"Miracles Today" (Craig S. Keener)

TITLE: Miracles Today: The Supernatural Work of God in the Modern World
AUTHOR: Craig S. Keener
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2021, (256 pages).
 

Miracles have always stumped people, both believers, and unbelievers alike. Both theists and atheists have been at opposing ends of the spectrum. The former maintains reasonable faith that does not contradict science. The latter insists that faith and science are incompatible. Author and professor Craig Keener is familiar with such arguments. From his wide interactions with atheists and unbelievers who are skeptical of the Christian gospel and the reality of miracles, the root of the problem is not the miracles per se, but the underlying philosophies stubbornly maintained. Such a mindset often leaves no room for things that are out of the ordinary or unexplained by science. Keener helps us understand the scope of science and the place of philosophy. Both should not be mutually exclusive. Part One is a foundational section on how we can think about miracles and supernatural happenings around the world. Having personally seen and experienced the presence of miracles in his life, the author is particularly keen on debunking David Hume's absolute disqualification of miracles. After helping us think through the "God vs Nature" debates and the presence of "credible witnesses," Keener gives us copious examples of eyewitness testimonies and the frequency of miracles. While it is interesting that many of these witnesses happen to be among Pentecostal and charismatic circles, it is quite eye-opening to have medical professionals trained in their respective specializations admit to supernatural interventions. Many of these testimonies could be found in the author's earlier and larger volume called "Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts," published in 2011. In fact, that could arguably be Keener's magnum opus, going by the awards and recognition it has garnered so far. This book updates and supplements that compendium. 

After addressing David Hume's key objections, Keener turns to the credibility of witnesses, that while some might prove too anecdotal for academic assurance, it is compelling that many of these witnesses had been trained professionals, educated academics, and top scientists. We read about testimonies regarding healing and unexplained supernatural incidents. We also read about the tests and verifications conducted to authenticate these events. One thing is clear. While we can quickly debunk some of them, it is yet another to try to dismiss all of them! After all, there are still many mysteries in this world that defy common understanding. The author also dives into New Testament accounts of miracles and draw some comparisons with modern-day occurrences. Couple with stories of people and nature miracles, we have in one volume a powerful set of stories to open our minds and hearts to the working of the supernatural in our natural world. Keener then concludes with some helpful ways to think about non-miracles, non-healing, and when God doesn't seem to answer our prayers.

My Thoughts

Let me offer three thoughts about this book. First, this book can be a unique resource for doing apologetics. Several decades ago, one of the most eloquent philosophers named CS Lewis wrote about miracles, having experienced how his sick wife incredibly recovered from illness and gave him three of his best years of togetherness with her. A crucial line of thought he gives us is this: "I use the word miracle to mean an interference with Nature by supernatural power." In doing so, Lewis helps us the place of both Naturalist and the Supernaturalist, that they do not necessarily contradict each other. In that sense, nature can be filled with miracles even when they defy science or rational thought. Just like Lewis, Craig Keener introduces himself as a former atheist who had become a man of faith. He realizes that many atheists often are as closed-minded as their accusations about people of faith being dogmatic in what they believe in.  Like Lewis, Keener uses this book as a form of apologetics, first to defend the reality of miracles, and second, the reasonableness of faith. 

Second, for believers who are skeptical or unable to make rational sense about miracles, this book gives a balanced approach on how or what to think about supernatural events. Written with academic credentials and honest wrestling with things both natural and supernatural, Kenner has given us a compelling book to help us approach miracles with a humble heart. We ought to be open about miracles happening not only in this world but also in our own personal lives as well. Be careful not to let our intellect and academic pursuits lead us down the spiral of unbelief and denial. If there is any reason to be optimistic about good things happening in life, this book supplies many instances. 

Finally, books that affirm God's work in this world encourage us in ways that philosophy and the sciences cannot do. There is a place for scientific discoveries and also a space for contemplation of the divine. Science does not have all the answers to life simply because there are many things that exist within the domain of mysteries. Philosophies too can be fleeting. Just because we cannot explain something does not give us the right to dismiss the occurrence. Faith not only fills in the gap, but it can also give rise to hope. In this book, we have ample reasons to hope even in the midst of hopeless situations. Perhaps, for the stubborn naysayers, Matthew 13:58 gives us a gentle reminder, that Jesus "did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith." Thus, believers should not be surprised with atheists and skeptics refuse to entertain any possibility of miracles or acts from a supernatural origin.

Craig S. Keener (PhD, Duke University) is F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and writes regularly at www.craigkeener.com. He served as the 2020 president of the Evangelical Theological Society and is the author of thirty books, including a four-volume commentary on Acts and commentaries on Matthew, John, Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, 1 Peter, and Revelation.

Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.

conrade

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This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Academic and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.