1. Belief and Science

2. Area 1 Sources of Human Understanding  Revelation in Christianity  Methods of Scientific Enquiry  Strengths and Weaknesses of each

3. Area 1 Sources of Human Understanding  Revelation in Christianity  Methods of Scientific Enquiry  Strengths and Weaknesses of each

4. Revelation in Christianity

5. Learning Outcomes By the end of the lesson you should :-  Understand the difference between General and Special Revelation.  Be able to give examples of each.

6. What is revelation????? What does it mean? Make a list

7. How does God reveal things to us? Complete this spider graph in groups of approximately 4

8. Revelation  God revealing himself to humankind  Revelation comes from the Latin word, which means to “remove the veil”

9. Revelation  It means that there are certain facts or information about God that can be communicated to mankind

10. The importance of Revelation  It is important to understand that in the Christian faith, revelation has a historical context.  In other words revelation takes place at a given time, in a given place for a given purpose.

11. Two main types of revelation  It is important to note that there are two main types of revelation. 1. General revelation 2. Special revelation

12. General Revelation  What do you think general revelation might refer to???

13. How do you feel when you see an image like this?  What is the most beautiful aspect of nature you have ever seen?  How did it make you feel?

14. Thursday...  Will be our final lesson of 2011  To that end, we’ll be having a Hobbit party  To THAT end, please bring in some snacks or drinks

15. Beautiful World  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlttdMs Q_W0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlttdMs Q_W0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlttdMs Q_W0

16. For some, the beauty of nature is enough to experience God in some mystical way. For some, the beauty of nature is enough to experience God in some mystical way.

17. General Revelation  General revelation refers to the natural world  It is possible for anyone to ‘know God’ through general revelation.  This can happen in a number of ways.  For example, reflecting on nature and drawing conclusion. (e.g. the order and beauty must have been designed by God.)‏

18.  “The most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is at all comprehensible”  What do you think Einstein meant by that?

19. Starlings  Poetry in Motion  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V71hz9 wNsgs&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V71hz9 wNsgs&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V71hz9 wNsgs&feature=related

20. Other General Revelation  We have a conscience, a sense of right and wrong.  Where does this come from and for what purpose?  Knowing good from bad can help us to know God

21. Other General Revelation  The Bible contains many books which speak of God’s nature  For many Christian’s the Bible provides truth and guidance

22. Other General Revelation  Important figures, such as Mother Theresa or Martin Luther King can inspire people to also work to help others. It is said we can see God in these people.

23. Other General Revelation Church Tradition  Roman Catholics especially believes that God reveals himself through the traditions of the church (which include beliefs and teachings from previous centuries )

24. General Revelation – A Summary  The Wonders of Nature  The Bible  Our Conscience  Seeing God in the actions of good people  Church Tradition

25.  What, if anything, would be the most convincing aspect of general revelation in proving God’s existence? 6 minutes Discuss...

26. Special Revelation  What do you think special revelation might refer to???

27. Special Revelation  This refers to individuals having DIRECT experiences of God.  Can you think of any well known examples of this?

28. Special Revelation  A good example could be Moses and the burning bush.  Special revelation is a message from God for a specific purpose.  In this example, Moses was to the leader of the Hebrews and save them from slavery.

29. Moses and the Burning Bush  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VTH5S WDFq4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VTH5S WDFq4 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VTH5S WDFq4

30. Special Revelation Religious Experience  There are many people who have claimed to experience God in some way and had their life changed as a result.

32. Special Revelation Dreams and Visions  Many claim to have had dreams where God has spoken and profoundly changed them

33. Special Revelation Miracles  Many Christian’s believe miracles happen today (as well as in the Bible). These are viewed as signs from God.

35. Special Revelation Worship and Prayer  Many Christians claim to experience the presence of God through prayer and worship

36. Special Revelation for Christians  For Christians, revelation reaches its climax in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth.  Ultimately, it is Jesus who reveals what God is really like

37. Special Revelation – A Summary  Direct experiences with God  Dreams and Visions  Miracles / Healings  Worship and Prayer  The Life of Jesus

38. 1. What do you think about special revelation? 2. Does it happen? Can it happen? 3. Do you know of anyone who has experienced God in this way? Discuss... 8 minutes

39.  Read pages 17 – 29 (much of it is pictures)  Complete questions 4 – 23 on pages 29-30