E-Seminar: The miracle narratives in both the Old and New Testaments

How are we to understand the miracle narratives in the Gospel? How much importance should be placed on miraculous intervention? Why was Christ sometimes portrayed as reluctantly being pulled-in to performing miracles? These questions will form the backdrop for the discussion in this course. Together, we will study the miracle narratives in both the Old and New Testaments, especially in the Gospels, in order to explore how we can better understand the question of the supernatural and its expression in the lives of believers.

One of the most intriguing and challenging aspects of biblical literature is the presence of miracles. These supernatural events, often defying natural laws and human expectations, are central to many key biblical narratives. Yet they also raise important questions: How are we to understand the miracle stories found in the Bible, particularly those in the Gospels? What theological, historical, and literary purposes do these miracles serve? How much weight should we place on miraculous intervention in our reading of Scripture, and in our contemporary understanding of faith? Why is it that Christ, in several Gospel accounts, appears reluctant or hesitant to perform miracles—only agreeing after insistence or in response to specific conditions?

These questions do not only pertain to biblical studies but touch on broader theological, philosophical, and even pastoral concerns. The goal of this course is to provide a rigorous and thoughtful space in which these questions can be explored critically and respectfully. Students will engage deeply with the miracle narratives found throughout the Bible—with a particular emphasis on the New Testament and the Gospels—to gain insight into the nature of the miraculous, the intention behind these narratives, and their implications for both ancient and modern readers.

Course Framework and Methodology

Throughout the seminar, students will be encouraged to think critically about the concept of miracles—not only as isolated, wondrous events, but as theological statements embedded within specific literary and historical contexts. Rather than approaching miracles solely from a devotional or apologetic standpoint, the course will invite students to develop a scholarly and analytical approach. This includes asking difficult questions about the plausibility, purpose, and interpretation of such events, and examining how these stories have been received, understood, and sometimes challenged over the centuries.

Our study will not be limited to the Gospels alone. Although Jesus' miracles occupy a central place in Christian tradition, the roots of miraculous narratives stretch back to the Old Testament. From the parting of the Red Sea to the miracles of Elijah and Elisha, we will examine how the biblical tradition builds a theology of divine intervention and how this tradition evolves over time. A key part of our inquiry will be comparing Old Testament and New Testament miracle narratives to better understand continuity, development, and theological emphasis.

To guide our exploration, we will also draw on the tools of biblical exegesis. Students will be introduced to scientific exegesis and the methodologies that scholars use to interpret Scripture in a systematic and academic manner. This includes understanding literary structures, historical contexts, theological motifs, and textual analysis. These methods will serve as the foundation for the critical study of miracle stories, helping students move beyond surface-level readings to more nuanced and informed interpretations.

Objectives

This course has several interrelated objectives, each aimed at deepening students’ intellectual engagement with Scripture and sharpening their scholarly skills.

1. Developing Critical Thinking and Argumentation:

The first goal of the seminar is to encourage students to think critically about miracles and their function in biblical texts. Rather than accepting or rejecting these narratives outright, students will learn to construct reasoned arguments, consider multiple perspectives, and evaluate interpretations based on evidence and theological coherence. This includes exploring what we mean by “miracle” and how this definition affects our reading of biblical texts.

2. Approaching Miracle Narratives with Rational Inquiry:

The seminar invites students to engage the miracle stories with both faith and reason. Rational inquiry does not mean skepticism in a purely modernist sense; rather, it means approaching the text with honest, rigorous questions. Why did the biblical authors include these stories? How were they understood by their original audiences? What theological message do they convey? By grappling with such questions, students will come to see miracle stories as complex and meaningful rather than simplistic affirmations of divine power.

3. Improving Methodology in Exegesis and Theological Research:

An essential objective is to enhance students’ skills in biblical interpretation. This includes learning how to analyze texts in their original context, evaluate scholarly sources, and apply exegetical techniques. Furthermore, students will be encouraged to situate their interpretations within broader theological frameworks. This training will not only aid in understanding miracles but also serve students in future theological or pastoral work.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the seminar, students will have achieved growth in both knowledge and competence.

Knowledge:

Students will gain a deeper and more systematic understanding of the miracle narratives in both the Old and New Testaments. Special emphasis will be placed on the Gospels, where Jesus' miracles are often closely tied to his identity, mission, and message. In addition, students will learn about the historical-critical and literary methods used in modern biblical scholarship, giving them the tools to interpret texts in a more scholarly and responsible way.

Competence:

Seminars are fundamentally dialogical. This means that students are not passive recipients of information but active participants in a shared inquiry. The course aims to cultivate the ability to build well-reasoned arguments, listen respectfully to differing views, and engage in constructive theological dialogue. Students will be evaluated not only on their individual insights but on their capacity to contribute meaningfully to a communal process of discovery.

Ultimately, this seminar offers an opportunity to explore the supernatural dimensions of biblical faith with both reverence and rigor. Miracles may always contain an element of mystery, but through careful study, we can better understand their role in Scripture and their relevance to contemporary faith. Whether one sees miracles as literal interventions, theological symbols, or narrative devices, this course will offer the tools and space to think deeply and honestly about one of the most enduring and powerful elements of the biblical tradition.