Progressive Revelation
Throughout human history, profound questions about the existence and nature of God have captivated countless minds: Who is God? Can we truly know or imagine Him? Is God a construct of human cognition, a byproduct of our imagination or brain chemistry? These inquiries transcend mere curiosity, delving into the essence of reality and human existence.
Philosophical traditions have grappled with these questions through diverse arguments. The cosmological argument, for instance, posits that the universe’s existence necessitates a cause, often identified as God. Conversely, the ontological argument, championed by St. Anselm, asserts that God’s very definition as the greatest conceivable being logically entails His existence. These debates intertwine with epistemology and metaphysics, probing whether belief in God stems from reason, experience, or cultural constructs.
Karen Armstrong’s historical perspective underscores the fluidity of humanity’s conceptions of God. She argues that each generation reshapes its understanding of the divine to reflect its context and needs. This adaptability has ensured the survival of the idea of God as a central human construct, even amid secularization. Whether viewed as transcendent reality or cultural necessity, the enduring discourse on God reveals humanity’s relentless pursuit of meaning.
If divine communication has already transpired, what form has it taken? What has God disclosed about His nature that illuminates His ultimate essence? These questions probe the heart of theological inquiry, inviting reflection on the nature of revelation. If God has revealed Himself, it is not merely to impart knowledge but to unveil His being—a perfect, infinite, and absolute existence that transcends human comprehension yet invites relational intimacy. This book endeavors to explore these mysteries, offering insights that sustain hope and purpose in our spiritual journey toward the divine presence.
Reynaldo Pareja is a distinguished author and academic with a PhD in Communication and Sociology from the École des Études en Sciences Sociales, Paris, a Master’s in Communication from Cornell University, and a Bachelor’s in Philosophy, Arts, and Literature from Universidad Javeriana, Colombia. He has authored over 12 books on topics such as philosophy, spirituality, personal growth, and religion. A former public health consultant with 27 years of experience globally, he now focuses on writing and promoting the Bahá’í Faith. His works are accessible at parejavisionalternativa.com.
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