Miracles

October 1, 2014
Biographer and cultural commentator Metaxas (Seven Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness, 2013, etc.) addresses the concept of the miraculous in a work both intellectual and personal in approach.Early on, the author notes that miracles "point to something beyond themselves," (namely, God) and that "a miracle is something that really only happens in context." Furthermore, "When God pokes into our world through the miraculous, he is communicating with us." With these parameters in mind, Metaxas sets about the task of strengthening believers' understanding of miracles and, if not convincing nonbelievers, at least causing such readers to seriously consider his points. He begins with an exploration of life itself, concluding that humanity's very existence is miraculous and beyond statistical probability. Metaxas gives science its due, respecting its methods and accepting such assumptions as the Big Bang. However, he notes that the existence of life on Earth is dependent upon a complex set of variables which, seen objectively, cannot be scientifically and mathematically explained away. Metaxas goes on to discuss miracles from a Christian, biblical perspective, concluding the first half of his work with the fundamental Christian miracle, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. What Metaxas does next is intriguing. He presents a number of miracle stories, but instead of drawing upon historical or famous sources, he includes only stories from individuals he knows personally. The effect is to demonstrate that a wide range of miracles-or at least unexplainable happenings-can occur even among one person's own circle of acquaintances. These stories, ranging from healings to visions, make the concept of the miraculous more real and personal. Metaxas cannot be said to have written a definitive work, nor did he set out to do so. However, he has taken a difficult and often controversial topic and presented it with clarity. Both erudite and intimate, Metaxas invites even the scoffer to wonder.

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October 15, 2014

Metaxas (host, "100 Huntley Street;" Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy) is best known for his biographies of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and William Wilberforce. Here the author focuses on miracles and their contemporary significance. His account falls into the category of apologetic writings, with its defense of miracles leading to an argument for the reality and activity of God. The first part of the book addresses such topics as a definition of miracles, the possibility of belief in them, miracles in light of science, biblical examples of miracles, and the Resurrection as a central miracle. The second part, comprising most of the work's content, is devoted to actual instances of the supernatural. Metaxas only includes accounts he has heard from personal acquaintances. Various kinds of miracles are discussed, such as those related to conversion, inner healing, and angels. People of faith will likely be inspired by this book; it is uncertain whether others will be significantly influenced. VERDICT An alluring read but narrowly targeted toward those interested in the history of Christian apologetics and miracles.--John Jaeger, Dallas Baptist Univ. Lib.

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