How can we tell the difference between miracle and coincidence?

[TheSkepticChristian]

Coincidences and rare events happen every day, all the time.

1.  On September 6, 2009 a lottery in Bulgaria randomly selected as the winning numbers 4, 15, 23, 24, 35, 42. Just four days later the same Bulgarian lottery randomly selected the same winning numbers. The national sports minister launched an investigation, but found no evidence of tampering; investigators concluded repetition was mere chance.  

2. Roy Sullivan survived seven different strikes by lightning, he was struck in 1942, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1976 and 1977.

 3. In 1972, 27 people survived a plan crash in the Andes Mountains. 

4. Last minute interception gives Patriots Super Bowl victory. Miracles happen in sports

A book The Improbability Principle: Why Coincidences, Miracles, and Rare Events Happen Every Day by David J. Hand explains why extraordinary coincidences happen to all of us all the time. Some coincidences get our attention because our brains only select the interesting coincidences, but ignore or forget about the coincides that are not important. We tend to ignore evidence that does not support our theories, emphasizing only that which does. We can also cherry-pick our data. Finally, it is also easy to predict something after it has happened.   

So my question is, how can I tell the difference between a miracle from God and coincidence?  

Edited December 31, 2015 by TheSkepticChristian

[CV75]

4 hours ago, TheSkepticChristian said:

Coincidences and rare events happen every day, all the time.

1.  On September 6, 2009 a lottery in Bulgaria randomly selected as the winning numbers 4, 15, 23, 24, 35, 42. Just four days later the same Bulgarian lottery randomly selected the same winning numbers. The national sports minister launched an investigation, but found no evidence of tampering; investigators concluded repetition was mere chance.  

2. Roy Sullivan survived seven different strikes by lightning, he was struck in 1942, 1969, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1976 and 1977.

 3. In 1972, 27 people survived a plan crash in the Andes Mountains. 

A book The Improbability Principle: Why Coincidences, Miracles, and Rare Events Happen Every Day by David J. Hand explains why extraordinary coincidences happen to all of us all the time. Some coincidences get our attention because our brains only select the interesting coincidences, but ignore or forget about the coincides that are not important. We tend to ignore evidence that does not support our theories, emphasizing only that which does. We can also cherry-pick our data. Finally, it is also easy to predict something after it has happened.   

So my question is, how can I tell the difference between a miracle from God and coincidence?  

 

By being grateful to Him for either.

[Ahab]

I think most people differentiate a coincidence from a miracle by defining a coincidence as something that God didn't/doesn't cause while miracles are things that he did, does or may do.

So when someone says something is a coincidence they mean they think God didn't do it.

[Avatar4321]

Why do you think they are not the same?

[Ahab]

Well the words have opposite meanings for one thing.  The complication comes from trying to figure out which word to use.

[JLHPROF]

Never been sure I believe in coincidence.  God has too many plans for his children's lives.

Perhaps some things do happen by accident or by mortal hands, but many "coincidences" are obviously given a big nudge by Heavenly Father.

[The Nehor]

You probably can't.

[Senator]

By an altitude enhanced attitude 

[Walden]

I tend to find that believers consider it a miracle if a coincidence bolsters their faith perspective, and just a mere coincidence if it conflicts with or fails to strengthen their faith perspective.

As an atheist-leaning agnostic, I side with coincidence. I think that the interpretation of coincidence as miracle is a product of the strong propensity of the human mind, in it's lifelong pursuit of assigning order to a confusing world, to give that coincidence meaning or significance, when sometimes, weird or unexplained stuff just happens.

[TheSkepticChristian]

2 hours ago, Ahab said:

I think most people differentiate a coincidence from a miracle by defining a coincidence as something that God didn't/doesn't cause while miracles are things that he did, does or may do.

Please tell me, how can we tell God did it? Miracles happen in sports too, but we know they can't come from God.

[The Nehor]

42 minutes ago, TheSkepticChristian said:

Please tell me, how can we tell God did it? Miracles happen in sports too, but we know they can't come from God.

When did God announce a hands off policy in regards to sports?

[The Nehor]

We are told that God is displeased if we confess not his hand in all things. I admit I wonder at that. If God wants credit for everything good that happens does that not mean he also gets the blame for everything bad that happens that cannot be attributed to human agency?

