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Line 1: − The first '''miracle''' by [[Jesus]] was at a [[heterosexual]] [[marriage]], as described at John 2:1. The miracle of the [[Resurrection]] is perhaps recorded in the [[Shroud of Turin]].+ − − Many of the miracles by Jesus have a touch of humor in them, recognizable by those have not hardened their hearts. The conversion of undrinkable water into wine after the host ineptly ran out of beverages, and the miracle of the nets and fish whereby so many fish were caught that the boats began to sink, are just two examples. − − A '''miracle''' is defined by Merriam-Webster (2009) as: − − : an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs − : an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment − : ''Christian Science'': a divinely natural phenomenon experienced humanly as the fulfillment of spiritual law Line 21:
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cleanup, improved intro, and added a section
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>
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>
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]]—''Miracles: A Preliminary Study''(1947, Macmillan)—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]]—''Miracles: A Preliminary Study''(1947, Macmillan)—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==
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.
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.
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>
==List of miracles approved by the [[Congregation for the Causes of Saints]]==
==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]]
*Prophecies and miraculous apparitions of [[Saint Bernadette|St. Bernadette]]
*Prophecies and miraculous apparitions of [[Saint Bernadette|St. Bernadette]]