New theological volume explores the dual nature of divine revelation

A new book by Hiroshi Hamana, titled Theology of the Umbrella II: The Doctrine of Special Revelation, has been released. The work serves as the second part of a two-volume series that was originally written as a single manuscript. This publication marks the author's third book, following a 2020 title that discussed the transition from shelter theology to umbrella theology. The new volume focuses specifically on the concept of special revelation, which the author defines as knowledge of God accessible only through Christian specific mediators such as Jesus Christ and the Bible. This stands in contrast to universal revelation, which the author describes as an intuition of God's love and salvation available to all people.

The author argues that these two forms of revelation exist in an inseparable, non-identical, and irreversible dual relationship. The book was prepared as a draft for a doctrinal reader for the Japan Holiness Church, though it is written in a plain style intended for a broad audience regardless of denomination or faith. The author, an evangelical pastor, asserts that the Bible is the final authority for faith and life. The text examines the Bible from various angles, including its status as canonical, its inerrancy, and the methods of interpretation. The author concludes that reading the Bible with strict literalism is incorrect.