The Book of Miracles: The Meaning of the Miracle Stories in Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam

by Kenneth L. Woodward

For the first time in a single volume, Kenneth Woodward presents both the familiar and more obscure miracle stories of the great saints, sages, and spiritual masters of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam -- and explains their meaning in the context of the sacred scriptures of each tradition. The Book of Miracles charts a journey from ancient to modern -- from the Prophet Muhammad's healing of the sick and the workings of Moses, Elijah, and Elisha to those of the Lubavitcher rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson and the female Hindu sat guru Ammachi. In bringing together stories of the Talmudic wonder-workers, the first Christian hermits, early Sufi mystics, Muslim ascetics and martyrs, and the most revered Hindu and Buddhist saints, Woodward illuminates both the striking similarities and significant differences in each tradition's understanding of the miraculous.

Genres: Religion, Theology

432 pages, Paperback

First published July 10, 2001

Reviews

[Dithsisit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read!

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible book. I've been fascinated for quite some time with other religions and whether or not miracles happen outside of Christianity. After reading this book, I was amazed to see the devotion of individuals to their faith and just as amazing, how they performed miracles to "their" god, by simply asking. It's interesting to hear christians claim that God only works for the good of those who believe in the "son" that died and rose again, yet there are so many individuals that don't believe this and still claim to have a personal relationship with their God. God (or the divine) seems to work in all of our lives, whether Christian, buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism or Islam. It almost seems to me, that the creator has made himself known to his creation and we are all doing what we can to honor the divine and are rewarded for our devotion. It almost seems as though, God doesn't care what you call him. He's not picky with the name that you give him. Allah, Vishnu, Nirvana, God - Whatever. The divine loves his creation and is willing to intervene as needed.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Analysis of miracle stories across religions, how they intersect and how they differ. Fairly objective and free of judgment. Interesting interpretation, will likely be nice to refer to here and there - so I could see coming back to it.

[Dodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting survey of miracles in the major religions. Placing in the miracles in the context of the faith is very helpful.