Miracles Flashcards
From the Bible, give at least 2 examples of miracles.
Jesus was said to have performed many miracles, from healing the sick to bringing himself back to life. Another example would be feeding the five thousand.
Give the 3 ways in which we can define miracles.
- The involve doing something that is ‘impossible’;
- They break the laws of nature (have no scientific explanation);
- They are done by God (normally implying that they cannot go
against the nature of God – if God is omnibenevolent (all loving) then miracles must be good!)
Give an example of a miracle in Sikhism.
Guru Nanak (founder of Sikhism) was left to look after a herd of buffalo, but, as his mind was on God he didn’t notice that they had trampled the farmer’s crops. The farmer was angry, but when he went to find Nanak, the crops were miraculously restored.
Give the 2 arguments against the existence of miracles.
- There could be another explanation;
2. These stories were from a long time ago so the miracles may be exaggerated, or may never have happened.
What is the argument by Christians, Jews and Muslims towards miracles breaking the laws of nature?
As God wrote the laws of nature and physics, he is free to change them whenever he likes.
What are the atheists’ and Buddhists’ arguments towards miracles?
As there is no all-powerful God, there are no miracles. These are just very fortunate coincidences that happen to make someone’s life better (just as unfortunate coincidences would make someone’s life worse).
What is the Islamic explanation for miracles?
Only Allah can grant miracles. When Muhammad and Jesus performed miracles it was in fact Allah working through them.
What are the 3 Abrahamic faiths?
Christianty, Islam and Judaism.
How do miracles help prove the existence of God?
As they break the laws of nature, God must be omnipotent. As they help people in need, God must be omnibenevolent. Therefore, God must exist (according to most major faiths ex. Buddhism, as they do not believe in an all-powerful god).
According to the Abrahamic religions, can humans perform miracles?
No, only God/Allah can.
According to Buddhists, can humans perform miracles?
Yes, if they develop the ability through meditation and achieving a good and moral life in accordance with Buddhist codes.
Give an example of a miracle in Islam.
The existence of the Qur’an is defined as a miracle in itself.
