Biblical based teaching: the solution to doctrinal controversies in the Christian community. Nigeria as a case study.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

The Christian faith is fundamentally rooted in the revelation of God through the Holy Scriptures, which remain the ultimate guide for belief, practice, and community life. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the authority of God’s Word has been affirmed as the standard by which all doctrines, traditions, and practices should be evaluated. The Apostle Paul emphasized this when he wrote that “all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Similarly, Titus 1:9 underscores the importance of holding firmly to sound doctrine in order to encourage and refute those who oppose the truth. Thus, the church is called to anchor its faith on Scripture to maintain both spiritual maturity and unity.

Despite the centrality of Scripture, doctrinal controversies have characterized church history from the early centuries. Disputes over the nature of Christ, the Trinity, salvation, and the authority of Scripture itself led to councils, creeds, and at times, schisms within the global Christian community. These controversies demonstrate that while diversity of thought is expected, the absence of balanced biblical interpretation often produces confusion and division (Ferguson, Wright, & Packer, 2005). In many cases, controversies arise not from the Bible itself but from human interpretations shaped by personal ambition, cultural influences, or denominational traditions.

Nigeria, with its dynamic and growing Christian community, provides a vivid case study of these issues. The country is home to numerous denominations—Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Pentecostal, Charismatic, and Independent African churches—each with distinct doctrinal emphases. While denominational diversity enriches Christian expression, it has also contributed to widespread doctrinal differences. Theological debates over prosperity gospel, deliverance practices, baptismal methods, the role of women in ministry, and the validity of certain spiritual gifts are common features of the Nigerian church landscape (Ukah, 2007; Marshall, 2009). In many instances, these differences have escalated into divisions that weaken Christian unity.

The prosperity gospel, for instance, has become a dominant message in many Nigerian Pentecostal churches, with emphases on wealth, health, and material success as signs of God’s favor. While rooted in some biblical texts, its overemphasis has drawn criticism for misrepresenting the holistic message of the gospel, which also includes suffering, service, and discipleship (Gifford, 2004). Similarly, controversies over deliverance ministries—such as the casting out of demons, ancestral curses, and spiritual warfare—have raised theological questions about the sufficiency of Christ’s finished work on the cross. These disputes often generate tension between congregations and sometimes within the same denomination.

Another sensitive area of controversy is the role of women in ministry. While some denominations ordain women as pastors, bishops, and evangelists, others restrict leadership roles to men, citing Pauline instructions such as 1 Timothy 2:12. These differing interpretations have produced theological disputes and, at times, gender-related divisions in congregations. Eschatology, or teachings about the end times, also creates differences: debates over rapture, millennial reign, and judgment have left many believers confused and vulnerable to sensational predictions by self-proclaimed prophets. All these highlight the urgent need for biblically sound teaching that offers clarity and unity.

Biblical-based teaching is therefore indispensable in resolving these controversies. Unlike teachings shaped by culture, personal opinion, or denominational dogma, biblical teaching emphasizes the authority of God’s Word as the ultimate standard. Jesus Christ modeled this approach in His ministry, consistently referring to Scripture as the basis for His teaching (Luke 4:4, 8, 12). Furthermore, He commanded His disciples to teach all nations “to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20). The early church mirrored this priority, devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching as a foundation for unity and growth (Acts 2:42).

In the Nigerian context, the absence of systematic biblical teaching has contributed to shallow theological understanding among many Christians. Sermons often focus on motivation, miracles, and prosperity rather than expository teaching of Scripture. This has left congregations vulnerable to manipulation, false prophecies, and doctrinal errors. Where leaders prioritize sound teaching grounded in Scripture, believers are more discerning, better equipped to resist false doctrines, and more committed to unity in the body of Christ (Adeyemo, 2006).

Thus, returning to biblical-based teaching is not only a corrective measure but also a preventive one. It safeguards the doctrinal integrity of the church, promotes spiritual maturity, and strengthens the witness of the Christian community in Nigeria. Doctrinal controversies, though inevitable in a pluralistic context, need not result in destructive divisions if Scripture remains the ultimate authority. For the Nigerian church to fulfill its divine mandate in society, it must embrace biblical teaching as the solution to doctrinal controversies, ensuring that the message of Christ is faithfully transmitted to this generation and the ones to come.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Christianity in Nigeria has experienced rapid growth over the last few decades, with churches multiplying across cities, towns, and villages. Nigeria now has one of the largest concentrations of Christians in Africa, with vibrant expressions of worship, evangelism, and missionary work. However, this growth has not been without challenges. Alongside numerical expansion has emerged a surge of doctrinal controversies that threaten the spiritual stability of the church. These controversies, often arising from divergent biblical interpretations, have created confusion and mistrust among believers, thereby weakening the unity of the body of Christ.

