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

Kenneth L. Woodward (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 10, 2001

For the first time in a single volume, Kenneth Woodward presents both the familiar and more obscure miracle stories of the great saints, sages, and spiritual masters of Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam -- and explains their meaning in the context of the sacred scriptures of each tradition. The Book of Miracles charts a journey from ancient to modern -- from the Prophet Muhammad's healing of the sick and the workings of Moses, Elijah, and Elisha to those of the Lubavitcher rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson and the female Hindu sat guru Ammachi. In bringing together stories of the Talmudic wonder-workers, the first Christian hermits, early Sufi mystics, Muslim ascetics and martyrs, and the most revered Hindu and Buddhist saints, Woodward illuminates both the striking similarities and significant differences in each tradition's understanding of the miraculous.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In The Book of Miracles Kenneth Woodward highlights the stories behind religious miracles, explaining why an event is called a miracle and why it is important within the tradition that it springs from. Dry dissertation? Hardly. As a religion editor at Newsweek, Woodward knows how to hold the reader's interest, spin a good yarn, and simplify a complicated theme. His 36 years of religion editing also give him the authority to interpret the famous as well as the obscure miracles found in these pages. Using his conversational and informative voice, Woodward carefully narrates the story behind each miracle, whether it be Jesus of Nazareth or the Buddha walking on water. He also shows how each religion's miracles serve a different purpose. For example, the miracles of India's religion often involve a God taking the form of a human in order to battle evil. Woodward's extensive research makes this a rich and informative anthology covering Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam. But it is his expert writing skills that make these miracles accessible to everyone. --Gail Hudson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

Longtime Newsweek religion writer Woodward (Making Saints) has written a study of miracles that doubles as a primer in world religions. He contends that miracles are found in all the major religions, and that one cannot understand or "fully appreciate" any of the religions without some acquaintance with their miracle traditions. Woodward spends a little too much time reminding his readers that his question is not whether the miracles actually happened, but what they mean--savvy readers will realize by the second paragraph that Woodward has no interest in proving whether or not Jesus walked on water. The book's freshest and most arresting section appears near the end; after discussing the miraculous acts of the Baal Shem Tov and Muhammad, the author turns his attention to modern-day miracles, arguing that "what makes modern miracles modern is that they tend to be experienced as private rather than public events." In contrast to that innovative claim, the treatments of Jesus and Co. seem a bit prosaic. In fact, while Woodward's forays into kabbalistic wonders, the loaves and fishes and the miraculous exploits of Krishna are entertaining, the book's real strength is not Woodward's investigation of miracles and miracle workers, but his careful and sympathetic introduction to Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism. (Apr.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster; 1st Touchstone Ed edition (July 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743200292
• ISBN-13: 978-0743200295
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #974,277 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "A Serious Look at the Miraculous Across Faiths", June 23, 2000

By 

Don O. Mclaughlin (Arizona) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Book of Miracles: The Meaning of the Miracle Stories in Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam (Hardcover)

Woodward's is not only a handy introduction to how the major traditions view the miraculous; it's also a nice general introduction for readers unfamiliar with the scriptures of Hinduism,Buddhism & Islam. This is a serious work, however - not for those seeking a collection of cutesy miracle stories. Each of the 5 major traditions, beginning with Judaism (and of course, the Old Testament)is given solid treatment,with alternating chapters discussing that world religion's most primary scriptures and a chapter for each on specific miracles for which specific saints are noted. (There is some rather lengthy discussion of Oral Roberts'life and mission for Christianity. Don't look for in-depth treatment of Lourdes or Medjugorje!) There are also quite useful introductions to each major section such as to Hinduism & Buddhism. Woodward is a celebrated Newsweek religion editor and has been for decades - and it shows here. This book is awesome and probably worth the

investment, particularly if you need something which attempts to show the context in which "miracles" happened/happen across traditions.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Some suggestions to complement "The Book of Miracles", July 27, 2008

By 

César González Rouco (Madrid, Madrid Spain) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Book of Miracles: The Meaning of the Miracle Stories in Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam (Hardcover)

After reading Mr. Don O. Mclaughlin 's excellent review, I will only add that, as a complement to "The Book of Miracles", I would suggest reading the following works: a)"The Phenomenon of Religion: A Thematic Approach," by Moojan Momen (astonishingly encyclopaedic and readable); b)"Shamans, Sorcerers, and Saints: A Prehistory of Religion" by Brian Hayden (great overview of religion origins and development); c)"Sin and Salvation in the World Religions: A Short Introduction " by Harold Coward (somehow dry but also covering Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and Hinduism); and d)" Dreaming in the World's Religions: A Comparative History" by Kelly Bulkeley (I have not bought it yet, it has been published this July).

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The book of Miracles, February 24, 2006

By 

Elizabeth A. Hamilton (NSW Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Book of Miracles: The Meaning of the Miracle Stories in Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam (Paperback)

This is an excellent book for insights and inspiring stories from different religions. I found it wonderful to give spiritual motivation from around the world in many cultures.