What is Aquinas’ definition of a miracle?
“Those things done by divine power apart from the order usually followed in things.”
What does Aquinas’ definition imply about God?
That God can do what he wants with his creation.
How many types of miracles did Aquinas identify?
Three.
What is Aquinas’ first type of miracle?
An event done by God which nature cannot do.
What is an example of Aquinas’ first type of miracle?
The reversal of the course of the sun.
What is Aquinas’ second type of miracle?
An event done by God which nature could do, but not in this order.
What is an example of Aquinas’ second type of miracle?
Recovering from paralysis or a terminal illness.
What is Aquinas’ third type of miracle?
An event done by God which nature could do, but without using natural principles or forces.
What is an example of Aquinas’ third type of miracle?
Recovering from a cold more quickly than usual after prayer.
What does Aquinas’ classification allow for?
A wide range of events that can be called miracles.
What is Aquinas’ overall understanding of a miracle?
An act of God, beneficial to the recipient, which may break a natural law but does not have to.
How does Aquinas’ view differ from defining miracles as violations of natural laws?
It does not require a miracle to break a natural law; it is primarily identified by God’s intervention.
