Final answer:
There have been three major periods of miracles in history, as per Enns, with each period linked to core events in the traditions of Western religions. A genuine miracle is an event that violates natural laws with indisputable evidence, separating it from naturally explained occurrences or philosophical skepticism.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Enns, there have been three major periods of miracles in history, excluding the act of creation. These periods are pivotal to the foundations of Western religions and play essential roles in their historical and theological narratives. In particular, the eras of Moses, Jesus, and the spread of Islam are seen as times when miraculous events validated religious doctrines and figures.
One example of a miracle in this context would be an event that is a clear violation of the laws of nature and for which there could be no plausible explanation other than the direct intervention of a Supreme Being. To qualify as a miracle, the event must not only disrupt the natural order but must also be accompanied by undeniable evidence that it actually occurred as reported. Such an event would be distinct from natural anomalies or rare occurrences which can still be explained through natural factors.
Miracles pose a challenge regarding verification and belief. Not all claims of miracles are accepted by everyone, and concerns arise over the implications of disproven miracles on faith foundations. Moreover, the concept of miracles is also analyzed philosophically, as seen in the works of David Hume, adding another layer of scrutiny to the discussion.