Miracles: Do They Still Happen? Why We Believe Them.

By Henry M. Morris

Book Overview

Do miracles happen in our time? Did they ever happen? And if the answer is yes, is any explanation possible? The key might lie in the fact that miracles are in the world, but not of the world. Leading... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0890514135
• ISBN13: 9780890514139
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Master Books
• Length: 141 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Essential ingredients for a convincing view on miracles

Dr. Morris did a fine job in this book. I have read numerous books and articles about miracles, but I think this is one of the more useful. However, this opinion needs some explanation. This book is a non-technical, rather popular work. So, I do not say this book is useful because it answers all problems and solves all questions and objections raised in the age-old debates about miracles. But this book contains just that selection of facts and views that is in my opinion most clarifying and decisive. This qualification respects three things. First of all dr. Morris clarifies our thinking about miracles by distinguishing miracles of nature from miracles of providence. Second, he then sets forth his argument about miracles of nature based on the classic definition of miracles as violations of laws of nature. This definition however has one peculiar problem. Does not this definition require a perfect knowledge of all laws of nature, before one can justify the claim that a violation of one or more laws of nature did actually happen? Dr. Morris answers: No. And he points out that the first and second laws of thermodynamics are universally applicable and therefore provide the required standards that enable us to apply the definition. Thirdly, Morris recounts a number of actual miracles. He does so with appropriate prudence, but he does. That's important, because we must keep in mind that the question whether miracles do or did happen is actually a question of facts. Although logic does play an important part in historical investigation, it must be stressed that historical questions require historical evidence, and cannot be answered by mere logic. So, after dr. Morris did provide the conceptual framework to interpret alleged miracles, it is appropriate that he proceeds to recount a few historical facts that seem to qualify as miracles. Another important feature of this book is the connection with theology. This is necessary to make sense of miracles. Although his theological remarks are at times a bit (too) speculative, especially with regard to the supposed relation between (the dimensions of) time, space and matter, and the Trinity, his link between the laws of thermodynamics and the doctrines of creation and sin are very helpful. Having said that, I recall that this is not a very technical or sophisticated treatment of the subject, from which you may expect answers to all and every question. In fact, it does raise a number of questions, especially about the miraculous nature of miracles of providence. But I recommend this book because it provides in a comprehensive way some essential ingredients, both theological and scientific, for a convincing view on miracles. Especially valuable in this respect, and as far as I know unique in the discussions, is dr. Morris' proposal about the role of the laws of thermodynamics in identifying a miracle. Readers that look for more sophisticated arguments can proceed with books like that of Warfield (Counterfeit