Definitions of miracles
- Created by: meganmiltonn
- Created on: 09-03-16 11:33
View mindmap
- Definitions of Miracles
- In a theological context, there is a disagreement about what a miracle actually is
- There are 3 different definitions and categories of miracles:
- 1. A common definition of a miracle is one which conforms to two principles
- 1st principle: It must be completely different/strange of our understanding of the laws of nature.
- Swinburne defined miracles as 'impossible' events that change how we understand natural laws
- 2nd principle: It must have a purpose and religious significance. S.E.Evans agreed with this
- S.E.Evans stated that "obviously the miracles of a religion, such as Christianity are not merely bizarre events or stunts. They have a function and purpose and usually that function is a revelatory one".
- 1st principle: It must be completely different/strange of our understanding of the laws of nature.
- 2. Thomas Aquinas produced a different definition which involved 3 categories of miracles:
- 1. Events that could never happen naturally and can only be brought about by God
- 2. Events that could happen naturally, but only God could have brought it about in that particular order or timescale
- 3. Events that happen naturally but God does not use natural laws
- 3. There is an alternative definition in which there are 3 principles involved:
- 1. Events which break with the laws of nature, e.g. walking on water
- 2. An improbability, e.g. spring suddenly appearing
- 3. A coincidence, e.g. praying for rain and it starts raining
- 1. A common definition of a miracle is one which conforms to two principles
- There are 3 different definitions and categories of miracles:
- There are other philosophers that have different opinions on what a miracle is:
- Paul Tillich: "an event which is astonishing, unusual, shaking and without contradicting the rational structure of reality... an event which points to the mystery of being."
- John Macquarrie: "a miracle is an event that excites wonder... it is believed that God is in the event in some special way... and intends to achieve some special end by it."
- R.F.Holland defines a miracle as an extraordinary coincidence that is interpreted as having religious significance. It depends on how witnesses interpret it, rather on the nature of the miracle itself or if a natural law is broken
- A controversial definition has been put forward by Brian Davies
- Brian Davies: described a miracle as "unexpected and fortuitous events in the light of which we are disposed to give thanks to God." This definition includes 'lucky coincidences'.
- In a theological context, there is a disagreement about what a miracle actually is
Comments
No comments have yet been made