What does the realist view of miracles claim?
That miracles must have actually happened to be meaningful.
How do realists understand God’s role in miracles?
They believe God literally causes miracles.
Do anti‑realists believe God must literally act in the world for a miracle to have meaning?
No, the miracle’s meaning comes from its symbolism, not a physical intervention.
What does the anti‑realist view of miracles claim?
That miracles are symbolic and reveal something about God rather than being literal events.
How does the anti‑realist view avoid Hume’s criticisms?
It does not require breaking natural laws, so Hume’s objections to literal miracles do not apply.
What does John Hick contest in Hume’s argument?
Hume’s claim that miracles are highly unlikely to occur.
Which philosopher supports the anti‑realist approach?
John Hick.
What is a potential weakness of the anti‑realist view?
Miracles could be seen as products of the mind rather than divine action.
What would happen if miracles occurred all the time, according to Hick?
God’s existence would become obvious.
Why would constant miracles be a problem for Hick?
They would undermine human freewill.
Why does Hick think miracles are supposed to be rare?
Their very point is that they are highly infrequent events.
What concept does Hick use to explain why God must remain hidden?
Epistemic distance.
What does Hick say about God’s relationship with humans?
God wants a free relationship with humans, so His existence cannot be self‑evident.
Why is epistemic distance necessary?
To preserve religious ambiguity so that faith remains a genuine choice.
How does Hick’s view challenge Hume?
It argues that the rarity of miracles is intentional, not evidence against their possibility.
What does John Hick mean by “epistemic distance”?
Humans are not born with knowledge of God, and certainty about God is not easily attainable.
Why is epistemic distance necessary according to Hick?
It allows genuine free will and authentic moral and spiritual development.
Why doesn’t God intervene constantly, according to Hick?
Constant intervention would make the world unpredictable; stable natural laws are needed for meaningful decisions.
Does Hick allow for miracles?
Yes, but he sees them as rare and occurring indirectly through human agency.
How does Hick describe miracles?
Ordinary events that believers interpret as miraculous through the eyes of faith.
What is the contingency definition of a miracle?
A coincidental event given religious significance, without needing to break natural laws.
What makes an event a miracle under this definition?
Interpretation — not a violation of nature.
Why are miracles subjective for Holland?
If someone believes an event is a miracle, then for them it is one.
What does Holland argue about miracles?
An event within natural laws can still be a miracle if taken religiously as a sign.
