PHILOSOPHICAL APPRAISAL OF DIVINE HEALING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY EXPANSION IN NIGERIA: "PENTICOSTALISM".

Historical records have revealed the philosophical appraisal of divine healing and its implications for Christian missionary expansion in Nigeria. Christians emphasized divine healing as a direct experience of God's power through the Holy Spirit to heal the sick. This comment, however, faced criticism and exposed occasional frauds, thus prompting philosophical inquiries into God's existence; the challenge of evil in the world, and the credibility of miracles within Pentecostal context. Hence, the research analyzed Christians’ beliefs and practices on divine healing, exploring its philosophical dimensions and practical implications for social and religious dynamics. Data were collected through historical and descriptive survey methods, participant observation and oral interviews with pastors and members. The study explored Epicurus and J.L. Mackie's works on the problem of evil, and David Hume's skepticism regarding miracles. Here, divine healing is viewed as divine intervention, while sickness is viewed as evil and natural occurrence. Findings indicated that, all surveyed Christian Churches in Nigerian considered divine healing as genuine act of God and practice it as their central doctrine. Conclusively, the study identified positive and negative impacts of divine healing on Christian missionary expansion in Nigeria, as this strengthening faith, unity and spiritual empowerment. It caused over-reliance on faith and generated arguments on its genuineness among Christian denominations. Therefore, promotion of interdenominational dialogue and Church leadership education on pragmatic practices of divine healing, transparency and accountability are recommended for church growth. The aftermath and misconception on divine healing should periodically address to prove divine healing as genuine act of God. Keywords: Christianity, Divine Healing, Belief in Miracle, Diseases, Sickness