Is Belief in Miracles Rational? | Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P.
Jan 30, 2019
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Fr. Anselm Ramelow, O.P., a Dominican priest specialized in theology and philosophy, explores the rationality of belief in miracles. He challenges skepticism, discusses David Hume's arguments, analyzes witness behavior, and emphasizes the importance of historical evidence and independent testimonies. The discussion also touches on the apostles' testimony, the efficacy of prayer, and the distinction between scientific explanations and unique historical events.
Miracles can be rationally believed through reason, not just faith.
Evaluating historical evidence like eyewitness testimony is key in validating miracles.
Miracles are differentiated from anomalies by their purposeful intent and symbolic nature.
Deep dives
Philosophical Evaluation of Miracles
Philosophy of religion has made a resurgence in addressing questions about faith and reason, existence of God, theodicy, divine hiddenness, afterlife, and miracles. Father Gary, discussing miracles from a philosophical viewpoint rather than a theological one, highlights the importance of evaluating the possibility and actuality of miracles through reason and not just faith. The podcast delves into the skepticism surrounding religious claims, emphasizing the need to critically evaluate evidence and principles to ascertain the rationality of believing in miracles.
Historical Evidence and Paradigm Shifts
Addressing David Hume's skeptical arguments against miracles, the episode explores how historical evidence and witness testimony should be evaluated analogous to present-day events. The discussion emphasizes the role of eyewitnesses as testing devices, similar to forensic tools, to assess the probability of miracles. The podcast challenges the notion that cumulative evidence negates miraculous occurrences, highlighting the importance of paradigm shifts and the unique nature of historical events in validating miracles.
Scientific and Philosophical Grounds for Miracles
Drawing comparison to the Big Bang as an unrepeatable historical event akin to a miracle, the podcast introduces criminology and forensic analysis to exemplify how physical evidence can align with the possibility of miracles. By scrutinizing the feasibility of past events through present-day methods, the episode emphasizes the rationality of believing in miracles based on scientific, philosophical, and historical perspectives. The interplay between naturalism, free will, and spiritual realms underscores the complexity and rational basis for accepting miraculous occurrences.
Spiritual Agents and Evaluating Miraculous Events
The podcast navigates the realm of spiritual agents, distinguishing between minor and major miracles performed by angels or other supernatural beings. It underscores the importance of evaluating the intentions and narrative coherence behind miraculous events to discern their authenticity. By delving into the causality of spiritual agents beyond natural laws, the episode challenges listeners to consider the diverse dimensions of evaluating and validating miracles from a spiritual and philosophical standpoint.
Working of Miracles Authenticated by an Infinite Agent
Miracles that authenticate faith require major events only God can work, involving omnipotent entities. Angels, although capable of miracles, may not provide strong evidence for faith. Psychologists may attribute eyewitness accounts to distortions or belief-fueled perceptions, but the uniqueness of events like the Fatima miracle challenge easy explanations.
Understanding Miracles Beyond Anomalies in Random Occurrences
Miracles, distinct from anomalies, are singular events beyond natural capacities. They imply a purposeful intent that transcends statistical outliers. While anomalies may occur unpredictably within established laws, miracles go further by manifesting meaningful gestures unachievable by ordinary agents. The rarity and symbolic nature of miraculous occurrences surpass mere statistical anomalies.
This lecture was given for the Thomistic Institute chapter at the University of Oregon on Jan. 17th, 2019.
For more information on other upcoming events, visit our website: thomisticinstitute.org.
Lecture Description:
Modern people, including believers, can be embarrassed by miracles, fearing to be accused of superstition or unwarranted credulity. Can it ever be rational to believe in miracles? In order to answer this question and the skeptical objections that have been raised, we will consider the fundamental principles at work: What are miracles? Can they violate laws of nature? How can we know that they have occurred? What do they tell us about God, about the world and ourselves? How about miracle claims in other religions?
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