Miracles

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Miracles
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David Hume, Scottish Enlightenment Philosopher
(1711-1776)
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A miracle is a violation of the laws of nature
and as a firm and unalterable experience has
established these laws, the proof against a
miracle, from the very nature of the fact, is as
entire as any argument from experience can
possibly be imagined . . . . The plain
consequence is (and it is a general maxim worthy
of our attention), 'That no testimony is
sufficient to establish a miracle, unless the
testimony be of such a kind, that its falsehood
would be more miraculous, than the fact, which it
endeavours to establish....' When anyone tells
me, that he saw a dead man restored to life, I
immediately consider with myself, whether it be
more probable, that this person should either
deceive or be deceived, or that the fact, which
he relates, should really have happened. I weigh
the one miracle against the other and according
to the superiority, which I discover, I pronounce
my decision, and always reject the greater
miracle. If the falsehood of his testimony would
be more miraculous, than the event which he
relates then, and not till then, can he pretend
to command my belief or opinion. From An
Inquiry Concerning Human Understanding
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Do you agree with David Hume?On what do you
base your answer?
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What is a miracle?

• Humes definition
• But is this the only, or best, definition?

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Paul Tillich

• Miracles are ecstatic events in which, through a
  correlation of shocking, shaking event and
  receptive individuals, the Ground of Being
  (Eternal Now) becomes manifest

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John Hick

• unusual and striking events evoking and
  mediating a vivid awareness of God
• Presupposes faith, doesnt produce it
• Page 159

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Diogenes Allen

• Miracles may be the operation of more
  encompassing principles than the laws of
  nature, accessed through the power of holy
  people (not a violation of nature)

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Catholic Encyclopedia Online(1917 edition)

• Not a violation or suspension of natural law
• Yet may be above, outside, or contrary to nature
• Just as human will can operate to counteract
  certain natural events, so can the divine will
• http//www.newadvent.org/cathen/10338a.htm

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A Current Situation for Catholicism
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Why is belief in miracles found in so many
cultures and religions?
The Miracles Page