Divine Revelation: A Modest Metaphysical Account

Abstract

Contemporary discussions about divine revelation are primarily epistemic: How can weknow that a revelation is veridical? Should we conceive of a revelation as primarily propositionalor non-propositional? What is the role of faith in receiving a revelation? Etc. In thispaper I am addressing the metaphysical question how a revelation is possible at all. I arguethat a metaphysics of powerful particulars provides a useful framework for proposinga metaphysical model of revelation in terms of God having actualized the self-revealingpower by acting upon other substances. In a revelation God activates the fundamental dispositioninherent in each creature to be responsive to God’s call of salvation