Satisfied customers: Miracles at the vineyard christian fellowship

Abstract

This article uses qualitative research methods to examine a particular religious setting in light of recent debates regarding secularization theory. The sacred, or religious authority, is conceptualized as a belief in miracles. Leaders in this religious setting were found to utilize non-religious authority as a means toward facilitating a belief in miracles. Physical healing most clearly illustrates this utilization of non-religious authority because of how the relationship between medicine or the scientific medical model, perhaps the consummate non-religious authority in Western society, and miraculous healing is articulated at the Vineyard. Observations and descriptions regarding the place of miracles in peoples’ lives indicate that their belief in miracles brings them benefits toward adaptation to contemporary secularized society, and appears not to constitute a ‘costly’ dimension to their religious commitment. These findings present a pattern regarding the interplay of religious and non-religious authority that advances understandings of how religion may thrive amidst increasing secularization.