these terms are important. What is at stake in making the distinction between natural and special revelation? For that matter, why am I even thinking about it?!!

Aha! that last question is the one I will follow. My intuition tells me it has something to do with my exploration of what is meant by the phrase, The fear of the Lord.

Well, there is some corn stubble out there in the garden that needs to be cleaned off and a pear tree to be pruned and my cup of tea is empty. I guess I'll get back to revelations....