Edit: Maybe blame is the wrong word. Credit for letting or making it happen?

Edited December 31, 2015 by The Nehor

[TheSkepticChristian]

53 minutes ago, The Nehor said:

When did God announce a hands off policy in regards to sports?

why would he do that? Should we pray for our favorite team to win? What about boxing? 

Manny Pacuiqo was defeating  marquez in a boxing match, but marquez won because of his miracle punch. 

Edited December 31, 2015 by TheSkepticChristian

[smac97]

A few thoughts:

1. Defining Terms: 

First, let's define terms.

A. A "miracle" is defined in the LDS "Guide to the Scriptures" as: 

Quote

An extraordinary event caused by the power of God. Miracles are an important element in the work of Jesus Christ. They include healings, restoring the dead to life, and resurrection. Miracles are a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith is necessary in order for miracles to be manifested (Mark 6:5–6; Morm. 9:10–20; Ether 12:12).

B. A "miracle" is defined in the LDS Bible Dictionary as: 

Quote

 

An important element in the work of Jesus Christ, being not only divine acts, but forming also a part of the divine teaching. Christianity is founded on the greatest of all miracles, the Resurrection of our Lord. If that be admitted, other miracles cease to be improbable. Miracles should not be regarded as deviations from the ordinary course of nature so much as manifestations of divine or spiritual power. Some lower law was in each case superseded by the action of a higher. They were intended to be a proof to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ (Matt. 11:4–5; John 2:11; 10:25; 20:30–31). Many of them were also symbolic, teaching such divine truths as the result of sin and the cure of sin; the value of faith; the curse of impurity; and the law of love. The miracles of healing also show how the law of love is to deal with the actual facts of life. Miracles were and are a response to faith and its best encouragement. They were never wrought without prayer, felt need, and faith.

It is important to notice the different names by which miracles are described. They are called signs, as being visible tokens of an invisible power; they are powers or mighty works, because they are the acts of One who is almighty; they are simply works, or the natural results of the Messiah’s presence among men; they are wonders, marvels, because of the effect produced on those who saw them.

...

 

Miracles are a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If miracles cease it is because faith has ceased. See Mark 6:5–6; Morm. 9:10–20; Ether 12:12.

 

C. A "miracle" is defined by Dictionary.com as: 

Quote

 

1. an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.

2. such an effect or event manifesting or considered as a work of God.

3. a wonder; marvel.

 

D. A "miracle" is defined in The Encyclopedia of Mormonism as: 

Quote

A miracle is a beneficial event brought about through divine power that mortals do not understand and of themselves cannot duplicate. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in the reality of miracles as a consequence of their belief in the existence of God and of his power and goodness.

Just as a shepherd tends his flocks, watches over them, and uses his power to help them, so Jesus Christ used his power and knowledge to help others when he was on earth.
...
Latter-day Saints value miracles because of their beneficial character.
...
Although God brings about marvelous events to bless humankind, it is known that not every spiritual manifestation necessarily comes from God (TPJS, pp. 202-214; Rev. 13:13-14; see also Sign Seeking).

Faith is considered necessary to bring divine intervention in behalf of those in need. 
...
God desires to bless his children, and sometimes does so in ways that require the manifestation of extraordinary power. He is restrained only by their lack of faith. Thus, the absence of miracles is evidence of the lack of faith among his children, "for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain" (Moro. 7:37). "For if there be no faith among the children of men God can do no miracle among them" (Ether 12:12).
...
A miraculous gift especially valued is the healing of the sick. However, not every faithful soul who ails will be raised, for the Lord has said, "And whosever among you are sick, and have not faith to be healed, but believe, shall be nourished and with all tenderness, with herbs and mild food…. And the elders of the church, two or more, shall be called, and shall pray for and lay their hands upon them in my name; and if they die they shall die unto me, and if they live they shall live unto me" (D&C 42:43-44). Thus though the sick may be healed (D&C 46:19), if that does not occur, the sick are nourished by all prudent means, including those available in modern medical science. The elders of the Church perform this ordinance of administering to the sick, as the scriptures prescribe (cf. James 5:14-15; D&C 46:20), and the healing or other blessings are then in accordance with the will of God.

