6.1 Definition of miracles
10 min read•august 20, 2024
Miracles are extraordinary events that defy natural explanations and are often attributed to . They play a significant role in many religious traditions, serving as evidence of divine power and inspiring among believers.
The concept of miracles has sparked philosophical and scientific debates for centuries. While some argue that miracles violate natural laws, others maintain they can coexist with science. include and .
Definition of miracles
- Miracles are events that defy ordinary explanations and are often attributed to divine intervention or supernatural causes
- The concept of miracles is central to many religious traditions and has been a topic of philosophical and theological debate for centuries
Extraordinary vs ordinary events
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- Miracles are typically considered extraordinary events that stand out from the normal course of nature
- Ordinary events, such as the rising and setting of the sun, are not considered miraculous because they occur regularly and can be explained by natural laws
- Extraordinary events, such as or of Jesus, are considered miraculous because they defy natural explanations and are attributed to divine intervention
Divine intervention
- Many religious traditions believe that miracles are the result of divine intervention, where God or a higher power directly intervenes in the natural world
- Divine intervention is often seen as a sign of God's power, love, or favor towards individuals or groups
- Examples of divine intervention in religious texts include God parting the Red Sea for the Israelites (Exodus 14) and Jesus healing the sick and raising the dead (Matthew 9:18-26)
Suspension of natural laws
- Miracles are often described as events that suspend or violate the natural laws that govern the universe
- This is seen as evidence of a higher power or intelligence at work
- Examples of miracles that suspend natural laws include Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33) and the sun standing still in the sky (Joshua 10:12-14)
Signs and wonders
- Miracles are often referred to as , indicating their extraordinary nature and their ability to inspire awe and wonder in those who witness them
- Signs and wonders are often seen as evidence of God's presence and power in the world
- Examples of signs and wonders in religious texts include the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12) and the feeding of the 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21)
Miracles in religious traditions
- Miracles play a significant role in many religious traditions, serving as evidence of divine power, love, and intervention in the world
- The nature and significance of miracles vary across different religious traditions, but they often serve to inspire faith, provide hope, and demonstrate the reality of the divine
Christianity
- Miracles are central to the Christian faith, with Jesus Christ performing numerous miracles throughout his ministry, including healing the sick, casting out demons, and raising the dead
- The resurrection of Jesus is considered the greatest miracle in Christianity, serving as the foundation of the faith and the evidence of Jesus' divine nature
- Other notable include the Virgin Birth, the feeding of the 5,000, and the healing of the blind man (John 9:1-41)
Judaism
- Miracles play a significant role in Jewish history and tradition, with God performing numerous miracles to protect and guide the Jewish people
- The parting of the Red Sea during the Exodus is one of the most well-known , demonstrating God's power and love for his chosen people
- Other notable miracles in Judaism include the plagues of Egypt, the manna from heaven (Exodus 16), and the sun standing still in the sky (Joshua 10:12-14)
Islam
- Miracles are also present in Islamic tradition, with the Quran itself considered a miracle due to its inimitable nature and its ability to transform lives
- The Prophet Muhammad is believed to have performed miracles, such as splitting the moon (Surah 54:1-2) and the Night Journey (Surah 17:1)
- Other notable include the preservation of the Quran and the healing of the sick through prayer and supplication
Hinduism
- Miracles are a common feature in Hindu mythology and tradition, with numerous stories of gods and goddesses performing extraordinary feats
- The god Krishna is known for his miraculous acts, such as lifting a mountain to protect his devotees from a storm and defeating the demon king Kamsa
- Other notable include the churning of the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan) and the appearance of the god Ganesha
Buddhism
- While Buddhism does not emphasize miracles to the same extent as other religious traditions, there are still accounts of extraordinary events and powers associated with the Buddha and other enlightened beings
- The Buddha is said to have performed miracles, such as walking on water and multiplying his body, to demonstrate his spiritual attainment and inspire others to follow the path to enlightenment
- Other notable include the Buddha's ability to read minds and his appearance in multiple places simultaneously
Philosophical perspectives on miracles
- Philosophers have long debated the nature and possibility of miracles, with some arguing for their reality and others questioning their existence
