A PHILOSOPHICAL STUDY OF PENTECOSTAL PRACTICES IN LAGOS, NIGERIA USING C. S. LEWIS’ PHILOSOPHYOF MIRACLES
Keywords:
Pentecostal miracles, C. S. Lewis, Manipulation, Religious commodification, Existential necessityAbstract
This study examines miracle practices within contemporary Pentecostal churches in Lagos, Nigeria, through the philosophical framework of C. S. Lewis. While Pentecostal Christianity strongly emphasizes divine healing, prophecy, deliverance, and supernatural intervention, concerns regarding manipulation, commercialization, and ethical abuse have increasingly emerged. Existing studies have mainly focused on sociological and anthropological dimensions, leaving a gap in philosophical evaluation. This research therefore investigates the epistemological, metaphysical, and ethical foundations of miracle claims within selected Pentecostal communities in Lagos. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining philosophical analysis with qualitative fieldwork involving interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. Findings reveal that miracles function both as existential resources and as mechanisms of religious authority and economic influence. Some practices appear to reflect genuine transformative experiences, while others exhibit characteristics of emotional manipulation, staged testimonies, and commercialization. Using Lewis’ philosophy of miracles as a framework for discernment, the study argues that miracles should neither be dismissed outright nor accepted uncritically. The research concludes that authentic miracle practices require rational scrutiny, ethical accountability, and theological integrity.References
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