The Sources of Divine Revelation in the Catholic Perspective

The understanding of Divine Revelation holds a central place in Catholic theology, as it is through Revelation that God reveals Himself to humanity and offers the path to salvation. Revelation, in the Catholic sense, is not merely the conveyance of knowledge about God but His self-communication, His unveiling of His divine will and purposes for the world. It is within this broad framework of Revelation that the Catholic Church believes God's truth is transmitted to humankind. Central to the Catholic understanding of Revelation are the two foundational sources: Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, which are inseparably linked in the transmission of the faith. Yet, these sources do not stand in isolation; they are illuminated by the ongoing authority of the Church's Magisterium, which is charged with the responsibility of interpreting and safeguarding these divine truths. This introduction seeks to provide an initial foray into understanding these sources of Revelation by examining the historical development of the concept of Revelation, key theological figures, primary texts, and the significance of the Church's role in mediating divine truth.