- The philosophical debate surrounding miracles often centers on questions of causality, natural laws, and the relationship between faith and reason
David Hume's critique
- The Scottish philosopher famously critiqued the idea of miracles in his essay "Of Miracles" (1748)
- Hume argued that miracles are inherently improbable and that it is more reasonable to believe in natural explanations for extraordinary events than to accept the existence of miracles
- He maintained that the testimony of witnesses to miracles is often unreliable and that the laws of nature are more probable than any supposed violation of those laws
Responses to Hume
- Philosophers and theologians have offered various responses to Hume's critique of miracles
- Some argue that Hume's definition of miracles as violations of natural laws is too narrow and that miracles can be understood as extraordinary events that have a divine cause
- Others maintain that the testimony of reliable witnesses and the transformative power of miracles provide compelling evidence for their reality
Miracles as evidence for God
- Some philosophers and theologians argue that miracles serve as evidence for the existence of God
- They maintain that the occurrence of events that defy natural explanations points to the existence of a higher power or intelligence that can intervene in the natural world
- Miracles are thus seen as signs of God's presence and activity in the world, providing a rational basis for religious belief
Miracles and the problem of evil
- The existence of miracles raises questions about the problem of evil, or the apparent contradiction between the existence of an all-powerful, all-loving God and the presence of suffering and evil in the world
- Some argue that the occurrence of miracles demonstrates God's love and concern for humanity, even in the face of suffering and evil
- Others maintain that the selective nature of miracles (why some people are healed and others are not) only heightens the problem of evil and calls into question the goodness and fairness of God
Scientific explanations of miracles
- Science has often been seen as a challenge to the reality of miracles, with many scientists seeking to explain extraordinary events through natural causes
- The relationship between science and miracles is complex, with some arguing that they are incompatible and others maintaining that they can coexist
Natural vs supernatural causes
- One of the key debates surrounding miracles is whether they can be explained through natural causes or whether they require supernatural explanations
- Some scientists argue that all events, no matter how extraordinary, can ultimately be explained through natural laws and processes
- Others maintain that some events defy natural explanations and point to the existence of a supernatural realm or power
Limitations of scientific inquiry
- While science has made tremendous progress in explaining the natural world, it has its limitations when it comes to investigating miracles
- Miracles, by their very nature, are often one-time events that cannot be replicated or studied under controlled conditions
- The subjective and personal nature of many miracle accounts also makes them difficult to verify or falsify through scientific methods
Miracles and the laws of nature
- The relationship between miracles and the laws of nature is a central issue in the scientific study of miracles
- Some argue that miracles are violations of natural laws and thus impossible from a scientific perspective
- Others maintain that miracles can be understood as extraordinary events that have a divine cause but still operate within the framework of natural laws
Miracles and probability
- The question of probability is often raised in discussions of miracles, with some arguing that the improbability of miracles makes them unlikely to be true
- However, others point out that improbable events do occur and that the improbability of a miracle does not necessarily negate its reality
- The question of how to assign probabilities to one-time events like miracles remains a complex and debated issue in the philosophy of science
Criteria for authenticating miracles
- Given the extraordinary nature of miracles and the challenges in verifying their reality, various criteria have been proposed for authenticating miracle claims
- These criteria often focus on the reliability of witnesses, the absence of natural explanations, and the of the event
Reliable witnesses
- One important criterion for authenticating miracles is the reliability of the witnesses who report them
- Factors that can increase the reliability of witnesses include their number, their consistency, their character, and their lack of ulterior motives
- The presence of multiple, independent witnesses who provide consistent accounts of a miracle can increase the credibility of the claim
Absence of natural explanations
- Another criterion for authenticating miracles is the absence of natural explanations for the event
- If an extraordinary event can be explained through natural causes, it is less likely to be considered a genuine miracle
- The more thoroughly natural explanations have been ruled out, the stronger the case for a miraculous interpretation
Moral and spiritual significance
