ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses whether a miracle has to involve an interruption to a law of nature. Miracles are interventions in the normal course or nature from 'outside'. They are like the 'interventions' of a new planet upon the courses of the others though a new planet is part of nature. Miracles have to be purposive. Spiritual welfare is one thing and surviving the death of one's body another. Hence it seems that the truth of Christ's spiritual teaching ought to be independent of the occurrence of the resurrection. The ascension, Christ's being taken up into heaven, must have been another miracle. A world in which there were concealed 'miracles' which both display purpose and have natural causes is possible. Believing in a God who works miracles, as opposed to one that can be contemplated but does not interfere with nature, is involves accepting factual beliefs which ought to be investigated rather than accepted.
