a simple question

[lorin]

do you believe in miracles?

[Savor Dam]

Absolutely.

Bear in mind that each of us may define Miracles differently, but I do believe in them as I understand them.

[Avatar]

do you believe in miracles?

Define miracle...

--A

[lorin]

Define miracle...

--A

an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.

are all such extraordinary events that are seen as miracles actually those events that are awaiting a scientific explanation?

[SoulBiter]

I do believe in Miracles!

[Seven Words]

Using the given definition, I do believe in miracles.

[Menolly]

...as do I.

[lorin]

Other than the recounting of miracles in the bible, has there ever been a documented miracle or is the belief in miracles completely faith based? Maybe the question can't be answered.

[Orlion]

I believe miracles are, by necessity, faith based. They all are purportedly performed by some supernatural entity, of which there is (I'll say usually) any evidence of his existence or having interfered. I also think that how some people use the term, a miracle doesn't have to necessarily be beyond human understanding or even capability. A doctor could revive someone, knowing full well what he is doing, but a family member might claim that the resuscitation was a result of divine interference and it was a "miracle." So, what a person refers to as a miracle could also ultimately be a measure of their faith in a supernatural being and its participation and influence in their lives.

[[Syl]]

I believe in miracles.

[aliantha]

In my neighborhood, we call 'em "magic".

[High Lord Tolkien]

I believe that shit happens.

[Fist and Faith]

I believe in miracles.

Where you from, you sexy thing?

[lorin]

As for miracles... statistically, a miracle is something that has a 1:1,000,000 chance of happening. Statistically, each person witnesses one miracle about every 13 months (IIRC, =1M seconds).

As my clients would say "are you bein' ironical" or did you really pull this from somewhere?

[Avatar]

an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.

Extraordinary events occur all the time. I don't know about them surpassing natural powers...what exactly are natural powers? I don't think, for example, that they defy things like gravity...

If by miracle you simply mean that things we don't understand happen, sure. Things we don't understand happen all the time. That certainly isn't to say that they have supernatural causes though.

--A

[drew]

Many people believe that life itself is the biggest miracle ever.

So on that note; we all witness an ongoing miracle every day.

Although, on a more pessimistic note, they way we try to destroy the very planet that miraculously gave us life, the fact that we, as a species are even alive at all nowadays, it totally a miracle!

[wayfriend]

statistically, a miracle is something that has a 1:1,000,000 chance of happening.

Well, if you're talking about biblical miracles, then I would never confuse a miracle for a very unlikely event. Winning the lottery is not a miracle.

I do see where people WILL use the word miracle for an unlikely event. Doug Flutie's "Miracle in Miami", for instance. Or when a kid cleans his room without being asked, Dad might proclaim, "It's a miracle!".

So that kind of informal use of the term does confuse things.

Yes, I believe in miracles. The must-be-supernatural kind, as well as the very-unlikely kind.

[lorin]

an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.

Extraordinary events occur all the time. I don't know about them surpassing natural powers...what exactly are natural powers? I don't think, for example, that they defy things like gravity...

If by miracle you simply mean that things we don't understand happen, sure. Things we don't understand happen all the time. That certainly isn't to say that they have supernatural causes though.

--A

I think you very eloquently define my question. I wonder if perhaps there are no real miracles, if all miraculous events are simply answers waiting to be discovered.

[lorin]

In my neighborhood, we call 'em "magic".

Ok then, Ali, do you believe in magic?

an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.

Extraordinary events occur all the time. I don't know about them surpassing natural powers...what exactly are natural powers? I don't think, for example, that they defy things like gravity...

If by miracle you simply mean that things we don't understand happen, sure. Things we don't understand happen all the time. That certainly isn't to say that they have supernatural causes though.

--A

I think you very eloquently define my question. I wonder if perhaps there are no real miracles, if all miraculous events are simply answers waiting to be discovered.[/quote]

[aliantha]

In my neighborhood, we call 'em "magic".

Ok then, Ali, do you believe in magic?

Of course. But I also think Av has the right of it -- a lot of what we consider miracles/magic is just the Universe doing what it does, and us not understanding how it all works. Maybe in time we will. But I do believe that everything's connected.