Immanence and Transcendence in Theophanic Symbolism
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The Journal of Bahá'í Studies 5, 13-56Abstract: Various anthropomorphic and naturalistic symbols are used in biblical, quranic and Bahá'í scriptures to depict theophanies - the appearance of God and the divine will in the realm of creation. Many of the same theophanic symbols that appear in biblical and quranic scriptures are used in the writings of Bahá'u'lláh to communicate his own divinity and to connect his ministry with past redemptive history. Such symbols include an angel, fire, and the prophets' claims to be God incarnate, i.e. symbolically the face or voice of God. This article examines the theological significance of these symbols, how Bahá'u'lláh uses them to convey immanence and transcendence of God, and to create a continuity between his own revelation and those of the past.
Various anthropomorphic and naturalistic symbols are used in biblical, quranic and Bahá'í scriptures to depict theophanies - the appearance of God and the divine will in the realm of creation. Many of the same theophanic symbols that appear in biblical and quranic scriptures are used in the writings of Bahá'u'lláh to communicate his own divinity and to connect his ministry with past redemptive history. Such symbols include an angel, fire, and the prophets' claims to be God incarnate, i.e. symbolically the face or voice of God. This article examines the theological significance of these symbols, how Bahá'u'lláh uses them to convey immanence and transcendence of God, and to create a continuity between his own revelation and those of the past.