Does the concept of mind over matter explain some of the miracles of the Bible?

Response

The expression “mind over matter” is commonly used as a motivational tool to conquer challenging obstacles. The concept suggests that with determination, one can achieve anything. However, there are limitations to this mindset, particularly when it comes to the laws of nature. No matter how strongly someone believes they can fly by flapping their arms, the laws of nature will always prevail. Reality has a way of asserting itself.

Some individuals attempt to apply the principle of “mind over matter” to biblical accounts in an effort to rationalize miraculous events. For instance, some may argue that when Peter briefly walked on water towards Jesus, who was also walking on the water (Matthew 14:22-33), Peter achieved this feat by mastering mind over matter. While it is true that Peter walked on water, it was not due to “mind over matter.”

The Bible does not endorse the concept of mind over matter. There is no biblical support for the idea that the human mind can supersede natural laws or influence the material world through mere thought. The Bible provides numerous examples of God’s supremacy over the physical realm, but not of human minds. In Matthew 14, Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee to demonstrate His supernatural power. When His disciples witnessed this, they did not attribute it to His mental abilities.

Peter requested permission to walk on water towards Jesus as a way to verify His identity: “Lord, if it’s you, . . . tell me to come to you on the water” «And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. », (Matthew 14:28). Jesus granted Peter the ability to walk on water by inviting him to do so. Peter took several steps on the water towards the Lord.

rd. But then he began to fear the waves and the wind, and he started to sink. Jesus caught Peter before he sank and then questioned Peter’s wavering faith. The issue that caused Peter to sink was not a lack of confidence in his own abilities but a lack of faith in the Lord who was upholding him.

When the two men returned to the boat, the winds calmed down, and everyone on the boat worshipped Jesus, declaring, “Truly you are the Son of God” «Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. », (Matthew 14:33). This is a crucial detail. No one praised Peter for his ability to control his thoughts; everyone praised Jesus for revealing His identity. Walking on water was not a mental accomplishment; it was the supernatural power of God in action.

Skeptics often try to explain supernatural events as natural occurrences, offering “logical” human interpretations for what the Bible describes as miracles. The concept of “mind over matter” cannot truly be considered a “logical” explanation, but it allows for avoiding the acknowledgment of God, and some skeptics may adopt it as well. However, those who argue that Peter walked on water through his own mental prowess do not present any firsthand evidence of someone today replicating the same feat. There is no living person who is walking on water today and attributing it to their mental abilities. The only individuals to walk on water are Jesus and Peter—the Son of God and the one He specifically invited to come to Him.

In Acts 3, Peter and John healed a man who had been unable to walk since birth «And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; », (Acts 3:2). Following the healing, a crowd began to gather, and Peter

Explained what had happened: “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see” «And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. », (Acts 3:16). In other words, the lame man did not practice “mind over matter” and overcome his disability; it was faith in Jesus Christ that healed him.

The object of our faith is not our minds; it is the Lord Jesus. The Creator of the universe can speak things into existence or change the course of nature with a thought. We don’t have that power. Simply “putting your mind to it,” focusing on an object and telling it to “move,” or thinking “mind over matter” does not negate reality. We have limitations. Only God has the power to overcome our limitations— even in impossible situations— when we are trusting Him to accomplish His will.