Realist views Flashcards
Briefly explain the realist viewpoint.
Believe that miracles are real and brought about by God/ somebody empowered by God.
Christian belief.
How do realist views further link to God?
Prove his existence despite humans lack of understanding of miracles.
Name the 3 types of miracles Aquinas defined.
- Events done by God that nature could NEVER do
- God doing something nature can do but in a different order
- God breaking the rules of nature
How did Hume define a miracle?
- transgression of a law of nature
- by a particular act of will from God/ invisible agent
Explain Hume’s realist belief.
He believes that IF miracles were to occur they would be due to God breaking the laws of nature.
BUT he doesn’t believe they’re real.
What is strange about Hume’s belief?
He has a realist definition of a miracle but doesn’t believe that actually happen (slight contradiction).
What does Hume say about religious proof of miracles and why?
Give an example.
He said that these events should be rejected because he is an empiricist and doesn’t believe there is enough evidence to support the claims.
E.G. The resurrection of Jesus.
What are some of Hume’s key arguments against miracles? (4)
- There have never been a miracle that had sufficient reliable witnesses.
- He believes that miracle stories come from uneducated nations.
- All religions have contradicting miracle stories so they cancel each other out.
- Humans believe miracles purely because they WANT to believe in them (the wonder and surprise).
What is the key issue with Hume’s arguments?
The fact there isn’t enough evidence is irrelevant because religion is based on FAITH.
Name an example of a realist miracle.
Nebraska church choir incident.
What is the issue with the Nebraska choir incident?
Why would God save some and not others.
