DIVINE REVELATION AS THE SOURCE OF DIALOGUE AMONG RELIGIOUS FORMS

Abstract

Divine Revelation is rarely considered in its all-embracing importance. We find
more often particularistic interpretations defined by certain traditions, confessions, and
theoretical schools rooted in a certain historical period. Such approaches are valuable
contributions as they offer a possible way to understand the world in a more-than-trivial
fashion. Philosophical and theological developments based on particularistic traditions
are also helpful because they show the power of genuine inspiration. Nevertheless, the
problem of divine revelation cannot be confined to a particular tradition. The concept of
revelation suggests that revelation as a basic concept rises above historical, cultural, and
denominational forms and elevates human persons to a sphere where divine reality discloses
an overarching design. In today’s world, where various traditions, religious forms,
and denominations are becoming interconnected, it is essential to understand divine revelation
in a way that is not distorted by various particularisms. In a few published works,
I have repeatedly pointed out the essential feature of divine revelation as unrestricted
newness. In the following text, I will argue that this newness comes to the fore as soon as
we perceive revelation properly. Focusing on newness, we can reconsider particular narratives
of divine revelation from the perspective of their renewing power leading to a global
community of human beings. To achieve this, I emphasize the importance of spiritual
practice, such as revelatory meditation, through which people of various backgrounds
can think through their understandings of divine revelation. By doing so, we can open the
possibility of finding a common theoretical praxis to mend the world.