realist

• realist = the stance that miracles are seen as real events brought about by God

  • they are objectively true even though they are not fully understood
• miracle as an extraordinary coincidence of a beneficial nature

  • e.g: explosion at chapel in Nebraska - all 15 members of the choir were uncharacteristically late for practice
  • this was seen as God at work
  • however, thousands of explosions take place throughout the world, killing + injuring many - why does God not save them?
• miracle as an event brought about by a spiritual power, working through people

  • Moses delivering the Israelites from slavery
• miracle as a violation of natural law

  • three aspects: (1) it is something that happens when God's intervention interferes with the normal workings of the laws of nature; (2) it is an intentional act of God's will; (3) it has religious significance
• miracle as a violation of natural law problems

  • encourages a 'god of the gaps' approach
  • today's science does not accept this concept of violation, since its sees the laws of nature as descriptive (based on experience) + probabilistic (showing what's likely to happen)
  • if the concept of violation is accepted, then is it likely that evidence to support the miracle will outweigh the mass of evidence supporting the natural law that is said to be breached?
  • if such intervention is an act of God's will, why is there so much suffering?
• significance of realist views

  • according to them, miracles such as Jesus healing the paralysed man are objectively true
  • this strengthens the faith of Christians
  • many Christians see miracles as a demonstration of God's power + love