MIRACLES: Anti Realist Views Of Miracles

Question 1

What is an anti realist approach to miracles?

Answer 1

We can have no knowledge of a transcendent realm so the idea of miraculous intervention by a transcendent god is non sensical
A miracle is something that lifts the spirit or transforms a community of people; miracles are in the mind

Question 2

Who is Tillich?

Answer 2

German American Christian philosopher

Question 3

What is Tillich’s approach to miracles?

Answer 3

Miracles are sign events that can’t be divorced from their religious context

‘An event which points to the mystery of being’

Question 4

Who is R. F. Holland?

Answer 4

Member of the Swansea Wittgensteinians

Question 5

What is Holland’s coincidence miracle?

Answer 5

A train braking saves a child from being run over and the mother thanks god

Holland is saying that there’s nothing miraculous about coincidences except the way they’re interpreted

Question 6

Problems with anti realist views

Answer 6

Any anti realist interpretation will vary according to the values, hopes and intentions of the people concerned

It makes no difference to the truth or falsity of that statement whether I or you believe it or not