When miracles cease…

Abstract

Some patients believe firmly in miracles and are convinced that they have a right to a miraculous cure of their illness. Such believers are often encouraged by their religious leaders to proclaim their “cure� in public. Belief in this type of miraculous healing may make the person reject conventional medical treatment or effective pain relief. When healing does not occur and the decline becomes obvious, such a person may feel overwhelmed with guilt and frustration. They will begin to question themselves, “Didn’t I have enough faith?� They may feel that their faith was undermined by a family member or even by the doctor who seemed to doubt their claim of a cure. This article discusses the concepts of miracles, healing, cure and faith and gives the reader a basic classification system for miracles.

SA Fam Pract 2006;48(6): 8-9