Philosophy of Religion – Miracles – Mr. DeZilva Miracles (Part 2) Philosophy of Religion – Miracles – Mr. DeZilva

Quick Recap Inspiration Coincidence

Defining a Miracle The Dictionary Definition of Miracle: 1.A surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is considered to be divine. 2.A highly improbable or extraordinary event, development, or accomplishment

Defining a Miracle (cont’d) For the majority of religious believers: A miracle is something extraordinary which has been brought about by God for a particular purpose. The notion of a miracle carries with it a religious interpretation of an event. Must have religious significance and must fit in with our understanding of God.

Other Definitions of Miracle Evans: “[Miracles] have a function and purpose, and usually that function is a revelatory one” Macquarrie: A miracle has to be something which is attributed to God, in addition to being a wonderful event.  “A miracle is an event that excites wonder and that God is in the event in some special way.”  Rejects the traditional view that for a miracle to occur, the laws or rules of nature need to be broken (i.e. Jesus walking on water). Indeed this is true as well, but not the only crucial aspect to defining a miracle.

Other Definitions (cont’d) Holland: Miracles don’t have to break the laws of nature. It could happen for an empirical reason, but one might interpret it as a miracle (because they aren’t privy to all the information)  Child on the railway example

The Problem How do you quantify a miracle? Mother Teresa is not yet “Saint” Mother Teresa, only Blessed Mother Teresa because she had not performed two miracles that the Vatican requires one to be canonized (“sainted”) But man of Mother Teresa’s followers had claimed that she was involved in many miracles before and after her death. In order for a “miracle” to count it had to be something which science could not explain, and which was open to verification by observers.

Aquinas on Miracles A miracle needs to be outside the normal operations of nature and science. To call an event a “miracle” is to put an interpretation onto w hat happened and express an opinion about it For a miracle, the event has to be intrinsically wonderful – not just “wonderful” to that person. (Thus, this cancels out the birth of a child) A miracle needs to have a cause which is “absolutely hidden” Miracles could be ranked Highest rank = An act done by God that nature never could do (i.e. moving a shadow) Summa Contra Gentiles