A Critical Analysis Of The Plausibility Of Miracles in Contemporary Nigeria Based on C. Lewis’ Philosophy of Miracles

Abstract

This study critically examines the plausibility of miracles within contemporary Nigeria through the philosophical framework of C. S. Lewis. While Nigeria remains a deeply religious society with widespread claims of miraculous interventions, these claims often oscillate between authentic religious experience and manipulative religious practices. Drawing on Lewis’ distinction between naturalism and supernaturalism, this paper interrogates whether belief in miracles is philosophically defensible within a modern African context shaped by scientific rationality and socio-religious dynamics. Using philosophical analysis and qualitative interviews, the study argues that Lewis’ conception of miracles as divine interruptions of natural laws provides a coherent framework for evaluating miracle claims. However, the Nigerian context introduces complexities such as commercialization of religion and epistemic challenges. The study concludes that while miracles remain philosophically plausible, critical discernment is necessary to distinguish genuine occurrences from socio-religious constructions.