The Existential, Event-Oriented, Ideological (EEI) Justification Model in Christian Epistemology in Post-Apartheid Urban South Africa
- Johannesburg, South Africa South African Theological Seminary 2015
- 266p PDF A4 Abstract. Table of contents. Bibliography.
This work introduces an Epistemological model that I have developed to examine truth claims and belief statements. I have called the model the Existential, Event-oriented and Ideological (EEI) Justification Model. The model is based on specific criteria of truth examined in the research. I developed this model as I saw the need for the evangelical community to address two main challenges they have to face in post-apartheidurban South Africa; moral relativism and the South African indigenous theology practiced by many of the African Indigenous Church groups. This research demonstrates how the Existential, Event-oriented and Ideological (EEI) justification model can be used to address these challenges facing the evangelical community in post-apartheidurban South Africa.The research is a conceptual study that focuses primarily on Christian epistemology and Christian Ethics. It explores the concepts of truth in post-apartheidurban South Africa that have social moral implications. This research begins by exploring the four theories of truth, Coherence, Pragmatic, Semantic and Correspondence truth theories, to determine which truth theory is the most suitable to develop an epistemological model. Although each theory has its own merit, the most suitable theory for this thesis, is the Correspondence truth theory,as it is closer to the daily definition of truth and it corresponds with the biblical presentation of truth. The EEI model may contain elements of different truth theories,but the foundational criterion depends on the Correspondence truth theory. The effectiveness of the EEI justification model in dealing with the concept of truth and morality in the South African context is demonstrated throughout this research. This research concludes that the EEI justification model is effective in answering the question of the existence of absolute truth and moral law in the post-apartheid South African context. The neutral nature of this model makes it possible to present a meaningful and logical debate,as it places both the originally held belief and the antithesis on an equal platform. It is a tool that evangelical churches can use to engage the post-apartheid society on moral and theological issues.