Karl Jaspers: "The ultimate source of explanation in theology is revelation."

Karl Jaspers, a German philosopher and psychiatrist, played a pivotal role in the development of existential philosophy in the 20th century. His thoughts on theology and the concept of revelation provide a compelling perspective on the nature and source of religious knowledge.

 

Jaspers posited that in theology, the ultimate source of explanation is not reason or empirical evidence, but revelation. Revelation, as Jaspers understood it, is the act through which transcendent, divine truth is disclosed to humanity. This truth is not accessible through the usual methods of scientific inquiry or philosophical reasoning; it must be directly presented or unveiled by the divine.

 

Revelation in theological terms often comes in the form of sacred texts, religious experiences, or prophetic insights. It is typically characterized by its unique authority and the claim of infallibility, attributed to its divine origin. Jaspers saw revelation as the bedrock of theological knowledge, setting the parameters within which religious belief and discourse operate.

 

For Jaspers, theology is thus deeply intertwined with the existential condition of human beings. He acknowledged the limits of human understanding and the mysteries that persist in the face of rational investigation. In the context of these limits, revelation becomes the ultimate source of meaning and explanation, offering insights into the nature of existence, the cosmos, and the divine that transcend human reasoning.

 

Furthermore, Jaspers argued that revelation requires a personal encounter. It's not merely the passive reception of doctrinal truths but involves an active, transformative engagement. The individual is not just absorbing facts but is called to a profound experience that can redefine their understanding of the world and their place within it.

 

It's important to note that while Jaspers' viewpoint was rooted in the existential tradition, it engages with a long history of theological thought. The idea that revelation stands at the center of religious understanding has been a cornerstone of many religious traditions. The emphasis on revelation does not negate the role of reason in theology; rather, it situates reason within the broader context defined by the truths that revelation imparts.

 

In conclusion, Jaspers' perspective on theology centers on the concept of revelation as the ultimate explanatory source. It points to a type of knowledge and truth that surpasses the capabilities of human reason, suggesting that the most profound understandings of the divine and the cosmos come from a direct, transformative disclosure from beyond the human realm.