miracles play a huge part in orthodox christianity. in fact, miracles are so important, that they are the adjusting factor to accept or deny god. people either believe in miracles so they become christians or they don't believe in miracles and they reject christianity. are miracles real? do we need miracles in our lives?
I don't think miracles are the defining factor in people joining a religion. People join religion because their lives aren't working. Because they want to find answers. Not because "Oh, I have more miracles in my religion than you."
What Do the World’s Religions Say About Miracles?
Miracles are a way of addressing the transcendent in action, but also explaining the faith. But miracles alone are a magic trick. Far more important are the miracles of a life properly lived.
If I say, "I've got all the answers," yet I go around stealing from people and killing in the name of my faith, and I lie to everyone about my religion, my life is a mess and I have issues. I should address those before selling my religion as some miracle cure.
I am currently a Christian, but I'm having serious misgivings for its "love your neighbor at all costs" mentality.
One should try to reach out and help all people near to you. If they in turn react with theft, murder, or exploiting your kindness, you should be able to set
boundaries and defend yourself. Ideally, this would not result in you badly hurting or killing them. But Christianity has managed to render itself impotent by declaring its followers love terrorists, thugs, or other riffraff.
If the world demands that we submit to terror, we do have a right to demand instead that it transform. That mafia, terrorists, and rapists actually work to improve themselves.
Yes, you should love sinners. Sinners are the pathetic and flawed. Yes, you should even try to love those who hurt you. Yes, you should see grace of all human beings who you encounter, and not lose trust. But those who see your willingness to forgive their faults as a weakness, however, can go **** themselves. Even if I don't judge them, may God see what they have done in response to letting the matter drop.
You may ask, "What does this have to do with miracles?" It has to do with miracles not being enough. With the true test of religion being about how one's life is lived. How well the model works. I remember trying earnestly to treat other people the way I wanted to be treated, because I wanted to be treated well. I was selfish, but that's what I wanted. Instead I got used and abused. It wasn't until I learned about boundaries, that one has to try to treat oneself well, that my life became manageable. It's a litmus test. Miracles don't make a religion, having it work for you does.
