Abstract This paper reviews and analyzes C. S. Lewis' book, "Miracles". The paper contends that, although highly readable for a text of its kind, "Miracles" is not an easy or facile read. Rather, it poses many questions that are difficult to reason through even when following Lewis' reasoning process. The paper also maintains that, because this book is based on unfinished research and because it lays the pathway for following historical proofs rather than arguing them, it does not always present any clear conclusions.
From the Paper "C. S. Lewis was a prolific Christian writer. He is perhaps best known for his series of books included in "The Chronicles of Narnia". His reach extends far beyond that of those books, however. The book "Miracles" is a good demonstration of why his work is so popular, even many years after his death. Although the book is a deep discussion of many philosophical ideas, it remains highly readable for someone who enjoys such topics. Lewis does not use what has now become the traditional warm and fuzzy "feel good" method of discussion that so many books use today. Instead, his work uses logical arguments to explain his perspective on the topic of miraculous works."
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at miracles from classical antiquity through the Old and New Testaments. The writer presents a definition of miracles. Further, the writer discusses particular acts in the Old Testament that are considered as miracles. The writer also looks at miracles that are considered to have occurred in the life of Jesus.
From the Paper "A miracle is defined as 'a special manifestation or sign of the presence and power of God in human history'. While miracles are generally most likely to be associated with the Christian Church and faith including the miracles that are identified in the Old Testament or Hebrew Bible, miracles were not unknown in pre-Christian classical antiquity. Among the ancient Greeks for example, miracles often were observed as a result of the interaction of one of the Gods in the lives of humans."
Abstract This paper looks at the eight miracles of Jesus that are signs of his divinity in the gospel of John. The miracles that are mentioned in this paper are the turning of water to wine, healing of the nobleman's son, the healing of the lame man, the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus' walking on water, the healing of the blind man, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, and the miraculous catch of fishes.
From the Paper "In the Gospel of John in the New Testament there are eight sign miracles that Jesus performs, which are: the turning of water to wine, healing of the nobleman's son, the healing of the lame man, the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus' walking on water, the healing of the blind man, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, and the miraculous catch of fishes. This paper will look at how each of these miracles further reveals the deity of Jesus. The first miracle that John records is the turning of water into wine at the wedding in Cana shortly after Jesus recruits his first few followers. When the wine runs out, Jesus' mother comes and tells him, and he understands that she wants him to do something about it, but tells her it is not time yet."
Abstract A book report about E.L. Jones' work on the historical economy of Europe, "The European Miracle". It explains the author's view of the European and Asian economies during the medieval, renaissance, and early modern eras, until the end of the Industrial Revolution. The book focuses on the ecological conditions (geography, weather, etc.) that made it possible for Europe to develop a technology-centered, multistate trade economy, as opposed to Asia's paradigmatic agrarian unified economy.
Abstract This paper examines Catherine Bowen's 1966 book "Miracle at Philadelphia", a well received text that looks at the 1787 American constitutional convention. Among other things, it examines in brief the factors that allowed for the constitutional establishment of a single executive as well as the establishment of a bicameral legislative system. It also looks at what the founding fathers meant by federalism and why they chose a republican form of government over a more purely democratic one.
From the Paper "The following paper will review Catherine Bowen's Miracle at Philadelphia. In particular, the paper will why the founding fathers created the constitution, the manner in which they did so and how they saw the people of the United States. In examining all of the above, the paper will review why America has a federal system and how our early leaders defined federalism; what function was/is served by the bi-cameral legislative system or single executive authority; what design lay behind creating a government with legislative, executive and judicial branches; why it is that America is a republic and not a democracy; why American leaders had cause to fear the original constitutional document; and, lastly, what the American constitution says about the nature of government and about the nature of human beings. "
Abstract This paper addresses four specific essay questions. These questions range from moral issues concerning birth control to philosophy. The four questions form the part of an argument that either supports or negates the original argument.
