Reassessing Sola Scriptura in Twenty-First-Century Nigerian Christianity

Abstract

The doctrine of Sola Scriptura has remained a defining principle of Protestant Christianity, affirming Holy Scripture as the supreme authority for Christian faith and practice. However, the rapid growth of twenty-first-century Nigerian Christianity, characterised by the increasing influence of Pentecostal and Charismatic movements, prophetic ministries, personal revelations, digital evangelism, and diverse ecclesiastical traditions, has raised important theological questions regarding the practical authority of Scripture. This study critically reassesses Sola Scriptura within the Nigerian Christian context by examining its biblical foundation, historical development, theological meaning, and contemporary relevance. The study adopts a Scripture-Governed Descriptive Qualitative Research Methodology, employing a Scriptural Review Design and a Textual Research Method to examine biblical texts, historical records, and theological literature through historical inquiry, exegetical analysis, and theological interpretation under the supreme authority of Scripture. The study finds that although the authority of Scripture is widely affirmed within Nigerian Christianity, its practical supremacy is sometimes overshadowed by excessive reliance on prophetic declarations, personal spiritual experiences, ministerial influence, and inherited religious traditions. It argues that Sola Scriptura neither rejects the legitimate role of church tradition nor diminishes the continuing ministry of the Holy Spirit. Rather, it affirms that every doctrine, ecclesiastical practice, and spiritual experience must remain subject to the final authority of Scripture. The study concludes that a renewed commitment to Sola Scriptura is essential for preserving doctrinal integrity, promoting sound biblical interpretation, and strengthening theological reflection and Christian practice within twenty-first-century Nigerian Christianity.

Keywords: Sola Scriptura, Scripture-Governed Descriptive Qualitative Research Methodology, Nigerian Christianity, Scriptural Review.