- The moral and spiritual significance of a miracle is often seen as a key criterion for its authenticity
- Genuine miracles are often associated with positive moral and spiritual outcomes, such as the strengthening of faith, the promotion of virtue, or the alleviation of suffering
- Miracles that lack moral or spiritual significance or that promote immoral or harmful ends are often viewed with suspicion
Miracles and faith
- The relationship between is complex, with some arguing that miracles require faith and others maintaining that miracles can inspire faith
- For many believers, miracles are seen as a gift from God that strengthens and confirms their faith
- At the same time, the occurrence of miracles does not necessarily compel belief, and some may remain skeptical even in the face of extraordinary events
Contemporary debates on miracles
- The question of miracles remains a lively and contested issue in contemporary society, with ongoing debates about their reality, significance, and implications
- These debates are shaped by a range of factors, including the rise of secularism, the influence of science, and the changing nature of religious belief and practice
Miracles in a secular age
- The rise of secularism in many parts of the world has led to increased skepticism about the reality of miracles
- In a secular age, miracles are often viewed as remnants of a pre-scientific worldview or as products of wishful thinking or superstition
- At the same time, the persistence of miracle claims and the enduring appeal of the miraculous suggest that the idea of miracles continues to hold power and significance for many people
Miracles and skepticism
- Skepticism about miracles is a prominent feature of contemporary debates, with many questioning the credibility of miracle claims and the reliability of those who report them
- Skeptics often point to the lack of scientific evidence for miracles, the prevalence of fraud and deception in miracle claims, and the psychological and social factors that can lead people to believe in miracles
- Defenders of miracles, on the other hand, argue that skepticism can be a barrier to genuine spiritual experience and that the reality of miracles cannot be dismissed simply because they defy conventional explanations
Miracles and the media
- The media plays a significant role in shaping contemporary debates about miracles, with reports of extraordinary events often generating widespread attention and controversy
- Media coverage of miracles can range from sensationalistic and uncritical to skeptical and dismissive, depending on the outlet and the perspective of the reporters
- The rise of social media has also given individuals and groups new platforms for sharing and promoting miracle claims, leading to the rapid spread of stories and images that can be difficult to verify or authenticate
Miracles and the future of religion
- The ongoing debate about miracles has important implications for the future of religion and spirituality
- For some, the reality of miracles is a key part of their religious faith and a source of hope and inspiration in a challenging world
- For others, the idea of miracles is a barrier to rational inquiry and a hindrance to the development of a mature and responsible spirituality
- As religious belief and practice continue to evolve in the 21st century, the question of miracles is likely to remain a central and contested issue, shaping the way people understand and experience the sacred in their lives
Key Terms to Review (28)
Absence of natural explanations: The absence of natural explanations refers to a condition where events or phenomena cannot be accounted for through known scientific laws or natural causes. This concept is often discussed in relation to miracles, where events are perceived as supernatural or extraordinary because they defy the understanding of the natural world and its processes.
Catholic doctrine on miracles: The Catholic doctrine on miracles refers to the beliefs and teachings within the Catholic Church regarding supernatural events that are seen as acts of God, which transcend the laws of nature. These events are often understood as signs of divine intervention, affirming the faith and serving to strengthen the relationship between God and believers. Miracles can include healings, occurrences of the supernatural, or other extraordinary phenomena that align with God's will and purpose.
Criteria for authenticating miracles: Criteria for authenticating miracles refer to the standards and processes used to evaluate whether an event can be classified as a miracle. These criteria help differentiate between genuine miraculous occurrences and natural events or hoaxes, focusing on aspects such as eyewitness testimony, the context of the event, and its consistency with established religious beliefs. By applying these criteria, scholars and theologians can assess the credibility of claims surrounding miraculous phenomena.
David Hume: David Hume was an 18th-century Scottish philosopher known for his empiricist and skeptical approach to philosophy, particularly regarding human understanding and religion. His ideas challenged traditional views on naturalism, miracles, and natural theology, emphasizing the limits of human reason and the importance of experience in forming beliefs.
