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Are biblical miracles just imitations of ancient pagan myths? Dive into this brief scholarly article that scrutinizes the philosophical, historical, and evidential distinctions between biblical miracles and their alleged pagan counterparts. Discover why miracles in the Bible hold a unique status that goes beyond the realm of mere imitation.

Introduction

The claim that biblical miracles are derivative of pagan myths has circulated for quite some time, especially in the academic and popular realms. While it is true that both the Bible and pagan texts contain accounts of supernatural events, the leap from this observation to the claim that the Bible copies from pagan sources is flawed. This article aims to systematically address this contention, illuminating the critical differences between the two and underscoring the unique aspects of biblical miracles.

Philosophical Underpinnings

One of the most glaring differences lies in the underlying philosophical frameworks of biblical and pagan narratives. Pagan mythologies often operate under cyclical views of history. Events are repetitive, looping back in circular motions like the changing seasons. On the other hand, the Judeo-Christian worldview is linear, understanding history as progressing from creation through human history to an ultimate climax—the coming of the Messiah and the establishment of a new heavens and new earth.

Historicity

Another salient difference is that of historicity. While pagan myths like those of Hercules may be embedded in a timeless, ahistorical space, the biblical accounts, especially those of Jesus, are deeply rooted in a historical context. Jesus was a real figure, born in Bethlehem during the reign of Caesar Augustus, ministering in a specific sociopolitical setting. His miracles were not just symbolic tales but events that took place in real-time and were witnessed by real people. Scholars acknowledge that the biblical context is situated within a specific time and place—ancient Palestine—which differed dramatically from the locales where pagan myths were popular.

Nature and Timing of Miracles

The miracles themselves also stand apart in their nature and timing. It’s telling that few, if any, pagan stories both predate New Testament accounts and closely approximate the miracles of Jesus. Those that seem to have similarities often postdate the New Testament, raising the question of who influenced whom. Moreover, the Bible’s miracles often serve to illustrate theological or ethical principles and affirm the divinity and messianic identity of Jesus. In contrast, pagan miracles are often feats of strength or displays of prowess, devoid of the moral and spiritual context found in Scripture.

The Resurrection

When it comes to the resurrection of Jesus, the argument for pagan influence collapses entirely. While there may be myths of gods or heroes dying and coming back to life in some form, these stories lack the historical anchoring and eyewitness testimony we find in the New Testament. The apostle Paul, a highly educated man and a former skeptic affirms that he and many others witnessed the risen Jesus. The conviction that led many, including Paul and James, to willingly face death cannot be explained away as an adaptation of pagan myths.

Scholarly Consensus

It’s worth noting that a majority of contemporary scholars, irrespective of their religious affiliations, accept that Jesus performed deeds that they would classify as ‘miracles’ or ‘exorcisms.’ This recognition adds an additional layer of credibility to the biblical accounts.

Conclusion

In summary, while superficial similarities between biblical and pagan miracles may exist, these do not warrant the conclusion that the former are adaptations or imitations of the latter. The differences in philosophical underpinnings, historicity, nature, and timing of the miracles, as well as the unique context of the biblical miracles, all point to their distinctiveness. Furthermore, the early and credible eyewitness accounts provide robust evidence for the historical reality of Jesus’ miracles, especially His resurrection. Therefore, the claim that biblical miracles are borrowed from pagan myths is not only intellectually untenable but also overlooks the profound depth and historical grounding that characterize these miraculous events in Scripture.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).