One of the most visible doctrinal controversies is the prosperity gospel, which emphasizes wealth, success, and material blessings as the evidence of divine favor. While some biblical texts support God’s desire to bless His people, the overemphasis on material prosperity has been criticized for neglecting themes of suffering, holiness, and eternal hope (Gifford, 2004). Closely linked to this is the rise of deliverance ministries, where some teachings suggest that ancestral curses or demonic influences can nullify the salvation experience of believers. These practices raise theological questions about the sufficiency of Christ’s finished work on the cross and often lead to fear-driven Christianity rather than faith-driven discipleship.

Disputes also emerge around divine healing and miracles, with some leaders presenting healing as an absolute promise for all believers while others warn against exaggerated or manipulative claims. Similarly, debates over the role of women in ministry remain divisive. While certain denominations affirm the ordination and leadership of women, others restrict them, citing Pauline instructions such as 1 Timothy 2:12. These unresolved differences frequently create tension, factionalism, and in some cases, the splitting of congregations. The resulting divisions undermine the credibility of the church, making it appear fragmented and inconsistent to outsiders (Ojo, 2010).

A key factor behind these controversies is the inadequate grounding of sermons and discipleship programs in Scripture. Many churches in Nigeria prioritize motivational preaching, visions, dreams, or cultural interpretations above expository teaching of the Bible. This has produced congregations with shallow theological understanding, making them vulnerable to manipulation by charismatic leaders who promote personal revelations as equal or superior to the Word of God. In such contexts, believers struggle to discern truth from error, thereby perpetuating doctrinal confusion.

If these controversies remain unresolved, their impact on the Nigerian church could be far-reaching. They risk stunting the spiritual growth of believers, replacing discipleship with sensationalism. Evangelistic efforts could also be undermined, as non-Christians may view the church as inconsistent, divided, or preoccupied with internal disputes rather than the message of salvation. Furthermore, persistent doctrinal divisions foster disunity within the Christian community, weakening its collective witness and moral authority in addressing Nigeria’s broader socio-political and moral challenges.

It is against this backdrop that this study investigates biblical-based teaching as a solution to doctrinal controversies in Nigeria. Sound scriptural exposition, rooted in the authority of God’s Word, has the potential to unify believers, correct false teachings, and strengthen the church’s spiritual health. By returning to the centrality of the Bible in preaching, discipleship, and theological education, the Nigerian church can overcome doctrinal disputes and fulfill its mission with greater integrity and unity.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the role of biblical-based teaching in resolving doctrinal controversies within the Nigerian Christian community.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Explore the nature and causes of doctrinal controversies among Nigerian churches.
2. Assess the impact of doctrinal disputes on the unity and growth of the church.
3. Evaluate the role of biblical-based teaching in addressing doctrinal controversies.
4. Recommend practical approaches for promoting sound biblical teaching as a solution to doctrinal divisions in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions guide the study:

1. What are the major doctrinal controversies affecting the Nigerian Christian community?
2. What factors contribute to these doctrinal disputes?
3. How have doctrinal controversies affected the unity and witness of the church in Nigeria?
4. In what ways can biblical-based teaching serve as a solution to these controversies?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is highly significant to the Nigerian church because it emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing biblical teaching as the foundation for doctrinal soundness and unity. In an era where many congregations are influenced by competing interpretations, cultural pressures, and sensational teachings, a strong return to the authority of Scripture is essential. By underscoring the centrality of biblical teaching, this study seeks to remind the church of its responsibility to safeguard the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). A church grounded in the Word will not only maintain doctrinal purity but will also foster unity among believers, enabling them to live as authentic witnesses of Christ in a fragmented society.

To Christian leaders—pastors, theologians, and teachers—this research provides practical insights into the importance of scriptural fidelity in preaching and discipleship. Leaders play a crucial role in shaping the spiritual lives of their congregations, and when sermons are poorly rooted in Scripture, the result is confusion and theological immaturity. By highlighting biblical-based teaching as the solution to doctrinal controversies, this study calls leaders to prioritize expository preaching and sound doctrine over personal revelations or human traditions. In doing so, leaders will not only equip their members for spiritual growth but also protect them from false teachings that often arise within the Nigerian church context.

