Magic and the Supernatural in the Ancient World
Exam Questions for April 14th Meeting
Topic: Miracles and Supernatural Healing
Objective Questions
Describe the differences between magic and miracles.
(Kristina Elenidis)
What is syncretism and give an example from our readings.
Syncretism is the layering of religion such as in Apuleius when Isis says
she is called Ceres, Juno, Bellone, Hecate, Rhamnusia, etc., but she claims
her true name is Isis. The taking on of various images is one example of
syncretism.
(Summer Townsend)
Name three things we discussed in class that distinguish magic
from miracles. (Diana Holenbeck)
What is theurgy? The working of divine agency in human affairs.
There was usually a vision with bright light and divine prophecy involved. (Robin McEvoy)
What is the ultimate goal of theurgy? (Melissa
Klotz)
To come into direct contact with the gods; Neusner, p185
With which of the following Greek goddesses is the
Egyptian goddess Isis identified?
- Artemis
- Demeter
- Aphrodite
- All of the above
(answer is d) (Sharon O'Regan)
Where is the origin and the locus of the power of the ngangas?
the eyes (Jeremy Bufford)
_______ was a practice or set of practices codified during the
reign of Marcus Aurelius which was supposed to lead to the union of the
human soul with the One. (Julie Alvarez)
Answer: Theurgy
Isis was most well known as a ____________ goddess.
fertility(louise mullins)
Present a definition of a miracle. (Rhonda Rowland)
Define, in your own words, theurgy : (Sheeja Ann
Kanacheril)
Neusner 185- answer should contain idea of divine union, and
the idea of actual action or technique (vs. theology's theory or
discussion)
In the Greek language, with what are "mia" words
generally associated? (Sirida Graham)
Answer:
- defilement
- impairment of an object's form
- "dirty" things
- pollution
How did Lucius finally regain his form at the end of The Golden
Ass? (kelly donaghy)
Neunser says,"What I know is science, what you know is ?." (megan ostrander)
magic
Which is not a characteristic of a miracle? (Krista Ernewein)
- Spontaneous,
- Always Good
- Man is in control
- God is in Control
With which of the following Greek goddesses is the
Egyptian figure of Isis identified?
- Artemis
- Hera
- Aphrodite
- Demeter
- all of the above
(Answer: e) (Sharon O'Regan)
Essay Questions
Do you agree with Kiev's conclusions about the nature of
the medical role and social organization? (Kristina Elenidis)
What are some ways used to determine a miracle from magic? Can
these overlap? Give examples.
A miracle is public, spontaneous, few
materials are needed, performed by amateurs, for the good of all, controlled
by gods. Magic is usually private, hard work, lots of materials are needed,
performed by pros, and it sometimes involves demons. Many times what is a
miracle and what is magic is determined by society. . .(Summer Townsend)
In The Golden Ass , Lucius is changed back to a human
after seeing a vision of Isis. Do you think this change is more of
a magical act or a miracle? Explain. (Diana Hollenbeck)
What differenciates between a miracle and magic? (Robin McEvoy)
Luck
classified miracles as extraordinary deeds that were public, spontaneous
and brought about with few materials by amateurs. They were always good
and controlled by the Gods alone. Luck defined magic as an
extraordinary deed that was private and requiried the hard work of trained
professionals with elaborate materials. Magic was sometimes bad, could
happen over a long period of time and could be the work of demons.
In your opinion, what is the best definition of a
miracle? Would you describe it as public, spontaneous, a lack of magical
tools, amateur, always good, instantaneous, "your own" vs foreign, and/or
controlled by the gods? (Melissa Klotz)
Compare and contrast the characteristics of a miracle
and of magic.
(Refer to Luck p. 135 --- ) (Sharon O'Regan)
Discuss the differences between miracle and magic?
public vs.
private, spontaneous vs. hard work, few materials vs. elaborate apparatus,
amateur vs. professional, always good vs. sometimes evil, instantaneous
vs. prolonged, controlled by gods vs. connected with demons, god in
control vs. magician in control, comes from higher authority vs. comes
from authority of magician (Jeremy Bufford)
Discuss the differences and similarities between magic and miracle.
(Julie Alvarez)
Answer could include a list of usual distinctions (such as public v.
private or spontaneous v. planned), discussions about Jesus, Lucius,
Apollonius, etc.
How would one describe the differences and
similarities between miracles and magic considering the agreed upon
relationship that magic is not as spontaneous as miracles? (louise
mullins)
Discuss the problems with the definition when it is
used to distinguish between a miracle and a magical act. (RhondaRowland)
What correlation does social organization have with the nature of
the medical role? (Sheeja Ann Kanacheril)
L-M 147-151
Why are personal visions generally not accepted as miracles?
(Sirida Graham)
Answer:
- definition depends on societal concepts
- visions are generally not witnessed or attested to by more than one
person
- in some societies, the ability to have visions is regarded as
violating the natural law
- when something occurs in public, it is generally more believable; when
something occurs in private, it is always suspect
Discuss the resurrgence of modern miracles and discuss what they
mean to society today. (kelly donaghy)
What are common ways to differentiate between magic and miracle?
private/public, pros/ams, evil/good, hard work/spontaneous, etc. (megan ostrander)
Compare and contrast some common characteristics of
miracles and magic.
(See Luck's section on Miracles) (Sharon O'Regan)
What is a miracle? What separates it from being deemed as a
hullucination, or psychsomatic recovery/illness? (Krista Ernewein)