Original Monotheism and General Revelation

(Originally written April 10, 2007 in Book 15)

Original Monotheism & Revelation

Among believers in these primitive religions the nature of these beliefs were revealed by God in some way.

Original monotheism appears to be the earliest form of religion. Because of this and the vast similarity of beliefs in the earliest cultures there is good reason to hold that these theistic beliefs are in fact based on a form of revelation.

This for of revelation is general revelation, not special revelation.

"The continuity of monotheism is based on an original special revelation and reinforced by general revelation" (42).

Ancient Semitic Monotheism

"El" - Hebrew for God
"Elohim" - Hebrew for the God
"Ilu" - Babylonian for God
"Allah" - Arabic for "God" (whose root is "ilu")

Chinese Monotheism
- Shangdi - God of Heaven

Indo-European
- Dyaus Pitar - Vedic (the Shining Father)
- Zeus Pater - Greek
- Jupiter - Latin
- Tyr/Tius - Norse

The memory of monotheism ("persistence of revelation") is found in the historical roots of the developed religions and non-developed religions.

General Revelation

General Revelation can be found by looking outward into the world or inward by looking introspectively.

General revelation occurs via intuition (experience of immediate awareness).

The fundamental mode for human thinking is intuition, not formal inferences.

The Bible indicates that the world is a source of knowledge about God (Psalms 19:1 & Romans 1:20)

Romans 2:15 also indicates knowledge about God is available introspectively.

General revelation can have a moral aspect and impact.

A fundamental set of right and wrong pervades all human cultures.

There is a wide variation from culture to culture on what is right and wrong, but the value of human life, truth and property is nearly universal.

Wilhelm Schmidt's five concepts of moral value in monotheistic cultures:
1) Peacefulness - weapons are used for animals, not against humans (thus, no shields)
2) Altruism
3) Property Ownership
4) Honesty
5) Sexual Morality - Special emphasis on marital fidelity

Two aspects of General Revelation:
1) Awareness of God
2) Awareness of moral right and wrong.