Miracles and Supernatural Religion

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26397

Title

Miracles and Supernatural Religion

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

James Morris Whiton redefines miracles not as violations of nature, but as extraordinary manifestations of life's power. This theological work argues that true supernatural religion lies in moral development rather than physical marvels, offering a rational defense of faith that aligns with modern scientific understanding and addresses contemporary skepticism.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Miracles and Supernatural Religion*, James Morris Whiton challenges the traditional theological assertion that miracles are interruptions of natural law. Drawing on contemporary advancements in psychology and science, Whiton argues that many biblical events historically classified as miraculous, such as healings and resurrections, can be understood as natural phenomena that simply transcended the limited knowledge of the time. He posits that the term 'miracle' is provisional; as humanity masters nature's secrets, the list of accepted miracles will inevitably shrink, with events once deemed supernatural eventually being transferred to the domain of history. Whiton distinguishes between 'lower, embryonic religions' and a 'higher, adult spiritual religion.' He asserts that the validity of Christianity does not rest on the historical verification of physical prodigies but on its capacity to generate superior moral development. The true supernatural, he contends, is spiritual rather than physical. It is found in the moral character and divine ideals revealed by Jesus, which transcend the material order. The text addresses the specific issue of resurrections, suggesting that cases like the raising of the widow's son or Lazarus may have been instances of premature burial or psychical resuscitation rather than violations of natural law. Whiton argues that the character of any revelation is determined by its contents—the spiritual truths it imparts—rather than the physical circumstances of its delivery. He rejects the fallacy of pointing to physical marvels as the essential characteristic of supernatural revelation. Instead, he elevates the moral nature as supernatural to the physical. Ultimately, Whiton seeks to reconcile faith with science, removing the antagonism between theology and modern thought. He envisions a future where the distinction between natural and supernatural becomes obsolete as human spiritual nature matures. Until that spiritual maturity is achieved, however, the core truth of a supernatural revelation in the realm of spirit remains humanity's ultimate inheritance, serving as the foundation for moral progress rather than physical wonder.

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Categories

• Religion
• Science