The Book of Miracles: The Meaning of the Miracle Stories in Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam

by Kenneth L. Woodward

Book Overview

For the first time in a single volume, Kenneth Woodward presents both the familiar and more obscure miracle stories of the great saints, sages, and spiritual masters of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam -- and explains their meaning in the context of the sacred scriptures of each tradition. The Book of Miracles charts a journey from ancient to modern -- from the Prophet Muhammad's healing of the sick and the workings of Moses,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743200292
• ISBN13: 9780743200295
• Release Date: July 2001
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.3" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Some suggestions to complement "The Book of Miracles"

After reading Mr. Don O. Mclaughlin 's excellent review, I will only add that, as a complement to "The Book of Miracles", I would suggest reading the following works: a)"The Phenomenon of Religion: A Thematic Approach," by Moojan Momen (astonishingly encyclopaedic and readable); b)"Shamans, Sorcerers, and Saints: A Prehistory of Religion" by Brian Hayden (great overview of religion origins and development); c)"Sin and Salvation in the World Religions: A Short Introduction " by Harold Coward (somehow dry but also covering Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism); and d)" Dreaming in the World's Religions: A Comparative History" by Kelly Bulkeley (I have not bought it yet, it has been published this July).

The book of Miracles

This is an excellent book for insights and inspiring stories from different religions. I found it wonderful to give spiritual motivation from around the world in many cultures.

An excellent survey of interfaith miracle stories.

Book of Miracles focuses not on a single religion but upon the meaning of miracle stories in Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam and Hinduism alike, retelling stories of wonder-workers and saints, explaining their meanings, and telling how they play important roles in the different religions. An excellent survey.

"A Serious Look at the Miraculous Across Faiths"

Woodward's is not only a handy introduction to how the major traditions view the miraculous; it's also a nice general introduction for readers unfamiliar with the scriptures of Hinduism,Buddhism & Islam. This is a serious work, however - not for those seeking a collection of cutesy miracle stories. Each of the 5 major traditions, beginning with Judaism (and of course, the Old Testament)is given solid treatment,with alternating chapters discussing that world religion's most primary scriptures and a chapter for each on specific miracles for which specific saints are noted. (There is some rather lengthy discussion of Oral Roberts'life and mission for Christianity. Don't look for in-depth treatment of Lourdes or Medjugorje!) There are also quite useful introductions to each major section such as to Hinduism & Buddhism. Woodward is a celebrated Newsweek religion editor and has been for decades - and it shows here. This book is awesome and probably worth theinvestment, particularly if you need something which attempts to show the context in which "miracles" happened/happen across traditions.