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A '''miracle''' is an extraordinary, favorable event which apparently defies the laws of nature and science, <ref>https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/miracle</ref> indicating divine intervention in human affairs.<ref name="M-W 09">Merriam-Webster's dictionary (2009)</ref> The term is also sometimes used to exaggeratedly describe some unusual event, thing, or accomplishment with no divine intervention.<ref name="M-W 09">Merriam-Webster's dictionary (2009)</ref>

A '''miracle''' is an extraordinary, favorable event which apparently defies the laws of [[nature]] and [[science]],<ref>https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/miracle</ref> indicating divine intervention in human affairs.<ref name="M-W 09">Merriam-Webster's dictionary (2009)</ref> (In Hebrew 'nes' <ref>[https://www.chabad.org/search/keyword_cdo/kid/1297/jewish/Miracles.htm Miracles] <small>(elevated, above...)</small></ref>). The term is also sometimes used to exaggeratedly describe some unusual event, thing, or accomplishment with no divine intervention.<ref name="M-W 09">Merriam-Webster's dictionary (2009)</ref>

The Catholic definition of miracle is a "sensibly perceptible effect, surpassing at least the powers of visible nature, produced by God to witness to some truth or testify to someone's sanctity."<ref>John A. Hardon, S.J., "A Modern Catholic Dictionary" (1999).</ref>

The [[Catholic]] definition of miracle is a "sensibly perceptible effect, surpassing at least the powers of visible nature, produced by God to witness to some truth or testify to someone's sanctity."<ref>John A. Hardon, S.J., "A Modern Catholic Dictionary" (1999).</ref>

Other definitions include:

Other definitions include:

: a remarkably good event that has no plausible scientific explanation

* A remarkably good event that seems to have no plausible scientific explanation. See also: [[Limitations of science]]

: an extremely unlikely occurrence consistent with [[faith]] or [[prayer]]

* An extremely unlikely occurrence consistent with [[faith]] or [[prayer]]

: a joyous happening contrary to all reasonable expectation

* A joyous happening contrary to all reasonable expectation

: "a violation of the laws of nature" ([[David Hume]])

* "A violation of the laws of nature" ([[Philosophical skepticism|Skeptic]] [[David Hume]]). See: [[Miracles#Critiques of David Hume’s On Miracles|Critiques of David Hume’s On Miracles]]

Though the term "miracle" can often be heard from Christians and non-Christians alike, the entire [[Bible]] only contains one genuine reference to "miracle" and that was a quote of a non-believer (the Pharaoh) in Exodus 7:9 (RSV): "When Pharaoh says to you, 'Prove yourselves by working a '''miracle''',' then you shall say to Aaron, 'Take your rod and cast it down before Pharaoh, that it may become a serpent.'"

Though the term "miracle" can often be heard from Christians and non-Christians alike, the entire [[Bible]] only contains one genuine reference to "miracle" and that was a quote of a non-believer (the Pharaoh) in Exodus 7:9 (RSV): "When Pharaoh says to you, 'Prove yourselves by working a miracle, then you shall say to Aaron, 'Take your rod and cast it down before Pharaoh, that it may become a serpent.'"

Under [[Christianity]] and [[Judaism]], God is truth and a miracle is nothing more than a "sign" of the truth.  "Miracle" is the non-believer's term for what believers properly describe as a "sign", a term that does appear repeatedly in the [[Bible]].  The scholar [[Chad Walsh]] echoes [[C.S. Lewis]]&mdash;''Miracles: A Preliminary Study''(1947, Macmillan)&mdash;when he states that no other religion bases its ideas upon miracles as much as does Christianity.  Its foundation is the [[Incarnation]].<ref>''C.S. Lewis: Apostle to the Skeptics'', Chad Walsh, Macmillian company, 1949, page 34</ref>

Under [[Christianity]] and [[Judaism]], God is [[truth]] and a miracle is nothing more than a "sign" of the truth.  "Miracle" is the non-believer's term for what believers properly describe as a "sign", a term that does appear repeatedly in the [[Bible]].  The scholar [[Chad Walsh]] echoes [[C.S. Lewis]]&mdash;''Miracles: A Preliminary Study''(1947, Macmillan)&mdash;when he states that no other religion bases its ideas upon miracles as much as does Christianity.  Its foundation is the [[Incarnation]].<ref>''C.S. Lewis: Apostle to the Skeptics'', Chad Walsh, Macmillian company, 1949, page 34</ref>

==History==

==History==

There are many cases of miracles recorded in the Bible, some of which are confirmed by other, non-biblical (or religious) books. They were commonly used under the [[Old Testament]] to prove the validity of a prophet or the power of God.  

