Looking for a Miracle

by Joe Nickell

Book Overview

No Marketing Blurb This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0879758406
• ISBN13: 9780879758400
• Release Date: September 1993
• Publisher: Prometheus Books
• Length: 253 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Very exciting work

I have read this book several times from the library, and finally decided to just buy it. Another review mentioned how he seems to deny all miracles, but that is not the impression I got (which most of the other reviews also seemed to have a similar understanding) considering he is simply trying to show that most (in)famous miracles do not hold up well under a rigorous inspection. The area that I wish he had addressed was the life and miracles claimed of Jesus. I understand that to be an even more touchy- and to some, insensitive- subject but I have a lot of respect for Joe Nickell and his many-faceted career; I think he could treat the subject with the needed care. The book is worth reading alone for the sections on commercial miracle workers and healers (Oral Roberts, e.g.) and how they abuse the faith of those who give them money. I'm sure this is not an original idea but these commercial tele-evangelists are basically bringing back indulgences from the ancient Catholic church. Most modern people, religous or not, are sickened of the idea of indulgences and use it as a primary example of past Catholic corruption, yet it is still happening today, with not nearly the outcry that one might expect. But I digress... This book is well-done, and raises many important ideas that I cannot give the proper justice too. Highly recommended...

A valuable, well-researched study of questionable claims..

Depending on what side of the religious fence you're on, you can find this book to be either annoying and even offensive, or a great reference book about gullibility, to teach us how to think better. I have to confess I'm in the latter category.What's often befuddles many devout believers is why someone would even analyze miracles in the first place. After all, life without belief in miracles seems to be empty. What Nickell points out, simply, is that before we jump to conclusions, and impulsively accept a supernatural "explanation" for such phenomena, we should at least take a look at NATURAL reasons why they occur -- or look like they occur. He provides one or more natural, logical reason(s) for every "supernatural wonder" he describes. What he's telling the reader is "Examine and test extraordinary claims". Even religious ones, taught to us by people we admmire. If we don't do that, then we're liable to be suckered into swallowing whole any belief system. And in doing so, we can lose touch with reality.I don't get the sense that the author is singling out the Catholic Church as an evil entity, or that he's coming down hard, personally, on individuals in that organization. However, he uses Catholic claims of miracles as an illustration of the way in which beliefs, once they're given official sanction by authorities, are easily accepted. He might have used Hinduism, Christian Science, or UFO-ology, for that matter, to serve his same purpose. But traditional Catholicism is familiar to many Americans. For that reader, Nickell gives a different slant on a lot of beliefs they would be already acquainted with. He also aids the non-Catholic believers, and the non-religious, to understand Catholic (and some Pentecostal) miracle claims, in scientific terms. In other words, he scrutinizes them, to see if the claims actually have any common-sense or logical basis, and if there's really any proof to back up the claims. It's up to the reader to decide whether he's made a case against belief. I believe he has, based on his thorough research of these cases. Of course, you disagree. But I would invite you to read what he has to say, and make up your own mind.As Nickell implies, there might be deception in some of these astounding instances. But that's not always easy to prove. In my opinion, his research has uncovered cases of blant trickery. Other times, from what I can see, they're just deeply-held convictions, in spite of evidence which refute the claims. His arguments may never sway the most loyal religious folks. That's understandable. Faith is definitely a strong force in an individual's life. One thing is certain: faith in miracles is at least a matter of great sincerity.But one problem with that sincere exercise of faith, Nickell shows, is that it doesn't guarantee truth. Very well-intentioned believers retain ideas they've held since they were kids. But Nickell's point is that we have to be careful about what we continue to hold onto, and take things

Thinking clearly about "miracles"

This is a great overview of various miraculous events, conducted with an eye to actual data and evidence. A great book for thinking clearly about "holy visions," weeping statues, and other religious mass delusions. The text is thick in historical and scientific support, and there are some interesting pictures. Joe Nickell is a smart guy. Highly recommended.

Much needed inquiry

Joe Nickell doesn't question anyone's right to believe what they want, he simply questions those who would manipulate the faithful with false religious tangibility. Religion is not tangible, it is based on faith, and those who would use that faith for their own ends need to be exposed. A previous reviewer asked what could possibly be gained by 6,000 years of religious fakery? The naivete of that question shows that it is obviously being asked by someone too fearful to question the validity of their own faith. Control, power, fortune...aren't those the things we fight for even today? why is the Catholic church so rich? Is it because they don't want to be? That they are indifferent to the wealth gleaned from their faithful? Joe Nickell is among the astute observers of human behavior who simply wants to point out that devout religious faith, to the individual, is a choice for them to make, but devout religious faith manipulation and chicanery are much more common and need to be exposed for what they are, methods of controlling those who would not otherwise ask if the emperor, pope, minister, or faith-healer has any clothes.

Excellent. Should be read by all "believers."

Insightful and thought-provoking examination of the need of humans to believe in a higher power, even to the point of imagining and making-up miracles. In addition Mr. Nickell shows other less noble ideas of what caused a "miracle" such as greed. I think this book will get some readers to outwardly show anger. However, inside I bet they are questioning their beliefs. Afterall, a good book should give you something to think about for a while even if it scares you. Bravo!!