The evidence for miracles is probably stronger than you think. The Apostle Paul said the kingdom of God was not a matter of talk but power. (I Cor. 4:20).  In other words, the Kingdom is not merely a theological proposition but a realm in which the power of God is manifested.

Proof as the Basis for Belief in the Supernatural

I firmly believe in miracles, and I’m not talking about the I-lost-my-keys-prayed-and-found-them type. I’m talking about healings from incurable diseases, people being instantaneously set free from drug addictions and the like. I believe in such things because of what I’ve witnessed, the testimony of others who have witnessed miracles, and the testimony of the Bible. I believe because of the proof of the supernatural.

As an experienced trial attorney who makes his living in the rules of evidence, I don’t think it arrogant to suggest I know something about evidence. I also like to believe I’m a rational person. It’s surprising to me then that Christians are so often accused of believing in miracles because of their dogma, while materialists’ disbelief is assumed to be based on reason.  

Materialist Rejection of Evidence and Reliance on Dogma

Nothing could be further from the truth. As G.K. Chesterton has noted, Christians believe in miracles because of the testimony of persons who have witnessed them throughout history. In other words, Christian belief is based on the evidence for miracles. Materialists disbelieve in miracles because their materialist dogma prohibits it.

Ask a materialist why he disbelieves the testimony of persons who have witnessed miracles, and he will say those persons are not credible. Ask why he believes those persons are not credible, and he will answer, “Because miracles are not possible.” His objection to miracles does not spring from evidence or the lack of it but from his a priori belief against them. Chesterton said it like this, “It is we Christians who accept all actual evidence–it is you rationalists who refuse actual evidence being constrained to do so by your creed.”

I’m glad I’ve thrown my lot in with those who are open-minded. GS