There are many cases of miracles recorded in the [[Bible]], some of which are confirmed by other, non-biblical (or religious) books. They were commonly used under the [[Old Testament]] to prove the validity of a prophet or the power of God.  

Under the [[New Testament]], there were also a number of miracles performed, by Jesus and his disciples.  The first '''miracle''' by [[Jesus]] was at a traditional [[marriage]], as described at John 2:1.  He continued to perform miracles (sometimes referred to as "signs and wonders") regularly throughout the three years of his public ministry.  Crowds gathered and followed Jesus, seeking to witness of benefit from his miracles, many of which were quite astounding, and some of which were slightly humorous.  His disciples also, both during and after Jesus' ministry performed miracles of their own, through the power of God.  As the early church grew and progressed, miracles were present for a time, although over time they lessened. By the end of the time recorded in the New Testament books of the Bible, miracles were seemed to be petering out.  Church history indicates that they came almost to an end by around 600 A.D.

Under the [[New Testament]], there were also a number of miracles performed, by Jesus and his disciples.  The first '''miracle''' by [[Jesus]] was at a traditional [[marriage]], as described at John 2:1.  He continued to perform miracles (sometimes referred to as "signs and wonders") regularly throughout the three years of his public ministry.  Crowds gathered and followed Jesus, seeking to witness of benefit from his miracles, many of which were quite astounding, and some of which were slightly humorous.  His disciples also, both during and after Jesus' ministry performed miracles of their own, through the power of God.  As the early church grew and progressed, miracles were present for a time, although over time they lessened. By the end of the time recorded in the New Testament books of the Bible, miracles were seemed to be petering out.  Church history indicates that they came almost to an end by around 600 A.D.

In recent history, however, there are still occurrences of what seem to be miracles.  This is particularly the case in parts of the world which were hearing the gospel for the first time.  Even today in remote parts of the world, miracles are sometimes reported. However, for the most part, they seem to have come to an end.  They served their purpose to prove God's power and the truth of the message.  However, they were (and perhaps are) a means to a different end.

In recent history, however, there are still occurrences of what seem to be miracles.  This is particularly the case in parts of the world which were hearing the gospel for the first time.  Even today in remote parts of the world, miracles are sometimes reported. However, for the most part, they seem to have come to an end.  They served their purpose to prove God's power and the truth of the message.  However, they were (and perhaps are) a means to a different end. Some argue, though, that miracles surround us constantly without us being aware of them. Magnets, for example, seem to exhibit a supernatural force, and Aristotle argued that they possess souls.

 

== Arguments against the Existence of Miracles ==

== Arguments against the Existence of Miracles ==

Skeptics would say that miracles are simply improbable stuff happening and because there are billions of people on the planet, the odds of finding numerous stories of improbable happenings interpreted as miracles increases. This, however, along with many other atheistic arguments invokes a logical fallacy. The [[Gambler's fallacy|Gambler's Fallacy]] states that the more one tries something, the more likely an event will happen. In reality, if one spins a roulette wheel, the odds of it landing on one number will always be exactly the same every time.  

Skeptics would say that miracles are simply improbable stuff happening and because there are billions of people on the planet, the odds of finding numerous stories of improbable happenings interpreted as miracles increases. This, however, along with many other atheistic arguments invokes a logical fallacy. The [[Gambler's fallacy|Gambler's Fallacy]] states that the more one tries something, the more likely an event will happen. In reality, if one spins a roulette wheel (presuming the wheel is not rigged), the odds of it landing on one number will always be exactly the same every time.  

The fact is in order for a skeptic to dismiss miracles, they must literally accuse thousands upon thousands of people of either lying, or hallucinating. The probability of 100 percent of the witnesses matching this description is questionable at best. One example would be the documented miracle at Fatima where thousands of people saw the sun explode and then come back together. Skeptics argue that no one outside the area of the town recorded this but this is using the logical fallacy that absence of evidence is evidence of absence. Also, the probability of thousands of people lying needs to be called into question.

The fact is in order for a skeptic to dismiss miracles, they must literally accuse thousands upon thousands of people of either lying, or hallucinating. The probability of 100 percent of the witnesses matching this description is questionable at best. One example would be the documented miracle at Fatima where thousands of people saw the sun explode and then come back together. Skeptics argue that no one outside the area of the town recorded this but this is using the logical fallacy that absence of evidence is evidence of absence. Also, the probability of thousands of people lying needs to be called into question.

Some skeptics ask why God chooses not to cure amputees, but this begins with the false assumption that God has never done this before.

Some skeptics ask why God chooses not to cure amputees, but this begins with the false assumption that God has never done this before. In addition:

*Jesus is historically documented in the Bible as reattaching an ear to a Roman soldier.

*Jesus is historically documented in the Bible as reattaching an ear to a Roman soldier.

