Why Religious Belivers Accept That Moracles Occur Flashcards
(21 cards)
What does a religious believer accept?
A religious believer accepts that God exists: this belief may be independently supported by traditional theistic arguments, such as Aquinas or Paley’s design/cosmological argument.
What is Aquinas’s view on the cause of everything?
Aquinas says “Everything has a cause […] this cause is God”: the existence of the universe is a result of a miracle performed by God. If there is strong historical evidence that a miracle has occurred, it is a reasonable to accept these are God’s actions.
What does C. S. Lewis argue about naturalism?
C. S. Lewis saw naturalism as self-defeating because it makes the assumption that the world is purely natural physical, without the existence of a God: he advocates that “nature behaves in accordance to fixed laws, and that a miracle is God introducing a new law.”
What is Swinburne’s argument regarding natural theology?
Swinburne also argues that natural theology establishes the probability that God would produce a revelation, which would need to be confirmed as authentic.
What does Jeremiah 32:27 say about God’s omnipotence?
God’s omnipotent nature leads to the acceptance of miracles, especially for Christians: Jeremiah 32:27 states “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”
What does Sanchez say about miracles?
God is also of an omnibenevolent nature, thus may be expected to intervene through miracles to show love and compassion for his creation. Sanchez said “Every person is a miracle. Every moment is a miracle. If only we can open our eyes, we’ll see God’s love everywhere.”
How does Swinburne define a miracle?
Swinburne also suggests that a miracle occurs in answer to a prayer: God responds to requests and provides a healing service to humanity: miracles must contribute towards a holy divine purpose for the world. He states “If a god intervened in the natural order to make a feather land here rather than there for no deep ultimate purpose, these events would not naturally be described as miracles.”
What do sacred writings record?
The sacred writings of many religions record supernatural events to vindicate the claims of those who are accepted as God’s messenger.
What miracle did Moses perform in Christianity?
In Christianity for example, Moses parted the Red Sea to let the Israelites escape.
What do some historians argue about miracles?
Some historians, such as Carl Becker, argue that miracles cannot be the object of historical investigation since they involve supernatural aspects: this has been challenged. For example, the crucifixion, death and entombment of Jesus: although the historian cannot identify the supernatural agent who performed the miracle, it is possible to detect certain evidence for the alleged miracle.
What do Muslims believe about miracles?
Islam also accepts the supernatural, although Muhammad refused to do wonderous signs to strengthen his authority; “Signs are with Allah only, and I am a plain warner.” For Muslims, the only miracle is the production of the Qur’an. Therefore, religious believers have reason to accept miracles on the basis of sacred writings, which are considered the word of God. Muslims see Allah as being much closer to the world, and actually being the direct cause of all events
What does David Thomas say about God’s closeness in Islam?
“God’s overwhelming closeness makes it easy for Muslims to admit the miraculous in the world.”
What does Weddle highlight about Hindu miracles?
Weddle also highlights that miracles within Hinduism, in mythical texts such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana are “wondrous acts are performed for the purpose of bringing spiritual liberation to those who witness or read about them.” for example, the concept of reincarnation and cycle of samsara.
What do miracles function as in religion?
Many religious believers claim that the only true religion has true miracles. Miracles function like a divine signature, confirming the authority and truth claims of a particular faith tradition.
What does Hebrews 2:3-4 say about miracles?
The Judaeo-Christian tradition supports this: Hebrews 2:3-4 states “This salvation […] was confirmed to us […] by signs, wonders and various miracles.”
What miracle did Muhammad perform according to Islamic tradition?
The occurrence of miracles is expected as God had interest in communicating messages with us. For instance, in the Islamic tradition, people of Mecca asked Muhammad to show them a miracle: he split the moon into two by the gesture of his index finger, thus confirming his authority. The Bukhari states “The moon was cleft asunder while we were in the company of the Prophet (pbuh), and it became two parts.”
What does Paley highlight about revelation?
Miracles can also be seen as an essential element of actual revelation: according to Christianity, Jesus entered the world by the Virgin Birth. Jesus died, overcame death by resurrection and was victorious over evil: he is seen as the revelation of God. Paley highlighted that “In what way can a revelation be made but by miracles?”
What personal experience of miracles is mentioned?
Many claim to have personal experience of miracles: they can generate and support faith individuals. For example, the Roman Catholic Shrine at Lourdes: St Bernadette’s vision of the Virgin Mary (Immaculate Conception) to reveal the healing powers of the spring water. Picard said “The water of the good Mother of Heaven is always delicious.”
What did Castelli experience at Lourdes?
Castelli was healed of a tumour at this sacred religious site and the medical committee concluded that the way she was healed remains “unexplained according to current scientific knowledge.”
What does Acts 19:11 say about God’s miracles?
“God did extraordinary miracles through Paul […] their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them.” God is active within his creation and works within the everyday world to answer prayer. Williamson said “Prayer is the medium of miracles.”
What is Swinburne’s ‘Principle of Testimony’?
suggesting that in the absent of special consideration it is reasonable to believe that the experiences of others are probably as they report them. In other words, you should believe other’s experiences in affirming miracles.
