1. LO: I will know what is meant by contingency miracles I will begin to revise what has been covered in the unit on Miracles so far Hmk: Remember, assessment on Miracles is next Thursday 4 th

2. Starter: What do these images all have in common?

3. Contingency miracles – Tillich Contingency definition: A miracle is a sign pointing towards God (it has religious significance) Active reading: Page 342-345 Prepare answers to the following. Some will be asked to share with the rest of the group: Tillich’s definition of miracles and what he says regarding the nature and role of miracles What are the characteristics of miracles which Tillich identifies? According to Tillich, how are contingency miracles different from ordinary experiences?

4. Analysis Criticism: Issue of interpretation. Can be varied and mistaken. Criticism: Claims of miracles can be difficult to verify. E.g. how do we know that an illness didn’t just heal itself? Response: Look at the effects of the miracle to help verify (C.f. William James and Bertrand Russell from Religious Experience) Response: Faith issue. God is pleased with people who have faith. “I find your lack of faith disturbing!”

5. Concluding comments What is your view with regards to the topic of miracles? Key questions What is a miracle? Do miracles happen? How at all, if possible, is the idea of miracles reconciled with the idea of evil and suffering

6. Overview of module Know and understand the main definitions given to the concept of miracle Explain Hume’s views on miracles including criticisms of the concept of miracle Assess whether Hume’s criticisms of miracles are successful Understand the concept of miracle as presented in the Bible Explain and assess the view of Wiles that miracles would lead to an arbitrary and partisan God. Explain modern views on the concept of miracles Assess whether modern people can be expected to believe in miracles Explain the connection between miracles and the problem of evil Assess whether a belief in miracles solves or adds to the problem of evil

7. Terminology Guess who? Pair up Pick a scholar from the unit on Miracles for your opponent, write it on the post it note, and stick it on your partners head WITHOUT THEM SEEING IT! Take it in turns to ask questions about the views of this scholar. However, only ‘yes’ and ‘no’ answers may be given. If someone asks a question and the answer is ‘yes’ then they get to ask another question. If the answer is no, then it is the other persons turn to ask questions First person to guess correctly wins!

8. A chance to test each other http://www.teachit.co.uk/custom_content/timer/timer.html Revision – Speed teach Know and understand the main definitions given to the concept of miracle Explain Hume’s views on miracles including criticisms of the concept of miracle Assess whether Hume’s criticisms of miracles are successful Understand the concept of miracle as presented in the Bible Explain and assess the view of Wiles that miracles would lead to an arbitrary and partisan God. Explain modern views on the concept of miracles Assess whether modern people can be expected to believe in miracles Explain the connection between miracles and the problem of evil Assess whether a belief in miracles solves or adds to the problem of evil

9. Hot Seating Students take the ‘hot-seat’ and answer questions from the class