Tags: PHILOSOPHY / MORAL PHILOSPHY, philosophy questions answered
This paper addresses five questions from the views of classic philosophers. Human nature and human advantages can be investigated according to the theories of various philosophers, yet in many respects the views of a specific philosopher can best be used
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 5 sources, 2002, $ 44.95
Abstract This paper addresses five questions from the views of classic philosophers. Human nature and human advantages can be investigated according to the theories of various philosophers, yet in many respects the views of a specific philosopher can best be used to define and describe a particular circumstance. This paper first presents the five questions and then addresses these questions according to the two theories that best suit that given circumstance.
Tags: PHILOSOPHY / COMPARATIVE PHILOSOPHY, five question philosophers
Abstract This paper examines the life and works of Socrates. It gives an historical overview of his doings and analyzes them from a critical philosophical point of view. It describes the questions he raised about God and piety, different forms of truth, and what is rational right and the nature of goodness. It also discusses other famous thinkers of the time such as Plato and Aristotle.
From the Paper "Socrates had long been known for questioning the premises of his society. He was a traveling teacher, who claimed that he knew nothing, and yet managed to preach his unique views through enlightening series of questions that forced whoever he may address to slowly abandon their way of thought and take a fresh look at the world. He was a sweeping, revolutionary force in the world. Unfortunately, the world does not always like revolution. He was brought up on charges on impiety; his accusers claimed that because he questioned certain preconceptions about the gods that he did not believe in them, and that he corrupted the innocent minds of youth. The penalty he faced was death. It was against this truly significant background that he undertook to debate the origin of piety and goodness. On his way to trial, he stopped one Euthyphro, a man proclaimed as a prophet and seer of the gods. "Tell me then, what is the pious, and what the impious, do you say"? (Euthyphro, 5d) This is a vital question not only in terms of Socrates? impending need to defend himself before his judges, but also in the scope of the world. After all, if piety is a supreme virtue, then surely one ought to know what it is. "
Abstract In this paper the author summarizes and reviews David Kessler's "A question of Intent." Kessler's drive to bring tobacco products under the supervision of the FDA makes up a major part of his book. The role of the FDA in the US is described. The author compares Kessler's book to watching a movie--the story is gripping and compelling.
From the Paper "Kessler described the goal of the FDA succinctly once as "safeguarding America's health." However, that responsibility covers a wide range of issues. The agency is concerned with the safety not only of food and drugs but also blood, medical apparatus, make-up and anything that gives off radiation, including televisions and microwave ovens. They assure that medical apparatus works as described by their makers. As Kessler points out, if everyday items malfunction, you simply return them to the store or manufacturer for satisfaction, but when medical devices malfunction, people can die (Shenk, p. 1). "
Tags: David, Kessler, A, Question, of, Intent, FDA
Abstract This paper discusses how "A Question of Miracles" examines contemporary faith healing and the role religious belief may have on the treatment of disease. It looks at how filmmaker Anthony Thomas traveled around the world, interviewing faith healers and people who believe their health had been miraculously restored because of their faith in God. Most of the film focuses on two men who claim to be successful faith healers, Benny Hinn and Reinhard Bonnke.
From the Paper "A Question of Miracles reveals why faith healing, despite the fraudulent aspects of it, can work to a certain extent in some people, at least temporarily, for scientists and theologians agree that short-term recoveries during or after a faith healing session can occur because of psychosomatic conditions. In cases of arthritis, for example, which is manifested by inflammation of the joints, a faith healer's inciting of powerful emotions in a person hoping to be cured can trigger the release of natural opiates in their brain, which can bring a temporary release from arthritic pain and convince them they have been healed. "
Abstract The paper shows Hume's opinion that life after death does not exist, and neither do miracles. The writer discusses the influence Hume had on Kant and the differences between them. In conclusion, the writer explains how Hume protects himself from criticism of the church by stating that religion is founded on faith, and not on reason. The writer posits that the reason Hume left the Presbyterian seminary was because he knew he could not positively answer the final question before ordination: "Do you believe in God?"
