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The [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] [[Gary Habermas]] wrote: "Double-blind prayer experiments: three ... 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 apologetics|Christian apologist]] [[Gary Habermas]] wrote: "Double-blind prayer experiments: three ... 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>]]

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" ([[Philosophical skepticism|Skeptic]] [[David Hume]]). See: [[Miracles#Critiques of David Hume’s On Miracles|Critiques of David Hume’s On Miracles]]

* "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.

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

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

[[David Hume]] (1711-1776) was a [[Scottish]] [[philosopher]] and [[historian]] who promoted [[empiricism]] and [[naturalism]] over [[spiritual]]ity.

[[David Hume]] (1711-1776) was a [[Scottish]] [[philosopher]] and [[historian]] who promoted [[empiricism]] and [[naturalism]] over [[spiritual]]ity.

Below are various critiques of David Hume’s On Miracles:

'''C.S. Lewis' critique of David Hume's On Miracles:'''

 

 

 

*[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://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]

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