The problem of divine action in the world / Joel Archer.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Archer, Joel, author.

Series:

Cambridge elements. Elements in the problems of God, 2754-8724.

Cambridge elements. Elements in the problems of God, 2754-8724

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Miracles.

Providence and government of God.

Providence divine.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (69 pages) : digital, PDF file(s).

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

Cambridge : Cambridge University Press, 2023.

Summary:

The world's major monotheistic religions share the view that God acts in the world. This Element discusses the nature of divine action, with a specific focus on miracles or 'special' divine acts. Miracles are sometimes considered problematic. Some argue that they are theologically untenable or that they violate the laws of nature. Others claim that even if miracles occur, it is never rational to believe in them based on testimony. Still others maintain that miracles are not within the scope of historical investigation. After addressing these objections, the author examines the function of miracles as 'signs' in the New Testament.

Contents:

Cover

Title page

Copyright page

The Problem of Divine Action in the World

Contents

1 Miracles As Special Divine Actions

1.1 Initial Distinctions

1.1.1 Creation

1.1.2 Conservation

1.1.3 Concurrence

1.1.4 Special Divine Action

1.1.5 Providence

1.2 Theological Arguments against Miracles

1.2.1 The Argument from Self-Contradiction

1.2.2 The Argument from Transcendence

1.2.3 The Argument from Free Will

1.2.4 The Argument from Coercion

1.2.5 The Argument from Evil

1.3 Conclusion

2 Science, Metaphysics, and Miracles

2.1 Causal Closure of the Physical

2.2 Conservation of Energy

2.3 Causal Pairing

2.4 Laws of Nature

2.4.1 Regularity Theories

2.4.2 The Exceptionless Generalization View (EGV)

2.4.3 The Best Systems View (BSV)

2.4.4 Second-Order Universals (SOU)

2.4.5 Dispositional Essentialism

2.4.6 Lawless Causal Powers

Summary

2.5 What Are Miracles?

2.6 Conclusion

3 Miracles and Justified Belief

3.1 Hume's Argument

3.2 Hume Reconsidered

3.2.1 Frozen Rivers

3.2.2 Distinguishing Probabilities

3.2.3 Prior Probabilities

3.2.4 The Weight of Evidence

3.3 Conclusion

4 Biblical Miracles: Historiography and Significance

4.1 Miracles and Biblical Scholarship

4.1.1 The Empirical Constraint on Historical Investigation

4.1.2 Miracles and Anachronism

4.2 The Significance of Miracles

4.2.1 Signs of Jesus' Identity

4.2.2 Compassion

4.2.3 Inaugurating the Kingdom of God

4.2.4 Hope for Future Resurrection

4.3 Conclusion

References

Acknowledgments.

Notes:

Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 15 Dec 2023).

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN:

9781009270342

1009270346

9781009270311

1009270311

9781009270328

100927032X

OCLC:

1481792482