Meaning: Angela Carter, a British novelist known for her dark and imaginative works, made the thought-provoking statement, "In a secular age, an authentic miracle must purport to be a hoax, in order to gain credit in the world." This quote encapsulates the complex relationship between belief, skepticism, and the supernatural in a modern, secular society.

The phrase "secular age" refers to an era in which religion and spirituality have diminished in influence, and rationalism and skepticism have gained prominence. In such a context, the concept of miracles – extraordinary events attributed to divine intervention – is often met with skepticism and incredulity. The idea that an authentic miracle must "purport to be a hoax" suggests that in a secular age, the authenticity of a miracle is more likely to be accepted if it is presented as a deliberate deception. This notion challenges traditional understandings of miracles as unquestionable acts of divine intervention and highlights the inherent skepticism prevalent in a secular society.

Carter's statement also raises questions about the nature of belief and credibility in the modern world. In a secular age, the default position often tends to be one of skepticism, particularly when it comes to extraordinary claims. The idea that a miracle must present itself as a hoax in order to gain "credit in the world" reflects the paradoxical nature of belief in a secular society. It suggests that in a world shaped by rationalism and scientific inquiry, the extraordinary is more likely to be accepted if it is initially presented as fraudulent, rather than genuine.

This paradox speaks to the tension between reason and faith, and the ways in which skepticism and belief coexist in contemporary society. The notion that an authentic miracle must masquerade as a hoax to be taken seriously challenges the traditional understanding of miracles as unequivocal signs of divine intervention. It forces us to reconsider the criteria by which we evaluate the miraculous and the role of skepticism in shaping our perceptions of the supernatural.

Carter's quote also invites reflection on the power dynamics at play in the interpretation of miracles. In a secular age, where skepticism often prevails, the burden of proof for extraordinary claims is high. The idea that a miracle must present itself as a hoax in order to gain credibility suggests that the default position is one of disbelief, and that extraordinary events are subject to intense scrutiny and skepticism. This challenges the traditional notion of miracles as unquestionable manifestations of the divine, and highlights the need for extraordinary claims to meet a higher evidentiary standard in a secular, rationalist society.

In conclusion, Angela Carter's quote offers a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of belief, skepticism, and the supernatural in a secular age. It challenges traditional understandings of miracles and invites us to reconsider the criteria by which we evaluate the extraordinary. The paradoxical notion that an authentic miracle must purport to be a hoax in order to gain credit in the world highlights the complex interplay between reason and faith, and the shifting dynamics of belief in a modern, secular society.