How do contemporary cultures account for the miraculous? In addition to advancing scientific and religious explanations, Loring Danforth and Thomas Heffernan say that in some modern societies miracles create bonds that affirm their social distinctiveness.
At the time of the interview, Danforth, a Fellow at the National Humanities Center (1986-87), was professor of anthropology at Bates College. Heffernan, a Fellow at the Center (1986-87), was professor of English literature at the University of Tennessee.
This edition of Soundings was conducted by Wayne J. Pond.
