Revelation - GCSE Religious Studies Definition

In the context of GCSE Religious Studies, "revelation" refers to the way in which God or the divine is revealed to humans. Revelations are considered foundational to many religious beliefs, as they are thought to communicate divine truth or guidance. They can occur through various means. "General revelation" is revelation that is available to all, for example, the experience of the natural world. "Special revelation" is a form of divine revelation that occurs through miraculous means, such as physical appearances of God, dreams, or visions. Sacred scriptures are considered to be special revelations. For example, in Christianity, the Bible is regarded as a key source of revelation, while in Islam, the Qur'an is considered the ultimate revelation to humanity. Understanding revelation is crucial for students as it offers insight into how religious knowledge is acquired and how it shapes faith and practice within different traditions.