Miracles: Phenomena Affecting The Human Experience

The topic of miracles is invariably a controversial one, with even the definition of the term being a source of disagreement among experts, cultures, and religions. All of the world's major religions offer accounts of occurrences that cannot be explained by the laws of the universe as human beings understand them. In most cultures and religions, these events are referred to as miracles and are considered to be the result of some sort of divine intervention. In Christianity, miracles are explained as examples of the power and the word of God. Traditional Christian teachings and literature often speak of miracles and point to them as a reinforcement of their faith and beliefs.

The Old and New Testaments are full of accounts of miracles, beginning with the story of creation itself. The miracles described in the Bible range from feats of strength to the resurrection of the dead. Modern Christian miracles involve apparitions of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, which are often accompanied by messages that are intended for all the people of the world. In some instances, the messages offered during these sightings and the validity of the occurrences themselves have fallen into question.

Those who have questioned the validity of miracles throughout history have included the renowned philosopher, David Hume, who explained miracles as being exceptions to the observed rules of the physical universe. Regardless of your position on the validity and explanation of phenomena affecting the human experience, it is difficult not to be intrigued by some of these happenings.