Peace Like a River Lesson Plan

How do Reuben and Swede define a miracle? Why, according to Reuben and Swede, are people bothered by miracles?

Reuben believes a miracle is more than something wonderful but normal, such as the coming of spring. He believes that real miracles defy the rules of the world, contradicting the laws of life as everyone knows it. For example, a person returning from the dead is a miracle because it goes against the known rule that dead people are supposed to stay dead. A real miracle, Reuben believes, is upsetting to people, and it’s upsetting for this reason. Swede says that people are also upset because a miracle changes them, and they fear change. She believes that in order...