1
Q
Genesis 19:23-26 (Lot’s wife is turned into a pillar of salt) NATURE MIRACLE
A
- At sunrise, Lot and his family were fleeing the city of Sodom under God’s command.
- God brought divine judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, destroying the cities with fire from heaven.
- The family had been warned by angels not to look back as they escaped.
- Lot’s wife disobeyed the command and turned to look back at the burning city.
- In a miraculous act of judgment, she was transformed into a pillar of salt on the spot.
2
Q
scientific interpretation of Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt
A
- Theory 1: Earthquake + drought (climate change) destroyed society.
- Theory 2: Earthquake caused flood that wiped out cities.
- Problem: Neither fully explains the fire and brimstone described in the Bible.
3
Q
fundamentalist view of Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt
A
- Event occurred exactly as described: Lot’s wife turned into a pillar of salt by God.
- Destruction = real historical event caused by God’s supernatural power.
- Miracle demonstrates God’s authority and ability to intervene dramatically in the world.
4
Q
liberal interpretation of Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt
A
- Punishment: townspeople punished for immoral behaviour; Lot’s wife punished for disobedience (looking back).
- God’s nature: omnibenevolent to obedient worshippers; omnipotent in actions.
5
Q
Exodus 3-4:11 (God speaks to Moses - Burning Bush) NATURE MIRACLE
A
- Moses notices a bush that is on fire but not burning up, and he goes closer to investigate.
- God calls Moses by name from within the bush, and Moses responds, “Here I am.”
- God tells Moses to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground.
- God reveals His identity as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and explains He has seen the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt.
- God commands Moses to go to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of slavery, although Moses initially questions his own ability.
6
Q
fundamentalist view of the burning bush
A
- The burning bush was a real miracle; God made it burn without being destroyed.
- God spoke directly to Moses; He chose Moses for a real mission to free the Israelites.
- Shows God’s power, presence, and guidance in the world.
7
Q
liberal interpretation of the burning bush
A
- Story teaches faith, obedience, and God’s chosen people.
- The burning bush symbolizes God’s illumination, sacred energy, and divine presence.
- Represents Moses’ reverence and awe before God.
8
Q
scientific explanations for the burning bush
A
- Moses’ experience could be explained by hallucinations from dehydration, low oxygen, or stress.
- Neurological causes or PTSD might have triggered visions or hearing voices.
- Suggests the event was a natural, physical experience, not supernatural.
9
Q
Exodus 14:10-31 (Moses parts the Red Sea) NATURE MIRACLE
A
- The Israelites see the Egyptian army approaching and panic, but Moses reassures them that God will save them.
- God tells Moses to raise his staff over the sea, and a strong wind sent by God parts the waters, creating a dry path.
- The Israelites walk safely through the sea on dry ground, with water standing like walls on both sides.
- The Egyptians follow, but God causes confusion among them and tells Moses to stretch out his hand again.
- The waters return, destroying the Egyptian army, while the Israelites escape and believe in God and Moses.
10
Q
fundamentalist interpretation of moses parting the red sea
A
- Red Sea literally parted as a real miracle.
- Moses raised his staff; God created a dry path.
- Israelites escaped exactly as in the Bible; Egyptian army destroyed.
- Shows God’s power and direct intervention.
11
Q
scientific explanation to moses parting the red sea
A
- Natural events (winds, tides) may explain the crossing.
- Memories may be exaggerated or biased; psychological and social factors affect perception.
- Moses’ leadership influenced belief in a miracle.
12
Q
liberal interpretation of moses parting the red sea
A
- Represents physical freedom from slavery.
- Demonstrates God’s omnipotence and goodness.
- Faith in God ensures safety; disobedience leads to punishment.
RMPS: Miracles
flashcards
Decks in class (3)
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