GCSE Philosophy and Ethics Practice Exam

What is a vision in religious terms?

1. A dream about the future

2. A visual experience of Jesus, Mary, an angel, or another saint

3. A metaphor for hope

4. A historical account

The correct answer is: A visual experience of Jesus, Mary, an angel, or another saint

In religious terms, a vision is often understood as a direct and divine encounter experienced by an individual, manifesting through vivid imagery or auditory experiences typically involving figures such as Jesus, Mary, angels, or saints. These experiences are seen as profound moments of spiritual significance and can impart messages, warnings, or revelations that guide the recipient's faith and actions. The other options, while they may have some elements connected to personal perception or expectation, do not capture the specific religious significance tied to visions. A dream about the future might relate more closely to traditional prophetic dreams, and a metaphor for hope is too abstract to fit the concrete experiences often described as visions in religious contexts. Similarly, a historical account lacks the spiritual or mystical dimension that defines a vision, which is fundamentally about direct divine experience rather than mere narration of past events.