Meaning: This quote by David Hume, a prominent Scottish philosopher of the 18th century, addresses the role of miracles in the Christian religion. Hume was known for his skepticism and critical examination of religious beliefs, and this quote reflects his views on the necessity of miracles for the credibility of the Christian faith.

Hume's assertion that the Christian religion was "attended with miracles" in its early stages refers to the foundational events described in the New Testament, such as the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the healing of the sick, and other supernatural occurrences attributed to the divine intervention of God. According to traditional Christian belief, these miracles served as evidence of the authenticity and divine origin of the faith, validating the teachings and claims of Jesus and his disciples.

Hume's statement that "even at this day [Christianity] cannot be believed by any reasonable person without [a miracle]" reflects his position that the extraordinary nature of the Christian claims necessitates extraordinary evidence to support them. In other words, Hume contends that the extraordinary claims of Christianity, including the existence of a transcendent deity, the divinity of Jesus, and the promise of an afterlife, require equally extraordinary proof in the form of a miraculous event to be accepted by a rational mind.

This perspective aligns with Hume's broader philosophical stance on the limitations of human knowledge and the principles of empirical evidence. Hume was a leading figure in the empiricist tradition, which emphasizes the importance of sensory experience and observation in the acquisition of knowledge. From this standpoint, he argued that claims of supernatural occurrences, including miracles, should be subjected to rigorous scrutiny and skepticism, especially given their departure from the regularities of natural phenomena.

Hume's critique of miracles in the context of religious belief has had a lasting impact on philosophical and theological discussions. His argument challenges the epistemic foundations of faith and rational inquiry, raising fundamental questions about the relationship between reason, evidence, and religious conviction.

In response to Hume's position, defenders of the Christian faith have offered various perspectives. Some theologians and apologists argue that while miracles may serve as compelling evidence for those who directly witness them, faith itself is ultimately a matter of personal conviction and spiritual experience. They contend that the transformative power of faith and the testimony of believers are central to the credibility of Christianity, alongside the historical accounts of miraculous events.

Others have sought to engage with Hume's skepticism by exploring philosophical and theological frameworks for understanding miracles within the context of divine intervention and the order of creation. This has led to discussions about the nature of causality, the relationship between the natural and supernatural realms, and the possibility of reconciling miraculous claims with rational inquiry.

In contemporary religious and philosophical discourse, Hume's critique continues to stimulate reflection on the epistemological challenges posed by miraculous claims and the interpretation of religious experiences. The tension between the demands of reason and the affirmations of faith remains a rich and complex area of inquiry, inviting ongoing dialogue and exploration across diverse intellectual traditions.

Overall, Hume's quote encapsulates his critical stance on the role of miracles in the Christian religion and invites profound contemplation on the intersection of reason, faith, and the extraordinary within the realm of religious belief.