Supernatural Flashcards
What does miracle mean in Latin
A thing to be marvelled at
What is the Thomas Dictum
Idea that we should not separate what people earnestly believe to be the truth with what is reality. This is because of people believe something is real the social implications remain the same
What is the difference between Supernatural and superstitious
Supernatural is the idea that external aids are causing something to happen whereas superstitious refers to Karma in the universe (the things we should and shouldn’t do)
What is trial by ordeal
Trial by ordeal was an example of the miraculous in society, to be used when plain truth and oaths, sworn on relics or in church were not sufficient. Examples included hot iron, hot water, cold water, trial by combat
What are some examples of miracles in everyday life
Communion and baptism and healing
What is an example of the economic function of miracles
Cult of Saints, especially becket and the selling of ampules etc.
What could most miraculous acts come down to?
Divine or providential behaviour
Miracles always have what function?
Display
Why was William II against miracles
Kent landowners suspected of stealing deer, trial by hot iron and healed but King William didn’t believe it possible that God could be judge.
Give an example of Miracle after Becket death
example of a bird overhearing its owner saying ‘help me, Thomas becket’, the bird gets caught in a kite and tweets the same words and is released
When did trial by ordeal end?
1215 by Pope innocent III, bans priests. fully done by 1300
What does Edward Gibbon say
middle ages time of ‘barbarism and superstition.
Peter Brown and Paul Hyams
Trial by ordeal is rational
Caroline Walker Bynumm
Look at miracles in the sense that they effect medieval thought rather than the plausibility of them
Robert Bartlett
Miracles help reinforce belief in religious authorities
