Concept in Definition ABC

When god or a divinity appears to a human being, a theophany occurs. In fact, in its etymological origin theophany is formed with the concepts of teos, which means god and epifaine, which means appearance in human form.

The origin of religions

While the origin of monotheistic religions is uncertain in some sensesThey all have one element in common: there was a moment when God made himself known to men. That moment that is related in the different monotheistic confessions is known as theophany. In this sense, the sacred texts of most religious confessions are based on the mystery of a unique moment in the history of the humanity, the one in which God comes into contact with men in order to guide them on the true path. This means that to understand the religious phenomenon it is necessary to go back to its original origin.

The theophanies of Judaism and Christianity

In Christianity it is held that God came to Earth in human form, specifically through Jesus Christ. Thus, from the perspective of Christianity, theophany is for Christians a proof of the existence of God, since no one can know him unless he makes himself known.

In the Jewish Torah, Abraham and Moses were chosen by God, in such a way that the truth of his being was revealed to them, as it appears in Genesis.

Theophanies of Judaism and Christianity are based on an appearance of God, who presents himself to men in different ways: in the form of an angel, in the physical, in visions and in dreams.

The mystery of theophanies

In the Bible it is said that God is invisible to men. However, this idea takes on a new meaning when God makes himself known and made visible in the Old Testament account.

In the New Testament the concept of theophany changes substantially, since God acquires human form through Jesus Christ. Some Bible scholars claim that in the New Will there are fewer theophanies than in the Old Testament because they are not necessary, since God is already present through Jesus Christ. This reminds us that in the Old Testament God communicated to men a part of his dimension divine, of his nature. In this sense, the different theophany related in the Bible are an announcement of the definitive theophany, the presence of Jesus Christ.

From the point of view agnostic or atheist theophanies are stories that may have historical interest, but do not suppose any proof definitive about the existence of God, a question that belongs exclusively to the realm of Faith.

Photos: iStock - gldburger