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PROGRESSIVE REVELATION,
CAUSING PARADIGM SHIFTS IN BELIEFS:
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Overview:
There are many instances in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and
Christian Scriptures (New Testament) in which ancient Israelites and/or Christians suddenly
altered their beliefs, teachings, and/or practices in response to direct words
from God, the statements of prophets, or the teachings of rabbis. They rejected the past and
accepted new ways of thinking and behaving. This process is often referred to as
progressive revelation -- the concept that God did not teach full
theological, legal, moral, scientific, medical and other knowledge to humans in
the beginning. Rather, God gradually revealed truths over a long interval,
whenever humans were capable of absorbing them.
Beliefs differ among Christians and the followers of other religions
concerning whether progressive revelation continues today. For example:
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Muslims generally believe that the Qur'an is God's complete and
final revelation to humanity. |
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,
the Mormons, accept new revelations from God as church beliefs and practices
need to be altered. The two most notable revelations involved a command to
end polygyny (one man with multiple wives ) and to end racism in the
denomination. |
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Other Conservative Protestants generally believe that progressive revelation
ceased when the final book in the Christian Scriptures was written. The
Bible is regarded as authoritative, complete and adequate to answer all of
our questions. |
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Liberal Protestants often see the Holy Spirit continuing to work in
today's culture through progressive revelation of new truths -- often
discovered by physical and social scientists. This is
particularly true in the area of human rights and social action. |
Topics covered in this section:
Copyright © 2003 to 2006 by OntarioConsultants on Religious Tolerance
Originally written: 2003-DEC-23
Latest update: 2006-AUG-17
Author: B.A. Robinson 
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