Divine Intervention: Divine intervention refers to the belief that a deity or higher power can directly intervene in the natural world, often influencing events or outcomes in ways that transcend natural laws. This concept connects to various discussions about how faith and science coexist, particularly regarding the idea of a purposeful creation as seen in theistic evolution, where divine action is seen as compatible with evolutionary processes. It also plays a crucial role in understanding miracles, as divine intervention is often the underlying explanation for extraordinary occurrences perceived as acts of God.
Faith: Faith is a deeply held belief or trust in something, often without requiring empirical evidence. It serves as a foundation for religious beliefs, guiding individuals in their understanding of the divine and the world around them. Faith can influence personal convictions, moral frameworks, and interpretations of experiences, especially when considering events deemed miraculous or extraordinary.
Healing miracles: Healing miracles refer to extraordinary events where individuals experience sudden recovery or restoration of health, often attributed to divine intervention. These events are considered significant in many religious traditions, as they highlight the power of faith and the connection between the sacred and the human experience. Healing miracles serve as a testament to the belief in a higher power's ability to intervene in the natural order of life.
Metaphor: A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes an implicit comparison between two unlike things, suggesting that one thing is another to illustrate a point or provide deeper meaning. This technique often enhances understanding by creating vivid imagery and emotional resonance, allowing complex ideas to be grasped more easily. In the context of miracles, metaphors can convey the extraordinary nature of these events by framing them in relatable terms.
Miracles and Faith: Miracles refer to extraordinary events that are believed to be caused by divine intervention, defying natural laws and often serving as a sign of a higher power. They are frequently linked to faith, which is the belief or trust in something beyond empirical evidence, typically relating to the divine or spiritual realm. Miracles can strengthen faith and provide tangible proof of the sacred, while faith itself can lead individuals to recognize and interpret experiences as miraculous.
Miracles in Buddhism: In Buddhism, miracles refer to extraordinary events or phenomena that are believed to transcend the natural laws of the universe. These occurrences often serve as signs of spiritual attainment or the power of enlightened beings, demonstrating the potential of Buddhism to inspire faith and transformation in followers. Miracles can range from miraculous healings to the ability to perform supernatural feats, but they are not seen as essential to Buddhist teachings; rather, they underscore the deeper truths and principles that Buddhism conveys.
Miracles in Christianity: Miracles in Christianity refer to extraordinary events or actions that defy natural laws, believed to be performed by divine intervention. These occurrences are often seen as signs of God's presence and power, serving to strengthen faith, confirm teachings, and inspire believers. Throughout the Bible, miracles are attributed to Jesus Christ and various saints, illustrating the transformative nature of divine involvement in the world.
Miracles in Hinduism: In Hinduism, miracles refer to extraordinary events or phenomena that are perceived as manifestations of divine power, often attributed to gods, saints, or spiritual leaders. These events can include healings, visions, and other supernatural occurrences that inspire faith and devotion among followers, highlighting the belief in the interplay between the divine and the material world.
Miracles in Islam: Miracles in Islam refer to extraordinary events or phenomena that surpass the natural laws of the universe, attributed to divine intervention. These occurrences are seen as signs of God's power and are often linked to the prophets, demonstrating their truthfulness and the authenticity of their messages.
Miracles in Judaism: In Judaism, miracles are extraordinary events that are believed to be acts of divine intervention in the natural order of the world. These events, often described in sacred texts, signify the presence and power of God, serving as signs or messages to the people. Miracles are viewed as a demonstration of God's omnipotence and a way to affirm faith among believers, showcasing the relationship between the divine and humanity.
Moral and spiritual significance: Moral and spiritual significance refers to the deeper ethical implications and spiritual meanings that events, actions, or phenomena hold within a particular cultural or religious context. This term often emphasizes the lessons, values, and transformative experiences that emerge from understanding these events beyond their physical manifestations, particularly in relation to faith and belief systems.
Naturalistic Perspective: The naturalistic perspective refers to an approach that explains phenomena solely in terms of natural causes and laws, often emphasizing empirical evidence and observable events. This viewpoint rejects supernatural explanations, advocating for a worldview grounded in science and rationality. It is crucial in discussions about the interpretation of miracles, as it frames them within the context of natural laws rather than divine intervention.
