Is it rational to believe in miracles?

Episode 2 August 08, 2025 01:40:22
Is it rational to believe in miracles?
Questioning Belief
Is it rational to believe in miracles?

Aug 08 2025 | 01:40:22

/

Show Notes

How can it ever be reasonable to accept the testimonial evidence of an alleged miracle over the mass of evidence that the natural world behaves according to the laws of nature? Could it be rational to accept that miracles could theoretically occur, or are miracles impossible violations of nature? Dr. Timothy McGrew discusses the history of objections to miracles, focusing on Hume and Spinoza, and puts forth positive and negative criteria for evaluating the evidence behind a miracle claim. We discuss the evidence for miracle claims from the Bible, from Catholicism (Eucharistic miracles and the healings at Lourdes), and from religions other than Christianity. We conclude with a personal testimony on how to remain faithful to God in the face of unanswered prayers and undelivered miracles.

Other Episodes

Episode 3

August 22, 2025 00:51:29
Episode Cover

Christian Literature and the Numinous: Storytelling, Myths, and Re-enchantment

Dr. Carolyn Weber, a prolific writer, professor of literature, and ardent Christian, joins us to discuss the rich history of Christian literature and the...

Listen

Episode 21

May 15, 2026 00:59:39
Episode Cover

Forgiveness in a Broken World with Amy Orr-Ewing

Prominent theologian Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing joins us to discuss her new book, Forgiveness: Reclaiming its Power in a Culture of Outrage and Fear. We...

Listen

Episode 18

March 20, 2026 00:18:15
Episode Cover

Roman History and Jesus' Existence: Extra-Biblical Proof that Jesus was Real

Was Jesus of Nazareth a real, historical figure? Join us in this brief episode where we take a deep yet concise dive into three...

Listen