MIRACLES REDEFINED: NIGERIAN CONTEXT

Abstract: The concept of miracles has been understood differently among philosophers, Biblicists, and Theologians. Philosophers understood miracles in the context of laws of nature and denied their possibility since laws of nature cannot be broken. Biblicists provided a meaning rooted in the Bible as signs and wonders; some Christians from selected Churches did not differentiate providence from miracles, while theologians have differed on the components that give a portrait of a comprehensive definition of miracles. To provide Christians with a more accurate theological understanding, this paper attempts to offer a different and thorough description of miracles. The study used theological analysis to analyse the primary and secondary data. The research revealed that philosophical ability is inadequate in communicating the doctrine of God and his works. Biblical meaning is relevant in understanding the meaning of miracles from the original languages. At the same time, a theological perspective synthesizes and systematizes the meaning, purpose, parties involved, nature of the events, and the corresponding reaction to the miraculous event. Consequently, miracles are extraordinary divine events, unusual, enigmatic, instantaneous, and accomplished by human agency for a sacred purpose. This is the redefined understanding of miracles. Any event thought to have been performed by God should not be regarded as a miracle by Christians since some of his works are miracles, others are providence. Therefore, to determine whether an event meets the criteria to be classified as a miracle, it should be evaluated in the context of the aforementioned definition. More research is advised in providence to prevent Christians from misinterpreting the theology of miracles.

Keywords: God, Miracles, Laws of Nature, Signs and Wonders, Human Agency