Personal experience with miracles might confirm the faith of the recipients. Further, personal experiences with miracles may give others increased confidence in scriptural accounts of miracles.

Of all the miraculous gifts of God given to his children, the one of greatest benefit is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. By powers and means not understood by mere mortals, Jesus was able to take upon himself the sins of the world and make it possible for anyone by repentance, to escape the otherwise inescapable suffering of sin and the doom of death, and thereby return to the presence of God. 

 

2. Summary of LDS Perspectives on "Miracles": 

From the foregoing sources, and based on my own thoughts, I glean the following:

A. A "miracle" comes from God.  A coincidence may or may not come from God.

B. Miracles generally pertain to some aspect of God's work on behalf of His children.

C. Faith is a necessary precursor to miracles.  However, who is exercising this faith may not be immediately apparent.

D. Miracles are intended to not only bring divine intervention to those in need, but also to convey meaning or symbolism, to teach a lesson about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

E. Miracles are not violations of natural law, but rather higher manifestations thereof.

F. Miracles can be on a spectrum, from the mundane to the spectacular.

3. Analysis of Examples in the OP:

The OP provides four examples of "miracle or coincidence" situations.  As to the first, I am not persuaded that God intervenes in Bulgarian lotteries.  What "faith" was exercised prior to it?  How did the duplication of numbers further God's work among His children?  What meaning or symbolism or lesson about the Gospel of Jesus Christ is found in Bulgarian lottery numbers?

As to the second (the park ranger who was struck by lightning seven times), the odds appear rather astronomical (though perhaps lessened given his line of work).  But again, what "faith" was exercised here?  Was someone praying that this guy would get struck by lightning over and over?  How did this poor fellow being stricken by lightning further God's work among His children?  What meaning or symbolism or lesson about the Gospel of Jesus Christ is found in this story?

As to the third, I honestly don't know.  There could have been faith exercise aforethought (by the survivors, by their relatives, etc.).  Or those poor people survived by sheer willpower (and by some grisly and heartrending decisions).  

As to the fourth, I chalk up sports "miracles" to hyperbole, not divinity.

4. Application of LDS Principles:

As to the question "how can I tell the difference between a miracle from God and coincidence?", I employ the following analysis:

A. Do I need to tell the difference?  When facing a particular event that seems very improbably, do I really need to ascribe more to it?  Most of the time, I think not.  A last-minute interception by the Patriots has no relevance in my life.  Bulgarian lottery numbers . . . I couldn't care less.  Most of the time, I am content to let matters be left open to the preferences and interpretations of individuals.  Most of the time I don't try to differentiate miracles from mundane coincidence or happenstance because I don't need to.

B. When circumstances militate in favor of discerning a miracle, I look for characteristics and attributes such as those in item #2 above.  (Edit to Add): I could also, in some circumstances, seek spiritual confirmation of the event as being a miracle.

C. I am parsimonious in using the label "miracle".  I believe God guides us and intervenes in our lives in all sorts of ways.  "Miracle," however, seems to be designed to describe particularly extraordinary events.  So it's sort of a false dichotomy to characterize an event as either mere "coincidence" or "miracle."  I think there are many things which fall somewhere between the two.

For example, this Christmas I was contemplating gifts for my wife.  And then, "out of the blue" as it were, I felt impressed to look for books about the author Madeleine L'Engle.  I hadn't thought of her for years, nor had my wife.  But I quickly found a book about her and I ordered it.  My wife was surprised by the book, but she started reading it on Christmas and hasn't put it down since.  It turns out that this book contains many insightful and spiritual thoughts and observations by Mrs. L'Engle (I had no idea she was a devout Christian, I mean really devout, in a good sort of way).  My wife, who is an aspiring author herself, has been deeply moved by what she has read in the book, and last night she told me that she has now decided to move ahead with submitting some of her writings for publication.  The book, it seems, was the final nudge she needed.  

So was this all mere "coincidence?"  I don't think so.  "Miracle?"  Well, let's not go overboard.  "God influencing us in all sorts of ways?"  Yeah, that sounds about right.

