During the video section Mart DeHaan interviewed people on the street in Tiberias. He asked them if they believed in miracles. He concluded: “I sensed in the residents of Tiberias that the ‘miracles’ they believed in would not have been as dramatic as someone turning water into wine or bringing a dead person back to life; yet according to the Gospel narratives, Jesus displayed an authority and power over nature that had no natural explanation.” What might be the basis for their personal convictions concerning miracles?

[Austin]

I have a kind of empathy with people who do not perceive the thought of biblical miracles being possible in present times. However, when a person, one who I know very well, my daughter, is inexplicably healed from a humanly incurable state, then my skin bristles, as it did many years ago. Miracle? In my mind yes, an answer to months of prayers, asking God to heal her; give her back her “normal” body state.

[Austin]

I believe the people Mr. DeHaan interviewed on the street based their personal convictions concerning miracles on a wrong understanding/definition of miracle. If we define a miracle as “power that alters the law of physics”, then a sunset or birds singing around us is not a miracle. It should be called “unbelievably beautiful” or “only something God creates” but not miracle.

[Austin]

The people being interviewed were answering by their personal experiences and what they have seen and heard during their time.

[Austin]

The basis of their personal convictions concerning miracles might have to do with their background knowledge of the Bible, life experiences, and their own personal definition of what a miracle is.

Judy

[Austin]

They are acknowledging that there is some higher power outside of themselves and they see things that are outside of their control and give thanks for it.