Divine Revelation and Human Learning
Chapter 5
Human Autonomy in the Process of Revelation
(Chapter 5.pdf 126kb )
Explores the anthropology required to relate the preceding theory of learning to a theology of revelation
The Image of God
Continuity between learning and revelation: the anthropology underlying the theory of learning must be consistent with that underlying the theology of revelation – the importance of our understanding of persons – humankind created 'in the image of God' – human self-understanding bound up with understanding of God – revelation must include an 'image of man' – Jesus Christ as revelation
The Elusive Agent
Humankind distinct from the rest of creation – Christian anthropology 'hermeneutical' rather than reductionist – cognitive processes require the activity of a 'subject' – distinction between person and personage – agency places humankind outside natural causation – situational choice – the relationship between human agency and the agency of God – 'image of God as the agent in relation – sin
The Spirit of Revelation
The way the process of revelation is understood must take into account both human autonomy and the natural processes of learning – the concept of 'spirit' and its role in Christian anthropology – the relationship of human spirit to the Holy Spirit – the indwelling Holy Spirit as a centre of agency – indwelling of the Spirit as the condition for knowledge of God – the 'mind of Christ'