Thanks,

-Smac

Edited January 1, 2016 by smac97

[mfbukowski]

2 hours ago, Walden said:

I tend to find that believers consider it a miracle if a coincidence bolsters their faith perspective, and just a mere coincidence if it conflicts with or fails to strengthen their faith perspective.

As an atheist-leaning agnostic, I side with coincidence. I think that the interpretation of coincidence as miracle is a product of the strong propensity of the human mind, in it's lifelong pursuit of assigning order to a confusing world, to give that coincidence meaning or significance, when sometimes, weird or unexplained stuff just happens.

My changes in italics:

Quote

 

I tend to find that non-believers consider it a "cause" if a coincidence bolsters their faith in scientism, and just a mere coincidence if it conflicts with or fails to strengthen their faith perspective in scientism.

As an atheist-leaning agnostic, I side with scientific causality. I am incapable of thinking that the interpretation of coincidence as "fact" is anything other than product of the strong propensity of the human mind, in it's lifelong pursuit of assigning order to a confusing world, to give that "fact" meaning or significance, when sometimes, weird or unexplained stuff just happens that does not correspond to anything known or scientific.

So I guess miracles make as much sense as science in the final analysis, depending on your interpretation.

 

Ah.

Much better.

[JLHPROF]

29 minutes ago, TheSkepticChristian said:

why would he do that? Should we pray for our favorite team to win? What about boxing?

Manny Pacuiqo was defeating  marquez in a boxing match, but marquez won because of his miracle punch.

You don't think God EVER has any hand in who wins a sporting event?

How about a political race?  Does God still have any influence over who leads the nations of the earth?

How about religions other than the one you follow?  Does God ever influence them?

I'm not prepared to assume God is hands off in any area.  Sometimes he leaves us to ourselves, sometimes he makes things to unfold differently.  What part of "ALL THINGS work together" cannot encompass every aspect of our lives?

[mfbukowski]

2 hours ago, TheSkepticChristian said:

Please tell me, how can we tell God did it? Miracles happen in sports too, but we know they can't come from God.

It's always the same answer and you never ever get it.

Science does not believe in miracles, by definition.  The entire scientific attitude is ANTI-MIRACLE.

So you are looking for an answer where it is not possible to find it???   Can't you figure this out???   You are looking in the wrong filing cabinet in the wrong library in the wrong city on the other side of the world from where the answer is.

You mentally assign the event to God, and see if that assignment of meaning for the event feels sweet to you.  Alma 32.  Hop on a plane right now and at least get yourself half way in the direction of the correct city to find the answer.

It's not where you are looking.  It's a new way of seeing the world as full of magic and meaning and direction that is just as good as your old way.  And you get to switch worlds any time you need the old one to solve a problem.

Science is about solving problems in the world

Faith is about giving your life meaning.   

GIVING.   Not "solving", not even "finding" and not "discovering".   GIVING

Edited December 31, 2015 by mfbukowski

[smac97]

JHLProf,

> You don't think God EVER has any hand in who wins a sporting event?

Honestly, no.  Not in any direct, material sense.  There could be the very isolated exception, I suppose.

> How about a political race?  Does God still have any influence over who leads the nations of the earth?

Politics?  Perhaps.

> How about religions other than the one you follow?  Does God ever influence them?

Oh yes.

Thanks,

-Smac

[JLHPROF]

2 minutes ago, smac97 said:

JHLProf,

> You don't think God EVER has any hand in who wins a sporting event?

Honestly, no.  Not in any direct, material sense.  There could be the very isolated exception, I suppose.

> How about a political race?  Does God still have any influence over who leads the nations of the earth?

Politics?  Perhaps.

> How about religions other than the one you follow?  Does God ever influence them?

Oh yes.

Thanks,

-Smac

You never struck me as one who would place limits on what God does.

[smac97]

3 minutes ago, JLHPROF said:

You never struck me as one who would place limits on what God does.

I'm inclined to think that God "influences" more than "intervenes" in many (most?) things.  Consider these remarks attributed to President David O. McKay:

Quote

 

Let me assure you, Brethren, that some day you will have a personal priesthood interview with the Savior, Himself. If you are interested, I will tell you the order in which He will ask you to account for your earthly responsibilities.

