Realist miracles

• Realist views on miracles

  Realism accepts that science can give humans a true description of the world. This can also be a religious view, not just a scientific one.

  Miracles are a real part of what happens in the world, miracles are brought about by God or a spiritual force
• Realist miracle - miracles of beneficial coincidence 


  This refers to when an event happens, apparently by chance, that proves the existence of a supernatural being. The events can be confirmed historically. E.g. Juliane Koepcke surviving the plane crash and then 9 days alone in the jungle
• Realist miracles - Miracles by God through people 


  This refers to many instances in the Bible when God empowers people to perform miracles e.g. Moses and the israelites
• Realist miracles - miracles as a violation of the law of nature 


  In this case, a miracle refers to something that could not have happened when nature alone was at work
• Problems with the miracles of beneficial coincidence

  The realist definition of miracle is limited, it only describes the event, and not God's involvement in it. The interpretation of an event as a "miracle" comes from external sources. There are ethical problems with miracles of chance - why did Juliane survive and the other 91 not?
• Problems with realist view of miracles by God through people

  The historical integrity of accounts in the Bible are often questioned. It is impossible to strongly verify accounts of miracles after they have taken place, as strong verification can only be done in person (synthetic) or through reasonable arguments (analytic)
• Problems with realist views, miracles as a violation of the laws of nature

  Science does not accept that it is possible to intervene in the natural laws. Laws of nature are descriptive and not prescriptive, meaning that they sum up what has previously been observed. Also questions why God does not intervene in all instances of evil in the world?  
• Realist miracle - miracles of beneficial coincidence

  Example - Chapel in Nebraska - all 15 choir members were late for completely different reasons to choir practice - the Church exploded, but no-one was hurt
• Realist miracles - miracles as a violation of the law of nature - issues with this approach

  It encourages a 'God of the gaps' approach

  Todays science does not accept the concept of a violation of the laws of nature

  If the concept of violation is accepted, then it is likely the 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?
• The significance of realist views

  According to realists, miracles such as Jesus healing the paralysed man are objectively true. The miracle of Jesus is recorded in the Gospels support and strengthen the faith of Christians. They are referred as powerful acts and wonders, and this reinforces belief in the omnipotence of God. They are presented as signs of the Kingdom of God, so reassure Christians that God is sovereign at all times. They point to the centre of the NT, the ressurection of Jesus, which in itself is a miracle. This is a source of hope
• The significance of realist views

  Many Christians see miracles as a demonstration of God's power and love. Aquinas viewed them in this light, referring to them as being effected by God 'beyond the order commonly observed in nature'. This is the view of the Catholics