A recently released report showed the number of Americans who “definitely believe in religious miracles” increased 22 percent in the past two decades.
That means 55 percent of you believe in some sort of supernatural phenomenon.
Researcher Robert Martin of Pennsylvania State University reported that the increase is across all religious traditions, with the strongest gains being reported by those who attend services infrequently.
The Association of Religious Data Archives analyzes this study here and says we can thank Oprah for this change.
Where do you fall into this. Do you believe in miracles?
Tracy,
I read your post, and the link, with interest. I also got a little humor our of Votaire’s quote about miracles being a “violation of mathmatical, divine, immutable, eternal laws.” Three of those four could be talking of God’s attributes! If He made them then He can “violate” or act from outside those laws, in other words, a miracle! For some reason that just cracked me up. Yes, I believe in miracles because I believe in a God who is outside and above His own creation, and I also believe in what many folks would call miracles that come from the dark side, because God, in His sovereignty has allowed satan enough power to deceive those who won’t acknowledge Him.
Hi Dennis,
Thanks for your response.
I wonder, for this research, what the ‘operational definition’ of “miracle” is and if that would change the results any. Hmm…
That’s a good question. As in most discussion regarding spirituality definition is everything. I went back and read the article again, and in it he used miracle and religious miracle synonymously. I’m sure it would include some reference to an invisible or spiritual aspect interfacing with our material, sensory world. I still, with a smile, would put Votaire’s comment out there as a pretty good definition!
Have a great day!