Faith Matters January 2026: What Is an Epiphany?

What is an epiphany? A colloquial way of expressing it could be ‘the moment the penny drops‘. It is when the truth is revealed. It is a moment when it is possible to say, “ I see it now!” Or “Now I understand!” In religious terms it is when there is a revelation or appearance of God. For some religions their holy writings are revelation. They show the nature of the divine. But sometimes an epiphany is a personal experience, such as a vision.

However, there is also in religion a strong tradition of mystery. The conviction that the nature of the divine cannot ever be fully understood. No words can express the ultimate nature of God. One of the classic pieces of writing about this is ‘The Cloud of Unknowing’ by an anonymous writer in the Middle Ages. It advises that God can be best approached by forgetting what we know, and relying not on reason or intellect but on love.

So, is it better to not know and enjoy the mystery of whatever lies behind the purpose of life? Or would an epiphany, a moment of revelation, make life more meaningful?

Although we know far more about the universe and ourselves than ever before, perhaps it is not what we know but what we love that really matters. We benefit from the advances of science and technology, but we still have to choose how we use that knowledge and the power we have to change the world. Often the values we live by are instilled into us as we grow. We learn to cherish the good things that hold us together and help us find fulfilment in the company of others. Meeting new people provides opportunities to learn but also to create friendships.

The unknown holds surprises and can lead to love.