The Book of Miracles: The Meaning of the Miracle Stories in Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam
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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.
- If you prefer elegant, precise prose, 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.
- If you are not into slow builds, political maneuvering and power dynamics are central, not just background color.
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.
Edition on file: 2001 • Touchstone Books • 432 pages • ISBN 9780743200295.
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.
Reader guide
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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.
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The clearest thing here is a reflective pace and a tone shaped more by contemplation than urgency. Taken together, it reads like a deeper read that asks for a little more time and attention.
Book overview built from edition details and related-book context.