Abstract
Classical Christian definitions of miracle speak of events transcending the natural powers of objects. A personal creator, I argue, might well cause such events in order to achieve a supernatural purpose—bringing creatures to eternal life. Miracles—events transcending natural powers, disclosing and realizing the divine purpose—would then be integral to the rational order of nature. David Hume’ arguments against believing reports of miracles are shown to be very weak. Laws of nature, I suggest, are best seen not as exceptionless rules but as context–dependent realizations of natural powers. In that context miracles transcend the natural order not as “violations” but as intelligible realizations of a divine supernatural purpose. Miracles are not parts of scientific theory but can be parts of a web of rational belief fully consistent with science.
Keywords
David Hume, Thomas Aquinas, Carl Hempel, law of nature, Benedict XIV, causal powers, miracle
How to Cite
Ward, K., (2002) “Believing in Miracles”, Zygon: Journal of Religion and Science 37(3), 741–750. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9744.00450