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5 Dec 2025

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AQA Religious Studies: Understanding Miracles

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Poppy

@poppy_vyjp

Miracles have sparked endless debate between believers and sceptics for... Show more

Miracles:
Realism:
is the view that we can have knowledge of objective reality.
regard miracles as objective (mind-independent) events that

Understanding Miracles: Three Key Perspectives

Realism treats miracles as genuine, objective events caused by God's direct intervention in the world. Realists believe these are real occurrences where God breaks or suspends natural laws to achieve specific purposes. Think of biblical stories like Moses parting the Red Sea, or modern examples like the church choir that avoided a deadly explosion because everyone arrived late.

The major problem with this view is the "selectivity issue" - if God can save some people through miraculous intervention, why doesn't he save everyone? This raises uncomfortable questions about divine justice and the problem of evil.

Anti-realism takes a completely different approach, focusing on the meaning and significance of miraculous events rather than whether they actually happened. Anti-realists argue we can't truly know if miracles are "real" in an objective sense, so we should concentrate on their psychological and spiritual impact instead.

Theologians like Tillich and Hick support this view, suggesting miracles are ordinary events interpreted through the "eye of faith." A sunset becomes miraculous not because it defies physics, but because it inspires awe and connects us to something greater.

Key Point: The realism vs anti-realism debate isn't just about miracles - it reflects fundamental disagreements about the nature of reality and religious knowledge.

Miracles:
Realism:
is the view that we can have knowledge of objective reality.
regard miracles as objective (mind-independent) events that

Hume's Challenge and Wiles' Alternative

David Hume launched the most famous attack on miracles, arguing from his empiricist perspective that we should never believe miracle claims. His logic is brutally simple: miracles violate natural laws, making them maximally improbable events. Since witnesses can lie or be mistaken, it's always more likely that testimony is false than that a miracle actually occurred.

Hume also pointed out psychological factors - miracle stories often come from "ignorant and barbarous people" with poor education. Plus, if every religion claims miracles, they can't all be right, can they?

Maurice Wiles offers a different critique entirely. As a Christian theologian, he doesn't reject miracles because they're scientifically impossible, but because they're morally problematic. If God can intervene selectively to help some people but not others, this creates serious questions about divine justice and goodness.

Wiles argues that God's only miracle was creation itself. After that, God allows the universe to operate according to natural laws without interference. This preserves both scientific understanding and moral consistency, though it challenges traditional Christian beliefs about biblical miracles.

Remember: These debates aren't just academic - they affect how believers understand prayer, divine action, and the relationship between faith and reason in the modern world.



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Basil

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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Religious Studies

318

5 Dec 2025

2 pages

AQA Religious Studies: Understanding Miracles

user profile picture

Poppy

@poppy_vyjp

Miracles have sparked endless debate between believers and sceptics for centuries. Whether you see them as genuine divine interventions or simply meaningful personal experiences depends on your philosophical outlook and understanding of how the world works.

Miracles:
Realism:
is the view that we can have knowledge of objective reality.
regard miracles as objective (mind-independent) events that

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Join milions of students

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Understanding Miracles: Three Key Perspectives

Realism treats miracles as genuine, objective events caused by God's direct intervention in the world. Realists believe these are real occurrences where God breaks or suspends natural laws to achieve specific purposes. Think of biblical stories like Moses parting the Red Sea, or modern examples like the church choir that avoided a deadly explosion because everyone arrived late.

The major problem with this view is the "selectivity issue" - if God can save some people through miraculous intervention, why doesn't he save everyone? This raises uncomfortable questions about divine justice and the problem of evil.

Anti-realism takes a completely different approach, focusing on the meaning and significance of miraculous events rather than whether they actually happened. Anti-realists argue we can't truly know if miracles are "real" in an objective sense, so we should concentrate on their psychological and spiritual impact instead.

Theologians like Tillich and Hick support this view, suggesting miracles are ordinary events interpreted through the "eye of faith." A sunset becomes miraculous not because it defies physics, but because it inspires awe and connects us to something greater.

Key Point: The realism vs anti-realism debate isn't just about miracles - it reflects fundamental disagreements about the nature of reality and religious knowledge.

Miracles:
Realism:
is the view that we can have knowledge of objective reality.
regard miracles as objective (mind-independent) events that

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Hume's Challenge and Wiles' Alternative

David Hume launched the most famous attack on miracles, arguing from his empiricist perspective that we should never believe miracle claims. His logic is brutally simple: miracles violate natural laws, making them maximally improbable events. Since witnesses can lie or be mistaken, it's always more likely that testimony is false than that a miracle actually occurred.

Hume also pointed out psychological factors - miracle stories often come from "ignorant and barbarous people" with poor education. Plus, if every religion claims miracles, they can't all be right, can they?

Maurice Wiles offers a different critique entirely. As a Christian theologian, he doesn't reject miracles because they're scientifically impossible, but because they're morally problematic. If God can intervene selectively to help some people but not others, this creates serious questions about divine justice and goodness.

Wiles argues that God's only miracle was creation itself. After that, God allows the universe to operate according to natural laws without interference. This preserves both scientific understanding and moral consistency, though it challenges traditional Christian beliefs about biblical miracles.

Remember: These debates aren't just academic - they affect how believers understand prayer, divine action, and the relationship between faith and reason in the modern world.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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Is Knowunity really free of charge?

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Most popular content in Religious Studies

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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

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4.8/5

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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user