Much of the discourse surrounding “revelation,” natural and otherwise, is hampered by a truncated view of God’s revelatory action.
Some seem to begin by thinking that revelation is an act of concealment; that God is somehow camouflaged through the works of creation.
On the contrary. That God’s revelation reveals is no tautology, it is truth. By “natural revelation” we mean that God makes himself known in all the world through his works in the world: generally subsumed under categories of nature, conscience, and Providence.
Such revelation is real, its contents true, its witness faithful. But how shall we hear without a preacher? The external testimony of the created order speaks a word with such volume that its voice is heard to the ends of the earth.
The starry heavens is the pulpit, the firmament the chancel, and that ‘most elegant book’ of nature the sacred text, and every mortal man crowds into the nave for the sermon. Regardless of whether he turns a deaf ear to it, his heart offers an unmistakable “Amen.”
The Preacher expounds for all the world the power and perfections of God. His words are not limited to the mere existence of a Creator, but go so far as to even tell us of his moral character and magnanimous nature.
But revelation, even natural revelation, is not concerned with external signs alone. Revelation also entails the mode of its own reception. The Book of Nature is read by the light of reason, whereas the Book of Scripture is understood in the light of faith.
Even though the light of reason has been dimmed, it has not been extinguished. The Light shines even in darkness. Reverberating in the heart of every Child of Adam is the echo of Eden, that sensus divinitatis, that hears and knows the voice of Truth.
This is precisely what seems to be missing in many of our present discussions: the clarity of the witness, the mode of reception of that witness, and the aim of that witness—which is to lead us to know, love, and fear God.
Natural revelation is not a different path than special revelation, leading men some other way (or into bushes and ditches), rather, it is the first mile on the path of righteousness where God Himself takes us by the hand and leads us for His Name’s sake.
This is certainly different from the standard Poiema fare. But I like it.
Excellent - miss you on X