From the Paper "But how does Hume know that no one has ever been seen alive after having been seen to be dead? After all, there are plenty of reports of raisings from the dead in the Bible. Presumably Hume thinks all those reports are false. But how does he know that? It looks as if he is saying that they must be false because miracles just don't happen. In this case what Hume is using is circular logic. Miracles don't happen because there are no such things as miracle thus miracles can't happen.
"Hume puts no faith in human testimony either. In his opinion no amount or quality of human testimony could be sufficient to outweigh the negative evidence. He seems close to saying that you can know in advance, and without looking at any of the favorable evidence, that all miracle reports are false "
This paper discusses philosopher David Hume's concept that there can be no evidence for miracles, based on his essay "On Miracles", Section Ten of "Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding".
1,620 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 0 sources, $ 52.95
Abstract This paper explains that David Hume argues that there can be no evidence for miracles, in spite of the many claims made for miracles throughout historical and religious literature; if there were evidence for a "miracle", then it would no longer be a miracle but rather just a new scientific fact. The author points out that miracles are mostly based on claims and testimony and not at all on hard evidence; the more outlandish the claims, the more probable it is that the testimony is false even if the witness is credible. The paper stresses that, according to Hume, belief in the miracles in the Bible is an extension of this human psychological need.
From the Paper "Therefore, the laws of religion cannot be classified as the laws of nature. Miracles are in most cases permitted by the laws of religion but not by the laws of nature. Hume does not deny the efficacy of religion, but he does want to distinguish the laws of religion from the laws of science. The laws of science are based on direct human experience, which is backed up by the experiences of others and found to be consistent and reliable over time. Few people know someone who has experienced a "miracle," let alone having experienced one first hand. When we do experience a "miracle" first hand, there is usually a scientific explanation for the experience."
Abstract The paper begins by stating Humes' definition of miracles, which helps to narrow down exactly what the author is considering by using the word "miracle". It then goes on to discuss Humes' consideration of evidence, his argument pertaining to the passion of surprise and wonder involved in miracles, his comments on the "beginnings" of miracles, and lastly the contradictions of miracles among various religions. The author's conclusion blends Humes' argument with her own beliefs, forming a debate of faith and reason in relation to miracles. The paper quotes the text extensively.
From the Paper "If the knowledge is not readily available to prove such a miracle wrong, it would become ever more possible that it could gain followers and support. Once such a thing is proved to be false, everyone, even the strongest believers, come to agree. For instance, when the world was proved to be round, even though throughout history everyone believed it to be flat, the evidence and sources were undeniable. Likewise, with miracles, every phenomenal event has probably stemmed from humble and innocent beginnings, that develop into an uncertain force to refute."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze eight Biblical miracles. Specifically, it briefly describes each sign or miracle and explains how this sign or miracle reveals the deity of Christ. Each of these miracles creates an aura of goodness and wonder around Christ and unerringly indicates his deity and his mission on Earth. The miracles performed by Christ are the turning of water to wine, the healing of the nobleman's son, the healing of a lame man, the feeding of the 5,000, walking on water, the healing of a blind man, the raising of Lazarus from the dead, and the miraculous catch of fish.
From the Paper "The next miracle is the feeding of the 5,000 (6:1-14). As the word of Christ's powers began to spread, great numbers of people followed him to the sight of his next miracle, the Sea of Galilee, where he created enough food from a few loaves and fishes to feed 5,000 people. His disciples were by his side, and Passover was on the horizon, so he worried how to feed the people. He spoke to his Father, and knew just what to do. He distributed five barley loaves and two fish from the Sea to the crowd, and they fed all, and filled up twelve baskets with the leftovers. The people who had eaten recognized Christ was a prophet after this. Another natural miracle, this story again shows the power of Jesus, and his great abilities."
