{"product_id":"reported-miracles-a-critique-of-hume-thoughtful-theological","title":"Reported Miracles: A Critique of Hume - Thoughtful Theological","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of Reported Miracles: A Critique of Hume, J. Houston presents a carefully argued defense of the claim that miracle reports can contribute to the reasonableness of belief in God. This book is for readers who already know Hume's skeptical position and want a historically informed, intellectual counterpoint rather than polemic. The single biggest reason to pick up this title is Houston's close readings of historically and intellectually significant writings about the miraculous, which provide concrete material for someone weighing whether properly attested miracle accounts have epistemic force.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCritical engagement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Houston directly addresses Hume's argument and explains why miracle stories merit renewed philosophical attention.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical perspective:\u003c\/strong\u003e The book examines historically significant writings, offering context that helps readers place Hume in a broader intellectual tradition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTheological focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e The author argues from the standpoint of believers in God, clarifying how testimony may fit within a religious epistemology.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArgumentative clarity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Houston lays out reasons believers might accept accounts of miracles without relying on rhetorical flourish, making the case accessible to careful readers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScholarly synthesis:\u003c\/strong\u003e The text brings together philosophical and theological sources so readers can follow the debate across genres and eras.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is aimed at students and readers of \u003cstrong\u003ereligious studies\u003c\/strong\u003e and theology who want a substantive response to Hume rather than a brief summary. It works well for clergy, graduate students, and informed lay readers who appreciate careful argumentation about testimony and the miraculous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose seeking an introductory primer on Hume or a broad survey of miracles across world religions should look elsewhere; the book presumes some familiarity with philosophical argument and focuses on how certain writings bear on the reasonableness of belief in God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEngages Hume's skepticism head-on with sustained philosophical argumentation relevant to theology.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvides historical sources and readings that illuminate how miracle reports have been treated over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpeaks directly to believers, outlining reasons to accept properly attested miracle accounts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe book assumes background knowledge in philosophy and theology, which may limit accessibility for general readers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReported Miracles: A Critique of Hume\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuthor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJ. Houston\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSubject\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTheology and religious studies\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePhilosophical critique of David Hume on miracles\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproach\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHistorical and intellectual examination of writings about the miraculous\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntended audience\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBelievers, theologians, students of religious philosophy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReported Miracles is a thoughtful and focused contribution for readers who want a rigorous defense of why certain miracle reports can be epistemically relevant to belief in God. Its value lies in careful engagement with Hume and in drawing on historically significant texts; it represents a good investment for students and clergy seeking a reasoned, theologically minded rebuttal to skeptical positions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the book refute Hume entirely?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHouston challenges Hume's blanket conclusion about testimony, arguing for circumstances in which miracle reports may be accepted, rather than claiming an outright refutation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs prior philosophical training required?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe text benefits readers with some background in philosophy or theology, though committed lay readers may still follow the main arguments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho benefits most from reading this book?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eClergy, theology students, and interested readers who want a historically informed defense of accepting properly attested miracle accounts will gain the most.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"J. Houston","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48197440569563,"sku":"0521415497","price":101.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61e_IKtfTDL._SL1360.jpg?v=1769609801","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/reported-miracles-a-critique-of-hume-thoughtful-theological","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}