Topics in Comparative Religion (379-0-24)

Topic

Miracles

Instructors

Richard Kieckhefer
491-2614
1860 Campus Drive, Crowe Hall # 4-141

Meeting Info

Parkes Hall 212: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

The concept of miracles is fully developed in Christianity, beginning with the miracles of Christ himself and extending to the miracles associated with saints and their shrines, as well as faith-healing in religious revivals. How the category of "miracle" applies in other religious traditions is subject for discussion, but spontaneous cures and other exceptional phenomena are reported in nearly all religious traditions. This class will explore the different forms and conceptions of these phenomena in cross-cultural perspective. It will also ask about the implications of miracle reports for an understanding of disease, health, and experience of the supernatural.

Learning Objectives

Focus will be on the relationship between Christian origins and later developments.

Teaching Method

Class Materials (Required)

David L. Weddle, Miracles: Wonder and Meanings in World Religions (New York: New York University Press, 2010) - online access available through the Northwestern library catalogue. Plus a reading packet that will be posted on Canvas.

Class Attributes

Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
Ethics & Values Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-Registration -- Reserved for Religion students.