First, He will request an accountability report about your relationship with your wife. Have you actively been engaged in making her happy and ensuring that her needs have been met as an individual?

Second, He will want an accountability report about each of your children individually. He will not attempt to have this for simply a family stewardship report but will request information about your relationship to each and every child.

Third, He will want to know what you personally have done with the talents you were given in the pre-existence.

Fourth, He will want a summary of your activity in your Church assignments. He will not be necessarily interested in what assignments you have had, for in His eyes the home teacher and mission president are probably equals, but He will request a summary of how you have been of service to your fellowmen in your Church assignments.

Fifth, He will have no interest in how you earned your living, but if you were honest in all your dealings.

Sixth, He will ask for an accountability on what you have done to contribute in a positive manner to your community, state, country, and the world."

 

I am not sure that God "intervenes" to let one sports team be victorious, though he may have "influenced" individuals on the team to live a virtuous and healthy life, which may have an impact on the end result of the contest.

I am not really persuaded that God "intervenes" in things like lotteries, particularly given His Church's stance on gambling.

I am not really persuaded that God "intervened" so that a park ranger was struck by lightning seven times.

Don't get me wrong, I am a big advocate of God having a significant role in our lives.  But that role is necessarily circumscribed in many ways by His give of Agency.  Moreover, I think God is more interested in the means we use to achieve things in life, rather than in the things themselves.  Hence I am more inclined to think that God often influences our means, rather than intervenes to determine our ends.

Thanks,

-Smac

[JLHPROF]

Just now, smac97 said:

I'm inclined to think that God "influences" more than "intervenes" in many (most?) things.  Consider these remarks attributed to President David O. McKay:

I am not sure that God "intervenes" to let one sports team be victorious, though he may have "influenced" individuals on the team to live a virtuous and healthy life, which may have an impact on the end result of the contest.

I am not really persuaded that God "intervenes" in things like lotteries, particularly given His Church's stance on gambling.

I am not really persuaded that God "intervened" so that a park ranger was struck by lightning seven times.

Don't get me wrong, I am a big advocate of God having a significant role in our lives.  But that role is necessarily circumscribed in many ways by His give of Agency.  Moreover, I think God is more interested in the means we use to achieve things in life, rather than in the things themselves.  Hence I am more inclined to think that God often influences our means, rather than intervenes to determine our ends.

Thanks,

-Smac

I am convinced that if God wants to move a member of a sports team into a specific location so their lives can progress he will open ways for that to happen.  I am convinced if God needed that park ranger to quit his job so he could take another one that would bless his family that some incentive might have been provided.  I am convinced that if God wanted to bless a person with a financial blessing, maybe to pay off disastrous medical bills, that he could use any means at his disposal, even a lottery.

God gives US agency, but he also causes ways to open and close before us.

[smac97]

14 minutes ago, JLHPROF said:

I am convinced that if God wants to move a member of a sports team into a specific location so their lives can progress he will open ways for that to happen.  I am convinced if God needed that park ranger to quit his job so he could take another one that would bless his family that some incentive might have been provided.  I am convinced that if God wanted to bless a person with a financial blessing, maybe to pay off disastrous medical bills, that he could use any means at his disposal, even a lottery.

God gives US agency, but he also causes ways to open and close before us.

Hmm.  Sounds like we aren't very far apart in our perspectives.

Thanks,

-Smac

[TheSkepticChristian]

1 hour ago, JLHPROF said:

You don't think God EVER has any hand in who wins a sporting event?

So you think God helps some boxers win? Didn't you know that boxing is a violent sport?

Does he help the wwe wrestlers win too?

Edited December 31, 2015 by TheSkepticChristian

[TheSkepticChristian]

1 hour ago, JLHPROF said:

How about a political race?  Does God still have any influence over who leads the nations of the earth?

I thought his church was neutral on political campaigns

[JLHPROF]

2 minutes ago, TheSkepticChristian said:

So you think God helps some boxers win? Didn't you know that boxing is a violent sport?

Does he help the wwe wrestlers win too?

That depends on what course he wants their lives to follow - scripture is full of examples of God moving events in peoples lives to get them where he needs them.

I have "coincidences" in my own life that I have no doubt were God.