The termLourdes effect has been coined by the Belgianphilosopher andskepticEtienne Vermeersch for the tendency of supposedsupernatural powers to resist clear demonstration. Vermeersch suggests that, if the miraculous healing powers ofLourdes are real, one would expect theVirgin Mary orGod to reattach a severed arm as often as more ambiguous cures ofparalysis orblindness; and that the lack of such undeniable healings is strong evidence against the subtle ones as well. The same applies to other mysterious and occult phenomena such as the sightings and photos of theLoch Ness Monster and theYeti.[1][2][3]
Vermeersch uses this term to mock what he calls the selective and uncritical approach tomiracles, or the frivolous attribution of supernatural gifts to human beings. Skeptics note that the number of fatal accidents that occur on the way to and from Lourdes may well be considerably higher than the 67 alleged miracles due tofaith healing recognized in 2005 by theVatican.[4]
Marian apparitions inLourdes, France (1858) | ||
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