On the Meaning of 'Miracle' in Christianity: A Philosophical Evaluation of the Current Miracle Debate and a Proposal of a Balanced Hermeneutical Appro [Paperback]

Miracle narratives are an essential part of nearly all religioustraditions. The importance of miracles also applies to Christianity. TheGospels record thirty-five miracles that Jesus is said to haveperformed, including twenty-three miraculous healings and nine naturemiracles (for example, stilling a storm and turning water into wine). Atthe heart of Christian faith lies the story of Jesus resurrection fromthe dead. However, the factuality of these events has been increasinglyproblematised, especially since the period of the Enlightenment. In thisstudy, it is argued that the current debate between science-orientedcritics of miracles and their religious opponents focuses predominantlyon the question of factuality and evidence at the loss of the religiousmeaning of miracles. The suggestion that science and religion would beopposite approaches is denied in a proposal of a balanced hermeneuticalapproach of miracles that does justice to scientific findings, religioustexts and experience.