‘Our knowledge of miracles leads us to the conclusion that God exists.’ Discuss this point of view.
'Our knowledge of miracles leads us to the conclusion that God exists.' Discuss this point of view. A miracle may be defined in different ways, presenting the first problem in establishing their occurrence. A miracle is a concept which, in everyday usage, might mean little more than an unexpected yet welcome event. However, in religious terminology it is usually considered to describe something of much greater significance. And yet, even here, opinion varies on what may or may not be legitimately classed as a miracle. St Thomas Aquinas identified three definitions of a miracle. The first includes all those events in which something is done by God that nature could never do (the resurrection of Jesus Christ, for example, would fit into this category). The second describes events in which God does something that can occur in nature, but not in that order. The third relates to events in which God does what usually occurs in nature, but without the operation of nature. Another biblical example of this third definition might be a man recovering from polio in a minute. It is certainly not impossible to recover from polio, but to do so in one minute would be, according to Aquinas, 'miraculous'. There is another understanding of what constitutes a miracle. RF Holland proposed that 'A coincidence can be taken religiously as a sign and called a miracle.' Moses is said to
Priya Modi L6H
Priya Modi L6H a) Identify one philosopher and examine his/ her understanding of the term 'miracle' (6 marks) b) Examine the arguments which can be used to discredit belief in miracle. In what respects do you consider belief in miracles to be strong in spite of these criticisms. A miracle is an event that cannot be explained by natural laws alone. That is to say that one does not normally see it in our experience of nature. A miracle usually has a religious significance. It is usually an event which is unusual and unexpected. For many miracles are the direct sign that God is active in the world. An example of a miracle to some may be a sudden cure from cancer. The notion of miracles is open to many interpretations so to define it is very important. In this essay we will be looking at David Hume's definition of a miracle and examine his understanding of the term 'miracle'. Hume's definition of a miracle is "a transgression of a law of nature by a particular volition of the Deity or by the interposition of some invisible agent". This is the most common definition used today and means that a miracle is brought about when some invisible agent affects the working of the universe. When examining Hume's definition the most important part of it is that it contradicts Gods quality of being omnipresent and omniscient. This is important as it is inconsistent with the classical
Explain The Term ‘Miracle’
Ai) Explain The Term 'Miracle' So that the term miracle can be understood and explained as accurately as possible I have looked up the meaning in various places which are shown below with the meaning: * 'Luke- A Gospel for Today' by Linda Smith and William Raeper. ' Years ago people did not understand the laws of nature as we do now. Some things seem miraculous, but are not. A real miracle is something that happens in a different way from the regular laws of nature' * The Concise Oxford dictionary- a miracle is 'an extraordinary event attributed to some supernatural agency.' * The Bible- Even though the bible does not have one separate meaning in order to define the term miracle, it shows many examples of them when Jesus performed several so that he may proclaim His nature and prove and preach the word of God. He also performed them to show he had God's power over nature, mental and physical illness. The first two definitions portray a similar meaning, although the term can be described variously according to one's personal life experiences. The above definitions clearly state a miracle as being something that cannot be understood. People, now days, tend to use the term 'miracle' rather freely not understanding the true meaning. Despite the fact that the term is used ever so freely I can say that due to my knowledge I can say that not many people I know can say that
What problems are there in defining miracles? (7)
What problems are there in defining miracles? (7) There are many problems in defining miracles but yet many philosophers have devised their definitions and one of these is Mackie's definition which is as follows: 'A miracle occurs when the world is not left to itself, when something distinct from the natural order as a whole intrudes into it.' Although many of the definitions presented by philosophers are different, most, if not all, include the two facts; that a miracle is an interruption to the process of nature and cannot be explained by natural laws , and also that a miracle is an interruption that bears some deeper, usually religious significance. The first of these points is explained in David Hume's definition which is: 'A miracle may be accurately defined, 'A transgression of a law of nature by a particular volition of the Deity or by the interposition of some invisible agent.' This definition is probably the most used and reliable of definitions used today by most philosophers. This does, although with another explanation, introduce the concept of a religious character bringing about the miracle. This could be where one of the problems in defining a miracle lies. In order to accept this definition you would need to be a believer of the Deity. The idea of 'some invisible agent' does help resolve this problem but yet some people could still argue that there is
'Healing miracles do not happen today' - Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer.
