The Book of Miracles: The Meaning of the Miracle Stories in Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam

Year 2001
Pages 432

Worth buying if: You enjoy comparative religion written for general readers.

Skip it if: You want a polemic arguing for or against the literal truth of miracles.

Exact edition: Edition shown · ISBN-13 9780743200295. The Amazon link uses this ISBN, so the product page should open to the edition shown here.

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Summary

Kenneth L. Woodward explores miracle narratives in Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, combining reporting, historical context, and theological reflection to probe why miracles persist and what they mean to believers and skeptics.

Why this book now

In a religiously plural and post-secular era, revisiting comparative accounts of miracles sharpens how we understand faith, doubt, and shared human longings.

30-second preview

Two quick cards, fifteen seconds each.

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1-sentence hook

A wide-ranging, thoughtful tour of miracle stories across five faiths and what they reveal about belief and human meaning.

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Best for readers who...

Good fit if you want...

  • You enjoy comparative religion written for general readers.
  • You want thoughtful cultural and historical context rather than devotional apologetics.
  • When you favor political intrigue, the story reframes familiar themes and asks you to reconsider what you thought you knew.

Maybe skip if...

  • You want a polemic arguing for or against the literal truth of miracles.
  • You prefer a narrowly academic, heavily technical study.
  • When you avoid experimental structure, the author includes detailed background that some readers might find cumbersome.

Mood / Vibe Tags

thoughtful comparative historical Long read Published before 2020

Decided it fits?

Exact edition: Edition shown · ISBN-13 9780743200295

Worth buying if: You enjoy comparative religion written for general readers.

Skip it if: You want a polemic arguing for or against the literal truth of miracles.

Buy This Edition on Amazon

Check Amazon for the current price and availability of this exact edition.

Reader guide

Cues to help you decide faster.

Reading commitment

Steady Needs some room

At about 432 pages, expect a steady, essay-driven read that can be taken chapter by chapter; allow several weeks if reading attentively with reflection.

What stands out here

This Touchstone edition presents Woodward’s journalistic yet scholarly approach to five major traditions, emphasizing narrative examples and accessible interpretation.

Best way to approach it

Approach it as a reflective survey: read chapters focused on particular traditions in sequence or selectively, pausing to consider the cultural and theological notes.

Exact edition: ISBN-13 9780743200295

Check Amazon for the current price and availability of this exact edition.