Revelation: Toward a Christian Theology of God's Self-Revelation

by Gerald O'Collins, SJ

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198831716
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	11/06/2018
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 5.40(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Gerald O'Collins, SJ, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne

Australian-born Gerald O'Collins, SJ, AC, took his PhD at the University of Cambridge and taught at the Gregorian University (Rome) from 1973 to 2006, where he was also Dean of the Faculty of Theology (1985-91). He has written or co-written sixty published books (including Rethinking Fundamental Theology, Jesus Our Priest, and Salvation for All), authored hundreds of articles in professional and popular journals, and lectured at many universities and colleges in the UK, Ireland, USA, India, New Zealand, his native Australia, and elsewhere. As well as receiving numerous doctorates and other honorary awards, in 2006 he was created a Companion of the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC), the highest civil honour granted through the Australian government.

Table of Contents

Abbreviations1. Revelation as Self-revelation and Communication of Truth2. The Love that Reveals and Conceals3. Revelation Informs and Transforms4. The Sacramental Character of Divine Self-revelation5. Means and Mediators of Revelation6. Believers Receive Revelation and Are Themselves Revealed7. Evidence for Revelation and Human Freedom8. Revelation Then, Now, and To Come9. Handing on Revelation: the Role of Tradition10. Revelation and Inspiration11. The Canon and Truth of Scriptures12. The Divine Revelation Reaching the 'Others'EpilogueAppendix: The Inspiring Power of ScriptureSelect BibliographyIndex of NamesBiblical Index

Editorial Reviews

"O'Collins's book is interesting as it interacts in illuminating fashion with official Roman Catholic teaching and documents, particularly from the Second Vatican Council. In his attempt to distinguish between God's self-revelation and the propositional content that it generates, O'Collins identifies important questions concerning what Christians are able to say with confidence about God when revelation is seen in personal and relational terms. The proposal to distinguish between revelation and inspiration is well made and the insistence that reception is considered an integral aspect of the event of revelation is important." — Mark Ord, Co-director BMS World Mission, Theology

"O'Collins presents a well-researched and balanced theology of revelation that reflects his profound engagement with the tradition and contemporary scholarship. . . . Students of theology, especially at the graduate level, will certainly benefit from a careful reading of this book."—Robin Ryan, New Theology Review

"It is always exciting to welcome a new book by Gerald O Collins SJ, the eminent and prolific Australian Jesuit theologian...O C. exhibits his usual erudition. He knows and uses the Scriptures to great effect. He shows detailed knowledge about classical, modern, and contemporary discussions of revelation, especially including the Church Fathers and Dei Verbum from Vatican II. An added bonus is his occasional reference to Christian art, which is perhaps not surprising from a man who lived and taught in Rome for years...Revelation is a wonderful book. It is orthodox, incisive, and well written. It deserves a wide reading by scholars and laypeople alike."—Theological Studies

"[A] superb book and an absolute joy to read."— Andrew Torrance, Expository Times

"O'Collins once again gives us an in-depth look at a traditional theme...This is a densely argued book which provides anyone interested in understanding Christian revelation a clearly argued position as well as support for that position."—Catholic Book Reviews

"The greatest strength of the book, in my opinion, is the truly fresh approach O'Collins takes to fundamental theology. Far from being a mere apologetic for Catholic fundamental theology, Revelation truly does attempt to move the discussion forward by maintaining a critical eye toward those areas of the field where O'Collins sees genuine need for improvement and development." — Reading Religion

From the Publisher