Difference between revisions of "Miracle"
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| − | A miracle is defined by Merriam-Webster (1997) as "an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs." | + | A miracle is defined by Merriam-Webster (1997) as "an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs." Alternative definitions might include: |
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| + | : a remarkably good event that has no plausible scientific explanation | ||
| + | : an extremely unlikely occurrence consistent with [[faith]] or prayer | ||
| + | : a joyous happening contrary to all reasonable expectation | ||
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. | 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. | ||
| + | [[category:Christianity]] | ||
Revision as of 02:23, July 4, 2007
A miracle is defined by Merriam-Webster (1997) as "an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs." Alternative definitions might include:
- a remarkably good event that has no plausible scientific explanation
- an extremely unlikely occurrence consistent with faith or prayer
- a joyous happening contrary to all reasonable expectation
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.
