1. Miracles (Part 4): Answers to Hume And Biblical Concepts of Miracles
Mr. DeZilva – Philosophy of Religion –
October 8th, 2013.

2. RECAP: Hume’s Criticisms of 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

3. New Task: 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

4. 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?

5. Biblical Concepts of Miracles
We look focus on the Biblical concepts of miracle and issues this raises about God’s Activity in the world.  Consider AS studies and thinkers who posed an answer to who/what God was. What would they say about Miracles?
If you are not religious, do Biblical miracles still have a meaning to you? Why or why not?
How should the concepts of Miracles be viewed from the Bible?

6. Further Questioning
To what extent are believers required to believe in the literal miracle?
Coincidently, what is more important: the literal meaning or the metaphorical meaning? Why or why not?
What would some key thinkers say on the topic of Biblical concepts of miracles? Important: Be sure to tie these ideas into Sacred Writings, Religious Experience, and ideas about God’s activity in the World.

7. Wider – Reading on Miracles
Read the handout entitled “Biblical Miracles.”
Read the Biblical Miracle examples.
For each example include One Strength and One Issue with this concept of the miracle. Provide any support or challenges against them.