Glossary / Lexicon

In religion and theology, revelation is the revealing or disclosing of some form of truth or knowledge through communication with a deity or other supernatural entity or entities.

In the psychology context, revelation refers to the sudden and profound realization or understanding of something previously unknown or misunderstood. It can also refer to the disclosure or communication of previously unknown information or knowledge. Revelations can come from various sources, such as personal experience, introspection, education, or spiritual or religious experiences.

Examples of personal revelations can include sudden insights into one's own behavior or motivations, recognizing patterns in one's relationships or interactions with others, or realizing a personal truth or belief. For instance, someone struggling with addiction may have a revelation that their behavior is rooted in childhood trauma, leading them to seek therapy and make significant changes in their life.

Revelations can also occur in group or societal settings, such as a sudden shift in public opinion or attitudes towards a particular issue. A revelation can bring about significant changes in individual behavior, group dynamics, or even larger societal structures. For example, the revelation of widespread racial injustices and police brutality in the United States has sparked a social justice movement and calls for systemic change.

In the context of religious or spiritual experiences, revelations can be seen as messages or insights from a higher power or divine source. These revelations can have a significant impact on an individual's beliefs, values, and behavior. For example, the Biblical story of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus is a famous example of a revelatory experience that changed the course of someone's life and beliefs.

Similar concepts to revelation in psychology include insight, epiphany, and enlightenment. Insight refers to the sudden understanding or realization of a problem or situation, while epiphany refers to a sudden realization of a larger truth or meaning. Enlightenment refers to a state of profound understanding or wisdom, often associated with spiritual or religious experiences.

Overall, revelations can be powerful experiences that can lead to significant personal growth, behavior change, or societal transformation. They can come from a variety of sources and can have a profound impact on an individual's beliefs, values, and behavior.