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Supernatural Religion, Vol. 3 (of 3): An Inquiry into the Reality of Divine Revelation
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More by Walter Richard Cassels
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A clearer way to understand Supernatural Religion, Vol. 3 (of 3): An Inquiry into the Reality of Divine Revelation through themes, characters, and key ideas
This reading guide highlights what stands out in Supernatural Religion, Vol. 3 (of 3): An Inquiry into the Reality of Divine Revelation through 4 core themes, 2 character profiles. It is meant to help readers decide whether the book fits their taste and deepen the reading once they begin.
About this book
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What the book is doing
Walter Richard Cassels's "Supernatural Religion, Vol. 3 (of 3)" is a meticulous late 19th-century analytical treatise that critically examines the validity of divine revelation, specifically scrutinizing the miraculous events and claims presented in the Acts of the Apostles. Cassels employs a rigorous historical-critical methodology to assess the authenticity of these extraordinary accounts, demanding a high standard of external and internal evidence. The work delves into the historical and theological arguments surrounding early Christianity, ultimately questioning the credibility of narratives heavily reliant on supernatural occurrences due to their inherently incredible nature and the paucity of independent historical corroboration prior to the second century. It stands as a significant contribution to 19th-century biblical criticism and the broader intellectual debate on faith and reason.
Key Themes
The Nature of Divine Revelation
This is the core theme of the entire "Supernatural Religion" series. Cassels critically examines what constitutes divine revelation and how its claims can be validated. He challenges the notion that miraculous events inherently signify divine intervention, arguing instead that such claims must withstand rigorous historical and rational scrutiny. The book probes whether faith-based acceptance of revelation is sufficient or if empirical evidence is paramount.
The Credibility of Miracles
This is the primary specific focus of Vol. 3. Cassels undertakes a comprehensive and skeptical examination of the miraculous events described in the Acts of the Apostles. He questions not only the historical occurrence of these miracles but also the very concept of a credible miracle, particularly when reported long after the alleged event and without independent, verifiable testimony. He frames miracles as inherently incredible events that require exceptional proof.
“The inherently incredible nature of miraculous claims demands a standard of evidence far exceeding that required for ordinary historical events.”
What constitutes sufficient evidence for a miraculous claim, according to Cassels, and do you agree with this standard?
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