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Private revelation
Christian concept / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In Christian theology, a private revelation is an instance of revelation, in a broader sense of the term, of divine reality to a person or persons. It contrasts with revelation intended for humanity at large, which is sometimes termed public revelation.
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Within Catholicism, an official skeptical predisposition toward accounts of private revelation is maintained. When recognized by the authority of the Catholic church ā after their credibility and religious significance has been judged positively by the local Catholic bishop ā these messages are considered helpful to believers "in a certain period of history". Still, faith in them is equated to human faith, as opposed to supernaturally bestowed faith, and such beliefs are not dogmatically taught. Private revelations come in a variety of types, such as Marian apparitions and visions. Any such revelation is deemed not to add to or amend the completed revelation, but as a heavenly message that helps its recipients and other faithful live by revelation.