Philosophy:Miracles/2

Miracles

Exegetical Approaches

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Miracles follow the laws of nature

Miracles don't contradict the laws of nature. Stories of miracles should be explained in ways that match the laws of nature.

Miracles only have miraculous timing

Miracles don't contravene the laws of nature, and can always be explained by physical non-miraculous phenomena. Miracles only appear to be miracles due to fortuitous timing.

Miracles should be understood allegorically

Miracles that contravene the laws of nature did not happen in reality, and stories that speak of them must be understood allegorically as making a moral statement.

Miracles are exceptions to the laws of nature

While laws of nature exist, and Hashem generally does not interfere with them, He occasionally does make exceptions, and causes miracles.

Nature is entirely miraculous

The laws of nature don't contradict miracles. The laws of nature need to be explained in a way that includes miracles.

There are no laws of nature

There are no "laws" of nature, since everything is caused directly by Hashem's will, and may change at His desire.

Miracles are hard-coded into the laws of nature

The laws of nature were pre-designed at creation to include certain exceptions, which are viewed as miracles.

Sources:Mishna AvotAvot 5:6About the Mishna, Bereshit Rabbah5:5-6About Bereshit Rabbah, RambamCommentary on the Mishna Avot 5:6About R. Moshe b. Maimon