Vatican Tightens Rules on Probing Miracles
Vatican ReformsTightens Rules on SupernaturalProbing PhenomenaMiracles
The Facts
The Vatican's Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith released Friday stricter rules on determining whether supernatural, or miraculous, things actually occurred. This comes as such claims have reportedly skyrocketed in the age of social media.
The new declaration states that "the Church needs to clear procedures," adding that the new rules "are not intended to control or (even less) stifle the Spirit." It also noted that it is not intended to deny all claims of supernatural apparitions.
The Spin
The Church is correct in its cautious but still respectful attitude toward miracles. The most important thing for Catholics to believe in, which is a miracle in and of itself, is Jesus Christ. The rest, which are rare for a reason, are only periodic reminders of his existence. Catholics don't need lots of miracles to have a strong faith, but they are certainly helpful reinforcements.
While belief in miracles is an innocent traditions for many Catholics, it doesn't mean you must or should take them seriously. Even regarding Jesus's miracles, theologians have claimed that they were more symbolic than factual. Whatever your belief, you don't need to believe in, let alone live by the idea that miracles are real.