Nature miracles: Nature miracles refer to extraordinary events in which the natural world is dramatically altered or influenced by divine intervention, often found in religious texts. These miracles typically involve natural phenomena that defy normal expectations, such as turning water into wine or calming storms. They demonstrate a connection between the sacred and the natural, illustrating how divine power can manifest in the physical world and influence human experience.
Protestant Skepticism: Protestant skepticism refers to a critical and questioning attitude towards religious beliefs and practices that emerged during the Protestant Reformation. This movement encouraged individuals to question traditional teachings, authority, and the nature of miracles, often leading to a more personal and rational approach to faith. By promoting scrutiny and rationality, Protestant skepticism fostered a shift in how miracles were perceived, emphasizing reason over blind faith.
Reliable witnesses: Reliable witnesses are individuals whose testimonies are deemed trustworthy and credible, particularly when recounting events that are extraordinary or miraculous. Their accounts are often viewed as essential for validating the occurrence of miracles, as they can lend credibility to experiences that may otherwise be met with skepticism or doubt. The presence of reliable witnesses serves to strengthen the belief in miracles by providing first-hand accounts that are consistent and believable.
Religious perspective: A religious perspective is a way of interpreting and understanding life, the universe, and human experiences through the lens of specific beliefs, values, and teachings associated with a particular faith. This viewpoint shapes how individuals perceive miracles, ethics, purpose, and the nature of existence, influencing their responses to various events and phenomena.
Signs and wonders: Signs and wonders refer to extraordinary events or phenomena that are often interpreted as manifestations of divine power or intervention. These occurrences can include miracles, supernatural acts, or notable phenomena that inspire awe and provoke a sense of the sacred, often serving to affirm beliefs or communicate messages from a higher power.
Supernatural occurrence: A supernatural occurrence refers to an event that transcends natural laws and scientific explanation, often attributed to divine intervention or mystical forces. These events challenge the understanding of reality, as they cannot be easily replicated or observed under standard empirical conditions. The perception of such occurrences often varies across cultures, influencing belief systems and the interpretation of miracles within various spiritual contexts.
Suspension of natural laws: The suspension of natural laws refers to the idea that certain events, typically classified as miracles, occur outside the normal workings of the natural world. This concept implies that divine intervention or extraordinary forces can temporarily override or alter the established principles of nature, leading to phenomena that cannot be explained by science or everyday experience. Understanding this term is crucial in recognizing the distinction between ordinary occurrences and those deemed miraculous.
Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, allowing for deeper meaning and connection beyond the literal interpretation. This concept often plays a crucial role in narratives, rituals, and religious contexts, enabling individuals to convey complex themes and emotions through more tangible forms. In various forms of art, literature, and culture, symbolism helps in expressing the spiritual or transcendent by connecting the mundane with the divine.
The Parting of the Red Sea: The Parting of the Red Sea refers to the biblical miracle where Moses, guided by God, parted the waters of the Red Sea to allow the Israelites to escape from slavery in Egypt. This event is often viewed as a demonstration of divine intervention and power, showcasing God's ability to manipulate natural elements for the sake of His people and to fulfill His promises.
The resurrection: The resurrection refers to the act of rising from the dead, particularly in a religious context where it signifies the belief in the return to life after death. This concept is central to various faith traditions, notably Christianity, where it emphasizes the victory over death and the promise of eternal life. The resurrection is often viewed as a miraculous event that illustrates divine power and serves as a cornerstone for faith, hope, and the transformative possibilities of life after death.
Theodicy: Theodicy is the philosophical and theological study that attempts to justify the existence of a benevolent and omnipotent God in the presence of evil and suffering in the world. It seeks to provide answers to the difficult questions surrounding why bad things happen to good people, often exploring the relationship between divine justice, human free will, and the nature of miracles.
Thomas Aquinas: Thomas Aquinas was a 13th-century philosopher and theologian known for his synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology. His works, particularly the 'Summa Theologica,' explore the relationship between faith and reason, presenting a framework that emphasizes the harmony between religious belief and rational thought. This perspective significantly impacted discussions on miracles, natural theology, and the understanding of divine existence.