Realist views of miracles
- Created by: daisybalsh
- Created on: 22-05-18 14:13
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- Realist miracles
- Scientific
- The best scientific theories that we have give us true descriptions of the world
- Give us true descriptions of things we believe to exist but which cannot be observed. e.g QUARKS
- The world is mind independent - the world exists the way it is regardless of what we think about the matter
- Miracles
- They come about through the activity of God or someone empowered by him
- They signs of the Kingdom of God
- They are objectively true even though they are not fully understood
- Miracles as an extraordinary coincidence of beneficial nature
- Juliane Koepcke - sole survivor of plane crash
- Survived nine days in jungle while seriously injured
- Extraordinary odds against her survival
- If God helped her survive, what about the other passengers & crew? Were they somehow less worthy?
- Miracle as an event brought about by a spiritual power, working through people
- God worked through Moses to deliver the Israelites from slavery
- The miracles of Jesus are regarded by some as historical events
- Miracles as demonstrations of divine power and compassion are particularly important in catholic tradition
- They invite belief in God and strengthen faith
- Mother Teresa of Calcutta declared a saint - performance of at least 2 miracles essential before canonisation
- Miracles as a violation of natural law
- It is something that happens when God's intervention interferes with the normal workings of the laws of nature
- It is an intentional act of God's will
- It has religious significance
- It encourages a 'god of the gaps approach'
- Today's science does not accept this concept of violation - sees laws of nature as descriptive & probabilistic
- If such intervention is an act of God's will, why is there so much suffering?
- The significance of realist views
- According to realists, miracles such as Jesus healing the paralysed man are objectively true - these support and strengthen Christian's faith
- They are referenced to as powerful acts - reinforces belief in the omnipotence of God
- Presented as signs of Kingdom of God, so reassure Christians that God is sovereign over the universe
- Resurrection of Jesus - miracle - this is a source of hope
- miracles - demonstration of God's power and love - Aquinas viewed them in this light - view of catholic church
- Scientific
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