The Big Book of Christian Apologetics: An a to Z Guide by Norman L. Geisler

Author:Norman L. Geisler [Geisler, Norman L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Religion, Biblical Reference, Christian Theology, Apologetics
ISBN: 0801014174
Google: dkAzBgAAQBAJ
Amazon: B00SBXX3TI
Publisher: Baker Books
Published: 2012-11-01T06:00:00+00:00

Miracles, Arguments Against. Most modern thinkers who reject miracles trace their reasoning to the Scottish skeptic (see AGNOSTICISM) David *Hume (1711–76). Hume provided what many believe to be the most formidable of all challenges to a supernaturalist perspective: Miracles are incredible.

Hume laid out three arguments against miracles: philosophical, historical, and religious. The first argument is an argument in principle, based on the incredibility of claiming natural laws are ever contravened. The second is an argument in practice, which challenges whether miracles have ever had credible witnesses (see NEW TESTAMENT, HISTORICITY OF). The last is from the self-canceling nature of similar miracle claims that abound in all religions.

The Incredibility of Miracles. Building on his empirical epistemology, Hume launched his attack on miracles with the comment, “I flatter myself that I have discovered an argument . . . which, if just, will, with the wise and learned, be an everlasting check to all kinds of superstitious delusion, and consequently will be useful as long as the world endures” (Hume, Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, 10.1.18). Hume’s reasoning can be summarized this way (ibid., 10.1.18, 120–23):

A miracle is a violation of the laws of nature.

Firm and unalterable experience has established these laws of nature.

A wise person proportions his belief to the evidence.

Therefore, the proof against miracles is overwhelming.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.