PAPER 1 - CHRISTIANITY THROUGH A STUDY OF LUKE AND ACTS Section B 'Healing miracles do not happen today.' Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. You must refer to Christianity in your answer. Christians hold different views to 'healing miracles do not happen today', but the agreement and disagreement of this opinion depends very much on what one calls a miracle. Some Christians consider the first heart transplant and life a miracle. This is because of the idea that God creates everything on Earth, and that, in itself is a true miracle. Therefore, miracles do still happen and will continue to do so until the end of the Earth. But many Christians would disagree with this view, simply because it is too vague. One reason as to why some Christians believe that miracles do not occur today is because of a change in the perception of what a miracle is. Some of the things Christians taken for granted now, would have been considered as some of the great miracles in ancient times. E.g. Nowadays, being cured from leprosy is just part of everyday life - so much so that leprosy is not even considered a dangerous disease anymore, whereas in Jesus' time, most people would have considered the prospect of being cured from leprosy completely ludicrous and a miracle. Therefore all Christians cannot see that certain
"BY DEFINITION MIRACLES DO NOT OCCUR" DISCUSS
"BY DEFINITION MIRACLES DO NOT OCCUR" DISCUSS. Tom McKeown. Even in this modern age, belief in the miraculous is widespread and is a feature of many world religions, including the Christian faith where miracles have played a significant role. It is important attempt to define what a miracle is, as this in itself is a source for debate. Today the term 'miracle' in many different ways and the idea is open to many interpretations. A miracle can be defined in a number of ways, firstly as an unexpected change for the better. This centres miracles in people's treatment of each other, not necessarily demanding the idea of a creator God, although it can be interpreted as being God's action (here a change can be deemed as a miracle by one, whereas another might not). This is the only type of miracle that an anti-realist (e.g. Moore, Sutherland etc) could believe in. in as we use the word is used in many different ways and is open to many interpretations. Miracles can also be defined as Religiously Significant 'natural' Events, where a believer interprets an event of being of Religious significance, perhaps rare events like a total eclipse, or more common one's such as a rainbow. Events such as these could be caused by God, either in accordance with natural laws or brought about through another person. Philosopher John Hick believes that many O.T miracles were probably natural
Miracles.Jesus was presented as a miracle worker in many ways; he performed healing miracles (LK 18:35-43) Jesus healed a blind beggar, Jesus said to the beggar your faith has healed you
Miracles a.1) Christians believe that a miracle is an event that apparently transcends human power and the laws of nature. That is attributed to a special divine intervention or to supernatural forces. However there is room for argument. some choose to believe that a babies first smile is a miracle, this of course dose not transcend human powers or the laws of nature, also some people think that all miracles are legends. Or stories but this does not come into the Christian faith. a.2) Jesus was presented as a miracle worker in many ways; he performed healing miracles (LK 18:35-43) Jesus healed a blind beggar, Jesus said to the beggar "your faith has healed you" this quote is teaching of devotion to God, the beggar devoted his life to God and truly believed that he would be healed, another example of Christians being healed by there faith is (LK5:17-26) Jesus healed a paralytic, some men lowered the paralytic man from the roof in front of Jesus, Jesus saw their faith and said "friends, your sins are forgiven." Then he told the paralytic to get and walk and the paralytic did so. This teaching shows that Jesus had the authority to forgive sins and had the power to perform remarkable things. Jesus also performed Exorcisms such as, (LK4:31-39) Jesus removed a demand (illness) from a man, with the power of God, Jesus had great influence over the demand and cast it away, this
"Healing miracles do not happen today." Do you agree? Give reasons to show that you have thought about different point of views.
C) "Healing miracles do not happen today." Do you agree? Give reasons to show that you have thought about different point of views. I disagree, as I believe that miracles do happen today. I believe that a miracle occurs to each person at least once in his or her life. It has happened in the past, why not now. Jesus performed miracles so that indicates that miracles do exist, miracles need faith for them to be made possible and faith leads to hope. The greatest impact made by Jesus was through his miracles, which defeated the great evil of disease and sickness. God intervened and made miracles possible through Jesus, so God can still intervene in the world today. Christians believe in the bible and that miracles need faith, nobody can take a person's faith away from them because they will always have that sparkle of hope and faith in God somewhere in their hearts. Some people think that miracles only happen in sacred holy places such as Lourdes in France were our lady appeared to a young lady called Bernadette for the first time in 1858. In Lourdes a trust called the HCPT- Handicapped children's pilgrimage Trust is a catholic trust which parents raise money to send their children, and people to go to this pilgrimage that goes to Lourdes. One week each year thousands of people gather together in Lourdes to pray. They do not only have to pray, they sign songs at mass with
Explain the term 'Miracle'.
(a) (i) Explain the term 'Miracle'. The word 'miracle' comes from the Latin 'miraculum', which means, 'to marvel at, to wonder.' A miracle therefore is a happening which amazes us and arouses wonder. When we say 'miracle' we mean an event which is so mysterious that cannot be explained by scientific methods; something that we believe cannot occur naturally. A miracle involves a breach or violation of the laws of nature. Usually miracles are thought of as something that has a religious significance. Christians believe that a miracle is a sign of the power of God. The essential Catholic hand book has this to say on miracles; 'An occurrence that alters the laws of nature and is a sign of God's presence in the world. St Augustine stated that the traditional understanding of a miracle is an event that we cannot forecast or expect with our present understanding of nature. Thomas Aquinas defines miracles which are done by divine agency beyond the order commonly observed in nature. The Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say on miracles; "The signs worked by Jesus to attest that the father had sent him. They invite belief in him. Miracles have been occurring throughout history. At the very beginning, in Genesis, the creation of the world and the start of life was a miracle. In the Old Testament, the story of Noah's arc, and the flood that covered the Earth was
To what extent is faith a legitimate basis for knowledge claims, in religion and different areas of knowledge
Some people say that religious beliefs can neither be justified nor refuted by reason. However, while sometimes this claim is used as a reason for rejecting religious beliefs, at other times it is used to conclude that these beliefs are established by faith. To what extent is faith a legitimate basis for knowledge claims, in religion and different areas of knowledge In this essay, I will attempt to establish conditions under which beliefs and faith can be considered legitimate basis for knowledge claims in religion and different areas of knowledge. I will assess the extent to which faith and reason can be used to make knowledge claims in both science and religion. In order to present my argument clearly and effectively I must establish my definition of faith in relation to this essay. That is faith is a way of knowing one can acquire through personal experience, faith is opening up to uncertain thought and ideas and using them as knowledge claims. Knowledge is a justified true belief. Faith is general belief or trust that comes from personal experience thus rendered subjective in nature. There are knowledge claims where belief is used a basis for the knowledge claim. This is common when using the Imperiacal method. The hypothesis would be based completely on faith and belief; however, it is not knowledge until it has been justified by the community of knowers. Like most ways