Strauss’ Text- The Miracles of Jesus

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Reflection Excerpt- Strauss’s Text- The Miracles of Jesus, Chapter 17
Chapter 17 of Strauss' text is about the Miracles of Jesus. Four sections distinctively discuss the question of miracles, whether Jesus performed miracles, the ancient parallels to Jesus's work and the relevance or power of the Kingdom. In reading the chapter, one can understand the possibility of miracles and the reputation of Jesus Christs as a healer. Strauss's work also enlightens someone in a comparative approach when considering healing practices performed by other miracle workers.
First, in the question of miracles, it is understood that assertions, views and perspectives concerning Jesus' work rose in the past century. Philosophies like materialism and deism emerged, holding distinct claims (548). For instance, Deists believed God was the creator of the world, and he left it to run by natural laws. On the other hand, materialistic philosophers asserted that the universe is a system of change and results. From a materialistic approach, scientific methods can help explain situations and determine causes and effects through studies and conclusions. As that, miracles and not within the realm of scientific work. In historical context, historians have the role of determining what happened and not assuming what should have occurred. Thus, if enough information supports that a miracle happened, then it can be believed (550).
Concerning whether Jesus did perform a miracle, Strauss informs that there is a universal agreement among liberals and conservatives. Miracles are present in the gospel tradition as numerous references are made to Jesus in different genres. For instance, there are miracle stories, parables, commissioning accounts and summaries of Jesus's work (551). Furthermore, Jesus' miracles were known outside the New Testament, which led to the notion that Jesus performed supernatural acts. According to Strauss, although no data proved that Jesus performed miracles, he was widely acclaimed as a miracle worker. Whether Jesus performed miracles as recorded in the gospel can be judged by closely examining case by case. Strauss says that, in many episodes, there are fewer details about the accounts, and much information depends on the approach to the gospel (551). Thus, if someone assumes miracles are possible to perform, and followers exceptionally...