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THE FUNCTION OF THE MIRACLE
As popularly regarded, the miracle is a supernatural occurance, or at least an experience beyond the scope of ordinary known natural causes. Current theology gives it a more restricted meaning by considering it to be an incident in the so-called natural world, but not according to the natural order; an event rendered possible and explicable only because of the intervention and application of deific power. According to Hodge, it is "(1) an event occurring in the physical world, capable of being discerned and discriminated by the bodily senses of human witnesses; (2) of such a character that it can be referred to no other cause than the immediate volition of God; (3) accompanying a religious teacher, and designed to authenticate his divine commission and the truth of his message" (Outlines of Theology).
For the phrase "the immediate volition of God," the Christian Scientist would substitute, "the normal activity of divine law," but aside from this, every thinker will do well to consider carefully this definition. Moses certainly authenticated his "divine commission and the truth of his message" by the performance of wonders which, while discernible "by the bodily senses of human witnesses," could not rationally be referred to any other than the immediate activity of divine law. Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, and other of the prophets established their right to be considered as God's messengers by performing various wonders which human witnesses of their times could perceive in the ordinary way. In similar ways, Jesus, his disciples, and their followers gave evidence of their divine commission and the truth of their message.

January 20, 1912 issue
View Issue-
THE FUNCTION OF THE MIRACLE
M. G. KAINS, M.S.
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LEGITIMATE PROGRESS
HELEN FRIEND-ROBINSON.
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TRUE LOVE
EDMUND K. GOLDSBOROUGH, Jr.
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"DRAW NEARER TO GOD"
FLORENCE HOWELL JOHNSON.
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IGNORING VERSUS DENYING
ROBERT N. ROSS.
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EVIL'S UNREALITY
JAMES WARDLE.
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It is quite likely that there were humorists in the time of...
George Shaw Cook
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It is an extraordinary fact that gentlemen who usually...
Frederick Dixon
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According to report the clergyman offered his tribute...
William J. Bonin
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"WHICH GIVETH US THE VICTORY"
Archibald McLellan
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SPIRITUAL WORSHIP
Annie M. Knott
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THE CHRISTIAN GENTLE-MAN
John B. Willis
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THE LECTURES
with contributions from Frank B. Homans, Troy L. Davis, Richard P. Verrall, Grant E. Mouser, Wellington D. Rankin, Guy Leroy Stevick, F. A. Turner
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On my way home from a Thanksgiving service I particularly...
Cecile Lorraine with contributions from Cornelis van Rennes, A. F. van Rennes, Sr., Editor, J. E. van der Meulen
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Moved by a genuine spirit of gratitude to Christian Science...
Francis E. Gazzola
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Sincere gratitude impels me to express the joy I feel for...
Frau Hedwig Worreschk
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Before I became interested in Christian Science I had...
Virginia A. Wolfe
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May I be permitted from this most westerly port in...
C. J. Waddington
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CONSCIOUSNESS
ALICE HARRIMAN
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FROM OUR EXCHANGES
with contributions from Thomas Phillips, Andrew Gillies