Furthermore, the study holds significant implications for theological education. Seminaries, Bible colleges, and theological institutes are responsible for training the next generation of church leaders. However, many of these institutions face the challenge of balancing academic rigor with practical ministry preparation. By emphasizing the centrality of the Bible in curriculum development, this research encourages theological educators to revisit their programs and ensure that biblical interpretation, hermeneutics, and doctrinal studies remain at the core of ministerial training. This will produce well-prepared leaders who are equipped to teach sound doctrine and address controversies with wisdom and scriptural authority.

The study also has a wider societal significance. In Nigeria, the church is a major moral and social force, often shaping public opinion and influencing cultural values. However, when the church is divided by doctrinal controversies, its moral authority in society is weakened. By advocating biblical-based teaching as a unifying tool, this study highlights how a united church can provide a stronger moral voice in addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues such as corruption, injustice, and moral decline. A doctrinally united Christian community will not only strengthen its internal witness but also positively impact the socio-political landscape of the nation.

On a broader theological level, the findings of this research contribute to the global conversation on how churches in diverse cultural contexts can maintain doctrinal soundness without falling into unnecessary divisions. Nigeria, being a hub of African Christianity, has the potential to influence the wider African continent and the global Christian community. By demonstrating that biblical teaching is the surest foundation for unity, the Nigerian church can serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar doctrinal disputes. This positions the research as not only locally relevant but also globally significant.

Finally, for ordinary believers, the study serves as an encouragement to pursue personal commitment to biblical learning and discipleship. While leaders and institutions play their roles, every Christian is called to “study to show yourself approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15). By highlighting the dangers of doctrinal controversies and pointing to biblical teaching as the solution, this study encourages believers to deepen their knowledge of Scripture, test every teaching against God’s Word, and contribute to the overall unity and maturity of the church. In this way, the significance of the study extends beyond institutions to touch the daily lives and faith journeys of individual Christians in Nigeria.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the Christian community in Nigeria, examining doctrinal controversies across denominational lines, particularly within Pentecostal, Evangelical, and Mainline churches. The emphasis is on how biblical-based teaching can serve as a corrective tool. While the study acknowledges that doctrinal controversies are a global phenomenon, Nigeria is chosen as a case study due to its religious diversity, high church growth, and frequent doctrinal disputes.

1.7 Organization of the Study

This research is organized into five chapters. Chapter One introduces the study by providing the background, statement of the problem, objectives, research questions, significance, scope, and organization. Chapter Two reviews relevant literature and the theological framework. Chapter Three presents the research methodology. Chapter Four focuses on data presentation, analysis, and interpretation. Chapter Five discusses the findings, draws conclusions, and provides recommendations.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Biblical-Based Teaching: In this study, biblical-based teaching refers to the practice of grounding all doctrines, sermons, and discipleship instructions on the authority of the Holy Scriptures. It emphasizes expository preaching, faithful interpretation, and application of God’s Word rather than reliance on personal revelations, cultural traditions, or denominational dogmas.

Doctrine: Doctrine is defined here as the body of teachings and beliefs that Christians hold, based on the interpretation of the Bible. It includes core truths such as salvation, baptism, the Trinity, spiritual gifts, and eschatology. Doctrinal soundness refers to teachings that align faithfully with the Scriptures.

Doctrinal Controversies: Doctrinal controversies, as used in this study, refer to disagreements, disputes, and conflicting interpretations of Christian beliefs within the church. In Nigeria, such controversies often revolve around prosperity gospel, divine healing, deliverance practices, the role of women in ministry, and teachings on the end times.

Christian Community: The Christian community refers to the collective body of believers in Nigeria who profess faith in Jesus Christ. This includes members of different denominations such as Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Pentecostal, Charismatic, and African Independent Churches.

Unity of the Church: Unity of the church is defined as the state of oneness, harmony, and agreement among Christians in belief and practice. It does not necessarily imply uniformity of denominational structures but emphasizes shared commitment to biblical truth and love among believers.

Nigeria (as Case Study): Nigeria, in the context of this research, represents a nation with a diverse and vibrant Christian population. It serves as the geographical and cultural setting for examining doctrinal controversies and the role of biblical teaching in resolving them.