12 Miraculous Events in Religious History Science Can’t Explain

Throughout history, people have told stories about unique events that seem impossible to explain. These stories, often tied to different religions, have puzzled both believers and scientists for centuries. While modern science has helped us understand a lot about our world, some religious events still leave us scratching our heads.

In this article, I’ll discuss 12 miraculous events from religious history that science has yet to fully explain.

The Miracle of the Sun

Image Credit: “Miracle du soleil attente pluie” by Judah Ruah, photograph for the news paper O Seculo, published the 1917-09-29 on the news paper Illustracao Portugueza is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/?ref=openverse.

In 1917, thousands of people in Fatima, Portugal, said they saw the sun dance in the sky. It reportedly zigzagged and changed colors. Some even said it looked like it was falling to Earth. This event happened after three children said the Virgin Mary would perform a miracle there.

The Shroud of Turin

Image Credit: “The Museum of the Holy Shroud, Turin, Italy.” by Jim Linwood is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

This is a piece of cloth that some people believe was used to wrap Jesus’ body after he died. It has a faint image of a man on it. Scientists have studied it for years but can’t agree on how the image was made or how old the cloth really is.

Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Image

Image Credit: “Fabric imprinted with Our Lady of Guadalupe, Fabric store, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico” by Wonderlane is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

In 1531, a man in Mexico said the Virgin Mary appeared to him. Later, her image was found on his cloak. The image is still clear today, even though the cloth should have fallen apart long ago. Scientists can’t explain how the image was made or why it hasn’t faded.

The Incorruptible Saints

Image Credit: “Saint Bernadette of Lourdes 1844-1879” by kennyotis is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/?ref=openverse.

Some Catholic saints’ bodies haven’t decayed after death. They look like they’re just sleeping, even hundreds of years later. This goes against what we know about how bodies usually decay. Scientists aren’t sure why this happens to some bodies and not others

The Miracle of Lanciano

Image Credit:  Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels

In the 8th century, a priest in Italy said the bread and wine he was using in a church service turned into real flesh and blood. The objects are still kept in a church today. Tests show they’re actual human flesh and blood, but no one can explain how this happened.

The Lourdes Healings

“A crippled girl discarding her crutches after being healed at Lourdes. Etching by J.L. Forain, 1912.” is licensed under CC BY 4.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/?ref=openverse.

Many people say they’ve been healed of illnesses after visiting Lourdes, France. Some of these healings have been studied by doctors who can’t explain them. While not all claims are accepted, some cases remain mysterious even to medical experts.

The Miracles of Padre Pio

Image Credit: “Padre Pio is fixing a hole” by – HOGRE – is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/?ref=openverse.

Padre Pio was a Catholic priest who reportedly had special abilities. People said he could be in two places at once, read minds, and heal the sick. He also had wounds on his hands like Jesus did. Scientists have studied his life but can’t explain many of the stories about him.

The Kukkuta Sadhana Miracle

Image Credit:  Engin Akyurt from Pexels

In Hinduism, there’s a story of a man who could control chickens with his mind. He could make them come to him or freeze in place. While this sounds impossible, some people still claim to have this ability today. Scientists haven’t found a way to prove or disprove it.

The Liquefaction of Saint Januarius’ Blood

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In Naples, Italy, people believe that the dried blood of Saint Januarius turns liquid on certain days each year. This has reportedly happened for hundreds of years. Scientists have studied the substance but can’t explain why it changes or what it’s made of.

The Miracle of the Holy Fire

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Every year in Jerusalem, a special flame appears in Jesus’ tomb during an Orthodox Christian ceremony. The flame doesn’t burn people at first, and scientists haven’t been allowed to study it up close, so they can’t explain how it happens.

The Stigmata of St. Francis

Image Credit: “El Greco, St. Francis Receiving the Stigmata. ca. 1567-70; Accademia Carrara, Bergamo (2)” by Prof. Mortel is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/?ref=openverse.

St. Francis of Assisi reportedly had wounds appear on his body in the same places as Jesus’ crucifixion wounds. This condition, called stigmata, has been reported by other people, too. Doctors aren’t sure what causes these marks to appear.

The Unexplained Healings at Medjugorje

Image Credit: “Virgin Mary Medjugorje – Hotel Pansion Porta – Bosnia Herzegovina – Creative Commons by gnuckx” by gnuckx is marked with CC0 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/?ref=openverse.

Since 1981, people have reported seeing the Virgin Mary in Medjugorje, Bosnia. Many visitors say they’ve been healed of illnesses after praying there. While some healings might have natural explanations, others have puzzled doctors. Scientists are still studying what happens at this site.

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Joy Fadogba

Joy Fadogba is a passionate writer who has spent over a decade exploring and writing about lifestyle topics. With a fondness for quotes and the little details that make life extraordinary, she writes content that not only entertains but also enriches the lives of those who read her blogs. You can find her writing on Mastermind Quotes and on her personal blog. When she is not writing, she is reading a book, gardening, or travelling.