A Philosophical Appraisal of Miracle in the Light of Its Multiple Claims in the Contemporary Nigerian Society

Abstract

A miracle is an extraordinary event in the physical world that apparently surpasses all known human or natural power and is beyond any natural or scientific explanation. The problem of the unending multiplicity of churches in the contemporary Nigerian society can be traced to the multiple claims of miracles by Christian religious ministers. This paper presents an unbiased philosophical assessment of the concept of miracle with particular reference to Christian religion so as to determine the veracity of these claims. Employing a critical expository method, the paper examines the concept miracle from its etymology to its exclusive and inclusive meanings. It also examines the criteria for accepting miracles in the strict sense as well as some philosophical positions on miracles including some denials of its possibility. In reviewing the many claims of miracles, both the frivolous claims and the authenticated instances that confirm its possibility, the paper equivocally affirmed the reality of miracles but decried the many false claims of it by some contemporary Nigerian religious ministers who stage-manage fake “miracles”. In conclusion the paper affirmed that most of the publicized apparently miraculous events in many contemporary Christian denominations in Nigeria are not miracles in the strict sense.

Keywords: Miracle, Magic, Contemporary Nigerian Churches, Philosophical Appraisal.