Miracles and Faith: Exploring the Unexplained
Miracles have always captured the human imagination, inspiring awe, wonder, and often disbelief. While many remain unexplained, they continue to challenge our understanding of the natural world and our beliefs. This article delves into the world of miracles from various perspectives, including personal experiences, scientific explanations, and religious beliefs, and highlights the Incorruptibles, a fascinating aspect that defies logic and science.
The Personal Experience of a Life-Shattering Miracle
Back in 1974, a striking event occurred that still leaves a lasting impression on my mind. The sheer magnitude of the circumstances that led to this miracle is mind-boggling. Although I hesitate to describe it in detail, I encourage you to explore my story titled ‘Einstein - Man or Meme’ on Medium. The journey is detailed in a story called 'Look What Just Happened,' which delves into the profound realization of a Living Miracle promised by Jesus and the monks. If you're intrigued, read on to uncover the full narrative.
Miracles in Islam: A Deviation from Natural Laws
In Islam, the concept of miracles is closely tied to the status of prophets and the divine will. According to Islamic tradition, miracles are supernatural events that occur when God, the Creator of all natural laws, chooses to deviate from them for a specific purpose. These miracles are seen as acts of grace and are believed to be true for the believers, while skeptics question their authenticity.
The Unexplained Phenomenon of Incorruptibles
One of the most intriguing and inexplicable phenomena associated with miracles is the concept of incorruptibles. Unlike the scientific or religious miracles we have discussed so far, these are tangible remnants that have baffled scientists and skeptics alike. Without undergoing any embalming or chemical preservation, the corpses of these saints maintain a lifelike state, defying the laws of nature and inviting both awe and skepticism.
Lifetime of Lenin: A Lasting Legacy
When Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union, passed away in 1924, the process of preservation was a remarkable feat of embalming. Under the direction of Joseph Stalin, embalmers made extensive incisions and drilled holes into Lenin's skull, removing most of his internal organs, including the brain, and placed him in a formaldehyde bath to stave off decay. Lenin was subsequently sealed in a large marble sarcophagus beneath the Red Square, providing an eternal monument to the socialist cause.
The Incorruptibles: A Gallery of Miracles
The most challenging miracles to explain, especially from a scientific standpoint, are the cases of incorruptibles. These 102 saints, after their bodies were exhumed, showed no signs of decay, serving as a dramatic testament to a resurrection-like phenomenon. One of the more remarkable examples is St. Bernadette Soubirous of Lourdes, who claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary and is depicted as if in a deep sleep, having passed over 140 years ago. This eternal state of preservation, without any form of embalming or other treatments, challenges our understanding of human decomposition.
The Skeptical Inquiry: Debunking the Unexplained
I was a member of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI) for ten years, which publishes the Skeptical Inquirer. The prevalence of incorruptibles among the saints was a topic that merited close examination. Despite the committee's efforts to debunk these miracles, they never managed to provide a scientific explanation. To those who believe, no scientific explanation is necessary; for those who do not, none will suffice.
Further Reading: The Fascinating World of Incorruptibles
If you find this topic intriguing, consider reading the book The Incorruptibles by Joan Carroll Cruz. With over 300 pages of meticulous research and detailed photos, this book delves into the lives and mysteries of these incorruptibles. It's a compelling narrative that explores the unexplained and challenges our understanding of the nature of the human body and the divine.