Historians and miracles : the principle of analogy and antecedent probability reconsidered

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Date

Authors

Licona, Michael R. 1961-
Van der Watt, J.G. (Jan Gabriel), 1952-

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Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria

Abstract

Most Biblical scholars and historians hold that the investigation of a miracle report lies outside of the rights of historians acting within their professional capacity. In this article, I challenge this assertion and argue to the contrary: Historians are within their professional rights to investigate miracle claims and to adjudicate on the historicity of the events. I present a positive case for the historian’s right to adjudicate on miracle claims and address two major objections to this conclusion: the principle of analogy and antecedent probability. At times I use the resurrection of Jesus as an example. This is the first of two articles. In the second, I will address three additional common objections: the theological objection, the lack of consensus and miracle claims in multiple religions.

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Keywords

Antecedent probability, Miracle claims

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Licona, MR & Van der Watt, JG 2009, 'Historians and miracles : The principle of analogy and antecedent probability reconsidered', HTS Theological Studies / Teologiese Studies, vol. 65, no. 1, pp. 1-6. [http://www.hts.org.za/index.php/HTS/issue/archive]