Stairwell B, 11 September 2001

Sixteen people survived the collapse of the North Tower of the

Starter
World Trade Centre during the terrorist attack on September 11,
2001. the fact that these people survived when nearly 3000
people died makes many people regard this as a miracle. Others
argue that they survived because they were protected by the
stairwell and ended up near the top of the debris.
What do you think? Was this a miracle?

The Argument from Miracles

Objectives
(1) Examine the argument from miracles for the
existence of God, including its strengths and
weaknesses.
(2) Consider contrasting beliefs on miracles with
reference to religious and non-religious perspectives.
 Progress Indicators
Grade 5 Grade 7 Grade 8
I can explain, I can evaluate I can evaluate a
using some range of
examples, why the evidence different ideas
some people from miracles, about miracles,
believe that weighing up its including
miracles are strengths and religious and
evidence for weaknesses. non-religious
God. ideas.
 What is a Miracle?

As a group, try to come up with a

definition of a miracle.
Good
Which of these are
miracles?
Make two lists in your
book:
‘Miracles’ and ‘Not
miracles’
Better
Explain two examples that
you think are miracles and
two that are not. Give
reasons for your choices.
Best
Choose two of these
examples. For each,
explain reasons why some
people may say that they
are miracles, and some
reasons why they may not.
There are 4 different types of miracles the Jesus performs…
EXAMPLES
Jesus makes a blind man see (John 9)
Jesus cures a leper (Matthew 8)
1) Miracles of healing
 2) Miracles over nature

EXAMPLES
Jesus calms a storm (Mark 4)
Jesus turns water into wine (John 2)
 EXAMPLES
Lazarus (John 11)
3) Raising the dead Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5)
4) Exorcisms

EXAMPLE
Jesus casts out demons in to a herd of pigs
(Matthew 8)
Other important Christian examples:

Lourdes The incarnation The resurrection

Why are miracles important?
What do they show about God?
 Progress Indicators
Grade 5 Grade 7 Grade 8
I can explain, I can evaluate I can evaluate a
using some range of
examples, why the evidence different ideas
some people from miracles, about miracles,
believe that weighing up its including
miracles are strengths and religious and
evidence for weaknesses. non-religious
God. ideas.
R 1. Explain, using examples, why
miracles are important for

R Christians.

2. Read the ‘objections to the

argument from miracles’.
R Summarise three objections,
including that of David Hume.

3. ‘Miracles prove the existence of

R God.’ Evaluate this statement.
Consider contrasting points of

R view and give evidence to

support your points.