Summary: According To Dulles's First Model Of Revelation
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The 16th chapter of the Gospel of John reminds us that we still have so much to learn, for example, our mission to unveil the fullest meaning of the nature of God’s revelation. Revelation is seeking to discover who God is through self-disclosure and communication. The models of revelation provide templates to reflect upon the nature of God, as we cross a “threshold” of new understanding.
Difficult, Plausible, Resonates
Dulles’s first model of revelation formulated an authoritative doctrine. This model, is the most difficult, it commands a belief with an infallible commitment to the Bible and church doctrine. The model does not invite the Holy Spirit to be a vessel of communication. When this model stands alone, it limits our wonder of a living God. This model ignores other facets of our relationship with God. The authoritative approach is…show more content… This model is a call to action and an acceptance that God is within us, in our very consciousness. It calls upon an awareness of God’s nature, and challenges us to see our image reflected in Christ. This understanding touches upon the Community of Christ’s confidence in God’s continuing revelation. The hymn, “We Limit Not the Truth of God”, helps to illustrate this model, as the refrain claims “The Lord hath yet more light and truth to break forth from his word” This resonates with me, it reminds me God is still creating, yet I realize this model overlooks the need to understand and incorporate the richness of scripture and tradition. Karl Barth also places an importance upon a transforming attitude, one emphasizing upon the triumph of God’s grace. As Barth explains, there are three forms of the Word of God; revealed, written and proclaimed. Barth’s three circle structure makes it clear that God has chosen us to be a part of the events of revelation and applies some of Dulles’s concept of God with us through