Thursday, November 07, 2013

Same product, different label


Cessationists draw a hard and fast distinction between providence and miracle. There's some basis for that distinction. Providential and miraculous events are frequently distinct. So that's a valid distinction in principle. And it's often a valid distinction in practice.

There are, however, times when it breaks down. And there are times when that a priori distinction is imposed on events rather than derived from events. Let's take two scenarios:

1) A Christian is dying of terminal cancer. He has stage-4 liver cancer. 

A "faith-healer," who has "the gift of healing," lays hands on him and prays over him. A week later, the cancer is gone.

Cessationists exclaim: "That's miraculous!"

2) A Christian is dying of terminal cancer. He has stage-4 liver cancer. 

He calls for the elders of the church. They anoint him with oil in Jesus' name and pray over him in faith. A week later, the cancer is gone.

Cessationists exclaim: "That's not miraculous. That's providential. A remarkable providence!"

Same patient. Same cancer. Same result. But these are said to be categorically different. Providential–even extraordinary, but not a miracle.

What's that if not a rhetorical shell-game? 

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