1. LO: I will understand different ways of interpreting miracles I will know Wiles view towards miracles Recap Questions: 1. What is the theological significance of miracles for Christians? What do they say about God?

2. Question to consider To what extent are believers required to believe in literal miracles? Think: what are the implications of different types of interpretations. E.g. Literal, or non-literal.

3. How miracles are understood Turn to page 59 in your blue A2 textbooks What is Form Criticism? What does Bultmann say about demythologising? If Bultmann is right, what implication does this have for the resurrection of Jesus, and therefore, Christianity as a whole?

4. Interpreting Biblical Miracles Form criticism – Gunkel (1862-1932) argued that the key to understanding miracle accounts was understanding the period where the stories were passed on by word of mouth prior to being written down. KEY QUESTION: Why is this important when it comes to interpreting? ANSWER: To attempt to bridge the cultural gap between then and now

5. Interpreting Biblical Miracles Demythologisation – Rather than reading them in literal terms we need to think about the message they are trying to convey. This will get us closer to the true Christian message (Bultmann) Problems with the resurrection …

6. Maurice Wiles Active reading. Make structured notes on the following: What arguments does Wiles put forward for saying that miracles do not happen? What are the implications of Wiles’ views for prayer? What are the criticisms of Wiles’ view?

7. Wiles on Miracles – Point 1, God as arbitrary and partisan The problem for Wiles If we take an interventionist view of miracles then God’s actions seem arbitrary (why bother about turning water into wine but not intervene to stop the holocaust?) and partisan (cf. Joshua 10 – defending the Israelites against the Amorites). → Thus the problem of evil looms large. WILES’ SOLUTION: God as architect, not engineer (Deist.) Can you think of any solutions to this problem at this stage?

8. Critical Analysis Problems Wiles comes across as a Deist which is contra to traditional Christian ideas. If God can’t intervene, then why pray? God is subjected to human reason. Bible clearly states: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD (Isaiah 55:8-9) and that in this life we can only ‘know in part’ (1 Cor 13:9).

9. Critical Analysis Counterpoints Christian tradition is not infallible. Mistakes have happened in the past (E.g. Reformation came out of what was seen as the ‘corrupt Catholic Church’ as it was then.) Issues of interpretation (or misinterpretation.)

10. Summary What is form criticism? What is demytholigising? Why does Wiles reject miracles? What is Wiles solution? Evaluation of Wiles (Pg 65 of textbook): +ve Allows belief in God whilst upholding scientific laws. Solves the problem of evil. -ve Wiles goes against scripture and tradition. Limits God, and makes God subject to human reasoning.

11. Exam practise ‘In practise, miracles can never be proven.’ Discuss Create a mark scheme for this essay title – How would this be marked? What needs to be done? Discuss each criteria in turn. Under each criteria fill in what the appropriate points are. Referring to the actual mark scheme would be helpful here.