Explanation of the Term Miracle

Explanation of the Term Miracle

The term 'miracle' is defined in the Oxford dictionary as 1 "a

remarkable and welcome event that seems impossible to explain by the

means of the known laws of nature and which is therefore attributed to

a supernatural agency".2 "a remarkable example or specimen, it's a

miracle of ingenuity". The first meaning defines a miracle as being

something great that happens, which goes against the laws of nature.

The second meaning defines a miracle as being something that happens

which was not expected, but people are grateful it has happened; for

example, people would say that someone who recovered from a terminal

illness would be a miracle.

There are many people who do not believe in miracles. One reason for

this is due to science. Scientists can now explain many events that

were allegedly 'miracles'. Thanks to modern day technology, so many of

these 'miracles' have proved to be freak coincidence and have

perfectly good explanations. In the book by Robin Cooper: 'Luke's

Gospel, a twentieth century miracle' a miracle takes place that is

said to be a direct intervention by God. So to believe in miracles as

against the laws of nature, it suggests that Christians should believe

it is God's work.

The spiritual meaning of a 'miracle' is different for other religions.

The Jewish believe that only God can perform miracles and that life

itself is a miracle.

Christians believe miracles are the work of God (a direct

intervention). The most significant miracle for Christians was the

resurrection of Christ. It is almost unbelievable that such an event

could take place. The fact that science has not offered up any

explanations keeps the faith alive.

Aii) Explain how Jesus was presented as a worker of miracles giving

examples from Luke's Gospel.

There are four types of miracles: healing, exorcism, nature and

bringing the dead to life. I am going to look at two examples of each

of these miracles.

I will first look at healing miracles. This is where Jesus performs an