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Revelation

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

Gerald O'Collins, SJ author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Oxford University Press

Published:1st Sep '16

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Revelation cover

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.

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, by dint of extraordinary application, discipline, and self-expenditure, has mastered this art to a supreme degree for the benefit not just of the Christian community, but of all those aware of the importance of religion in the contemporary period together with its troubled and troubling condition. * Patrick Madigan, Heythrop Journal *
An obvious strength is its sheer scope and breadth. Each and every chapter is packed full of engagement with a wide grouping of theologians and philosophers, both old and new. * Jordan Haddad, Reading Religion *
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. * Nathan Kollar, Catholic Book Reviews *
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 *
In the book, [O'Collins] 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 ... Revelation is a wonderful book. It is orthodox, incisive, and well written. It deserves a wide reading by scholars and laypeople alike. * Stephen T. Davis, Theological Studies *
A superb book and an absolute joy to read * Andrew Torrance, Expository Times *

ISBN: 9780198784203

Dimensions: 221mm x 143mm x 19mm

Weight: 412g

244 pages