Divine Action and Extraordinary Events: Can Miracles Occur
Miracles are commonly characterized as divine actions in violation of the laws of nature. Not a surprising definition. However, while on the surface simple and clear, this definition encounters difficulties in application. And given that at least one major religion, Christianity, holds as a core tenet that God-made-man, Jesus Christ, performed miracles, these difficulties can call into question a major Christian tenet. So while these difficulties enter into the realm of the esoteric, we should delve into their intricacies. We will examine three issues: Can we summon sufficiently accurate testimony to miracles? Would miracle events be distinguishable from the simply extraordinary? Do the laws of nature prevent God from performing miracles? Critical Miracle Issue One: Testimony Can sufficiently valid testimony be offered to support a miracle? The noted 16th century philosopher David Hume voted to the negative, i.e. valid testimony can not be offered. For him, such testimony faces a...