Miracles and Religious Experience

    WJEC
    GCSE

    This study area necessitates a rigorous examination of the epistemological and ontological status of miracles and religious experiences. Candidates must evaluate competing definitions, ranging from Hume's 'violation of natural law' to Holland's 'contingency miracles', and analyze the typology of religious experience (mystical, numinous, conversion). Central to this unit is the assessment of arguments for the existence of God based on these phenomena, specifically Swinburne's Principles of Credulity and Testimony, weighed against challenges from science, psychology, and the problem of evil.

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Definition of Miracle: A transgression of a law of nature by a particular volition of the Deity (Hume).
    • Key Event: The Resurrection of Jesus (central miracle of Christianity).
    • Key Location: Lourdes (Bernadette Soubirous, 69/70 confirmed miracles).
    • Key Concept: Interventionist God (Theism) vs Non-interventionist (Deism).
    • Key Figure: David Hume (Skepticism regarding testimony of miracles).

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have described the miracle well; now explain what this teaches a believer about the nature of God."
    • "Include a specific quote or reference to a sacred text to support this point for higher AO1 marks."
    • "Your evaluation is one-sided; you must consider the skeptic's or non-literalist's view to access the top band."
    • "Explicitly state your judgment in the conclusion—do the arguments for miracles outweigh the scientific challenges?"

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for precise definitions distinguishing between 'violation of natural law' and 'coincidence' (Holland).
    • Credit specific scriptural references (e.g., Jesus healing the paralytic, the Resurrection) rather than generic mentions.
    • Candidates must link miracles to the attributes of God: Omnipotence (power to intervene) and Benevolence (desire to help).
    • In evaluation (AO2), reward responses that contrast realist views (miracles literally happen) with anti-realist/symbolic views.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡For 'Explain' questions, use the P.E.E.L. structure: Point, Evidence (SoA), Explain, Link back to the question.
    • 💡In 'Discuss' (15 mark) questions, ensure you offer a justified conclusion, not just a summary of views.
    • 💡Memorise two contrasting quotes regarding miracles (e.g., 'With God all things are possible' vs scientific skepticism).
    • 💡Allocate 20 minutes strictly to the 15-mark 'Discuss' question to ensure depth of analysis.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Defining miracles merely as 'something good happening' without reference to divine agency or natural laws.
    • Failing to include specific Sources of Wisdom and Authority (SoA) in 'Discuss' questions.
    • Confusing the concept of 'miracle' with general 'religious experience' (e.g., prayer or conversion) without distinction.

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    What is
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    Outline

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