Private revelation

A religious experience or message received by particular individuals that may help people live by Christ’s revelation, but cannot add to or replace it.

Private revelations may also occur. Their role is to help people live more fully by Christ’s revelation, not improve, correct or replace it (paragraph 67). Consequently, believing that Jesus is the culmination of revelation does not mean believing that God no longer relates to people.

A claimed revelation given to particular people. An authentic private revelation helps people live by Christ’s Revelation without adding to or correcting it.

Distinguish complete public revelation from private revelations. Catholics do not believe that all religious experiences stopped after Jesus.

Use Catechism 66–67 precisely: public Revelation is complete, while private revelations may help people live by it but cannot correct or replace it.

Do not assume that an experience without Church approval has been proved false, or that an approved private revelation becomes part of the deposit of faith.

A revelation to an individual or group that may help people live out their faith but cannot add to or correct God's definitive revelation in Christ.

Catholics may also accept private revelations, but these cannot improve, replace or correct Christ's definitive revelation. Their role is to help people live more fully by it (Catechism, paragraph 67). Jesus remains the standard against which such claims are judged.

A religious message or experience given to particular individuals, rather than a new revelation binding on the whole Church.

A reported revelation after the completion of the New Testament which may help people live by Christ’s revelation but cannot complete or replace it.

Definition

How each exam board covers it

Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A · 1RA0

Exam tips

Get more free notes every week

Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B · 1RB0