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Briefly define general and special revelation.

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Final answer:

General revelation is the knowledge of God gained through natural means like observing nature, while special revelation is knowledge given directly by God through sacred texts, experiences, and prophets. Special revelation is particular to specific faiths.

Step-by-step explanation:

General Revelation refers to the knowledge about God and spiritual matters, discovered through natural means, such as observation of nature, the human conscience, and reasoning. This type of revelation is accessible to all people and is not specific to any particular religious tradition. For instance, observing the complexity and beauty of the universe can lead one to conclude a Creator's existence without reference to any specific sacred texts. Special Revelation, on the other hand, is knowledge revealed directly by God to specific people, often through sacred texts, religious experiences, or prophetic insights. This is particular to certain faiths and is not accessible through natural discovery alone. Examples include the divine instruction found in texts such as the Qur'an, where God's unity and transcendence are highlighted, or the mystical experiences that provide individuals with a direct encounter with the supernatural. Both forms of revelation are important in theistic traditions for understanding the nature of God, the cosmos, and moral guidance. Arguments from Revelation suggest that the existence of God can be proven by these revelations, particularly through the contents and experiences around sacred texts.

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