IS IT RATIONAL TO BELIEVES IN MIRACLES?

facilitated by Prof. Anselm Ramelow, O.P.

Can we study science at a modern university and believe in miracles at the same time? Modern people, including believers, can be embarrassed by miracles, fearing to be accused of superstition or unwarranted credulity. Can it be ever rational to believe in miracles? We will read two texts, considering questions such as: What are miracles? Can they violate laws of nature? How can we know that they have occurred? What do they tell us about God, about the world and ourselves? 

This is a two-session seminar open to students, recent graduates (within 3 years of graduating) and faculty. Copies of reading will be provided to participants.

Date: Thursdays, September 19 and 26, 2024

Time: 5:30-7:00PM

Location: Berkeley Institute (2134 Allston Way, 2nd floor)

Required Reading:

Session 1: "The Cardinal Difficulty of Naturalism," excerpted from C. S. Lewis's Miracles.

Session 2: "Is it Rational to Believe in Miracles?" by Prof. Anselm Ramelow, O.P.

  • Prof. Anselm Ramelow, O.P.

    Anselm Ramelow is a professor of Philosophy and Philosophy Department Chair at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, friar of the Order of Preachers, and a member of the Core Doctoral Faculty at the Graduate Theological Union. He is a Senior Fellow of the Berkeley Institute.