*Many of the lepers that Jesus chose to cure also had missing body parts.

*Many of the lepers that Jesus chose to cure also had missing body parts.

*If God chose to cure everyone, then no one would ever die, yet God has said that it is appointed for man once to die, and after that the Judgment (Hebrews 9:27).

*If God chose to cure everyone, then no one would ever die, and God needs people to die so they can either be placed in Heaven or Hell.

*The argument ignores how losing a limb is, in most cases, not life-threatening.

*The argument ignores the fact that God has inspired doctors to develop the technology for artificial limbs.

*The argument also ignores the fact that God has inspired doctors to develop the technology for artificial limbs, technology which has improved from a simple attachment to highly sophisticated limbs which are nearly to the level of real ones.

*Also, in most instances where the loss of limbs occurs, there is almost no one of faith in proximity willing to attempt to even try and amend the separated limb to the amputee. Therefore, the opportunity for documented cases of this kind to occur is rare, though some such incidents have been reported in foreign countries. Jesus says, ''For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move.'' (Matthew 17:20).

*Also, in most instances where the loss of limbs occurs, there is almost no one of faith in proximity willing to attempt to even try and amend the separated limb to the amputee. Therefore, the opportunity for documented cases of this kind to occur is rare, though some such incidents have been reported in foreign countries. Jesus says, ''For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move.'' (Matthew 17:20).

The Christian apologist [[Gary Habermas]] wrote: "Double-blind prayer experiments: where people pray for others with terminal illness. Habermas admitted that most such experiments have not worked, but the three that he knows of that have indeed worked were cases of orthodox-Christians praying for the sick."<ref>[http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-apologist-10-reasons-for-the-fall-of-atheism-106531/ Christian Apologist: 10 Reasons for the Fall of Atheism] by [[Gary Habermas]]</ref>

The Christian apologist [[Gary Habermas]] wrote: "Double-blind prayer experiments: where people pray for others with terminal illness. Habermas admitted that most such experiments have not worked, but the three that he knows of that have indeed worked were cases of orthodox-Christians praying for the sick."<ref>[http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-apologist-10-reasons-for-the-fall-of-atheism-106531/ Christian Apologist: 10 Reasons for the Fall of Atheism] by [[Gary Habermas]]</ref>

==Miracles approved by the [[Congregation for the Causes of Saints]]==

== Critiques of David Hume’s On Miracles ==

The catholic church has approved a select list of miracles which they believe to be genuine. These are listed below.

 

 

 

[[C.S. Lewis]] (born November 29, 1898, [[Belfast]] - d. November 22, 1963, [[Oxford]]) was an [[Ireland|Irish]] writer, novelist, essayist, moral mythologist, philosopher and a world-acclaimed master of [[Christian apologetics]].  He is considered by many to have been the greatest intellectual defender of [[Christianity]] in the 20th century.

 

 

 

*[https://place.asburyseminary.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2076&context=faithandphilosophy#:~:text=supported%20by%20their%20unanimous%20vote,is%20in%20the%20context%20of C.S. Lewis's Critique Of Hume On Miracles]

 

 

*[https://www.mbu.edu/seminary/a-critique-of-david-humes-on-miracles/ A Critique of David Hume’s On Miracles]

 

 

 

 

==Miracles approved by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints==

The Catholic church has approved a select list of miracles which they believe to be genuine. These are listed below.

*Stigmata (and other signs) of [[St. Francis of Assisi]]

*Stigmata (and other signs) of [[St. Francis of Assisi]]

*Apparition of the [[Mary|Blessed Virgin Mary]] at Fatima on the 13th day of six consecutive months in 1917, starting on 13 May.

*Apparition of the [[Mary|Blessed Virgin Mary]] at Fatima on the 13th day of six consecutive months in 1917, starting on 13 May.

*Stigmata, bilocation, levitation and prophecy of [[Padre Pio|St. Pio of Pietrelcina]] (born Francesco Frocione)

*Stigmata, bilocation, levitation and prophecy of [[Padre Pio|St. Pio of Pietrelcina]] (born Francesco Frocione)

*Blood miracle of [[St. Januarius]] (also known as St. Gennaro)

*Blood miracle of St. Januarius (also known as St. Gennaro)

*The Virgin of the tears: 1953, Syracuse (Sicily) - A statue of the Virgin Mary produces real human tears.

*The Virgin of the tears: 1953, Syracuse (Sicily) - A statue of the Virgin Mary produces real human tears.

==See also==

==See also==

*[[In the midst of a Maelstrom: the Holy Spirit and silence: an essay]] the quiet miracle

*[[In the midst of a Maelstrom: the Holy Spirit and silence: an essay]] the quiet miracle

*[[Essay: How to "get" a church]]

*[[Essay: How to "get" a church]]