1. Philosophy of Religion – Mr. DeZilva
Miracles (Lesson 3)
Philosophy of Religion – Mr. DeZilva

2. Recap Task
Match the MOST CORRECT definition from the 2nd column to the authors and sources from the 1st.

3. Miracles Recap (Match the columns)
Holland
MacQuarrie
Evans
Christians (for example)
Aquinas
Dictionary Def’n
“Traditional View”
a) God is involved & the event is “wonderful”
b) An extraordinary event
c) Miracles have a revelatory function
d) The laws/rules of nature need to be broken
e)Must have religious significance
f) Child on the Railway
g) Has an “Absolutely Hidden” cause
1 --- F A C E
5 --- G
6 --- B
7 --- D

4. Case Studies Marian Apparition in Zeitoun Statue in Akita
Padre Pio (St Pio of Pietrelcina)
Joseph of Cupertino
** In groups of 3 read and evaluate ONE historical miracle. Develop 2 reasons as to why this IS a miracle and 2 reasons as to why it IS NOT a miracle *** 5 Minutes – GO!

5. Three Miracle Problems
“The Problem Definition”
What do we mean when we say the word “Miracle?”
How do we interpret the event of a miracle?
Is it reasonable to interpret and can we?
What do miracles say about the Nature of God?
Miracles potentially show God’s intervening in lives; is this consistent with our beliefs?

6. Hume Word Web
What do we know about Hume and how do you think he would address Miracles? David Hume
Sceptic (needed certainty)
Scottish, 18th Century
Against Teleological argumen
Against the Watch-maker argument / argument from design
Believed “Order” was essential to the world’s existence
Did not believe that the fact of design assumed God’s existence. Cause and Effect was greater than this
Did no succumb to a “Christian God”
Our universe is unique and have nothing to compare it to.

7. Hume on Miracles
Hume rejects miracles, but why? 1) The “Sensible Person” 2) Favouring the Odds 3) The Deception 4) The Normal World problem 5) The Ignorant and barbarous problem 6) Looking for the marvelous 7) The Religion Contradictions
In Groups of 2-3, read your except and explain to the class one of Hume’s rejections

8. Answers to Hume
1) Definition of “Miracle” Criticized 2) Necessary Modifications 3) Revelatory Purpose Missed 4) Myth of the biblical miracle still = meaning 5) Rash conclusions based on reports 6) Empirical evidence is possible 7) Just because it is “highly unlikely” doesn’t mean that it is absolutely impossible 8) Different belief systems with different miracles
In Groups of 2-3, read your except and explain to the class an answer provided to Hume

9. Where do you Stand
Disagree with Hume Neutral Agree with Hume   Given both sides of the arguments, do you find that you agree or disagree with Hume? Why or why not?

10. Consolidate
Do we clearly understand miracles and the various definitions of Miracles?
Smiley Face on Whiteboard if Yes. Sad face if No
Do we understand how to apply different miracle definitions – and the evaluation of Miracles – to historical and current events?
<3 if Yes. </3 if No.
Do we understand the limitations and strengths of Hume’s Arguments against Miracles?
Big checkmark is Yes. X if No