Miracles Flashcards
What are the purposes of biblical miracles
theological and narrative purposes, affirming his presence, supporting faith, demonstrating his convenantal relationship with humanity
What are biblical miracles literally
Where are they found
extraordinary events described in the Bible that are attributed to the direct intervention of God.
These showcase his authority and power
Biblical miracles are deeply tied to faith and divine revelation, challenging human understanding of natural laws and underscore themes of trust redemption and divine authority.
Old Testament biblical miracles purpose
To highlight Gods role as deliverer, for example Moses parting the Red Sea (exodus 14), symbolising gods power in liberating the Israelites.
New Testament biblical miracles purpose
Miracles are centred around Christ and illustrating his divine nature and compassion.
EG: healing the sick, turning water into wine, and feeding the 5000 matthew 14, and the ultimate miracle of the resurrection.
These serve as signs pointing to Jesus identity as son of God and the fulfilment of prophecies.
What are modern miracles purpose
affirmations of faith and Gods presence in the world.
What are modern miracles literally
Where are they found
extraordinary manifestations of divine intervention in the contemporary world.
Not fixed in sacred texts like biblical miracles but associated with personal testimonies and religious experiences.
Modern miracles EG
1858 Lourdes, St Bernadette saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes france. The Catholic Church officially recognised dozens of these healings as miracles, affirming their supernatural nature.
Biblical miracles EG
Moses parting the Red Sea (exodus 14), symbolising gods power in liberating the Israelites.
Jesus’ feeding of the 5k
Realist interpretations of miracles
literal interpretations of miracles that focus on evidential and revelatory value of these miracles.
How do they defy laws of nature?
What do they reveal about Gods nature?
To realists, miracles DEFY LAWS OF NATURE
Anti realist interpretation of miracles
metaphorical interpretations that focus on the spiritual and psychological value of miracles.
What deeper symbolic meaning is there?
How can they be of spiritual or psychological benefit to their witnesses?
Two supporters of realist POV of miracles
Thomas Aquinas and Swinburne advocate for this view believing that miracles are acts of God surpassing natural causes.
Miracles are understood as objective, literal occurrences involving divine intervention. This view is exemplified in biblical accounts such as resurrection in Bible or parting of the Red Sea.
Two supporters of anti realist views of miracles
R.F Holland who beleives that miracles inspire awe and gratitude regardless of their explanation.
Maurice Wiles develops this, arguing that realist interpretations of selective divine interventions are weak and inconsistent with notions of a benevolent God. Anti realists, the significance of miracles is in the meaning within a religious and personal framework rather than their objective reality.
