Christian African emerging adults’ epistemological understanding of the authority of the Bible with particular reference to contextual evangelism within a Lutheran, Catholic and Charismatic church in Mamelodi, Tshwane, Gauteng

Abstract

The focus of this thesis is on Christian African emerging adults’ epistemic understanding of the authority of the Bible with particular regard to contextual evangelism within a Lutheran, Catholic and Charismatic church in Mamelodi, Tshwane, Gauteng. The primary objective of this thesis was to demonstrate that among the emerging adults of Mamelodi, Gauteng, South Africa, there appears to be a perceived lack of comprehension of the Bible’s authority which currently hinders the proclamation of the gospel in a significant and contextual manner. The goal was to develop practical strategies arising from the findings to help the broader church addressing the challenges facing emerging adults. Through semi-structured interviews, the researcher explored Christian African emerging adults’ epistemic understanding of the Bible, focusing on contextual evangelism. Fifteen participants (eight males and seven females) from three different denominations (Catholic, Charismatic, and Lutheran) participated in the study. The researcher conducts a case study to investigate her perception of a lack of understanding of the Bible’s authority. The researcher utilises Browning’s fundamental practical theology research methodology. The findings based on the interviews reveal a disturbing neglect in reading and understanding the Bible and applying biblical principles in participants’ lives. Although emerging adults still believe that the Bible is reliable and authoritative, and crucial to read, they lack a thorough epistemological understanding of it. This thesis concludes with a summary of a clearer understanding of the Bible's authority amongst emerging adults. After summarising findings, further research and recommendations are offered to assist the church's impact concerning emerging adults reading and studying the Bible, proclaiming the gospel of Christ effectively.The focus of this thesis is on Christian African emerging adults’ epistemic understanding of the authority of the Bible with particular regard to contextual evangelism within a Lutheran, Catholic and Charismatic church in Mamelodi, Tshwane, Gauteng. The primary objective of this thesis was to demonstrate that among the emerging adults of Mamelodi, Gauteng, South Africa, there appears to be a perceived lack of comprehension of the Bible’s authority which currently hinders the proclamation of the gospel in a significant and contextual manner. The goal was to develop practical strategies arising from the findings to help the broader church addressing the challenges facing emerging adults. Through semi-structured interviews, the researcher explored Christian African emerging adults’ epistemic understanding of the Bible, focusing on contextual evangelism. Fifteen participants (eight males and seven females) from three different denominations (Catholic, Charismatic, and Lutheran) participated in the study. The researcher conducts a case study to investigate her perception of a lack of understanding of the Bible’s authority. The researcher utilises Browning’s fundamental practical theology research methodology. The findings based on the interviews reveal a disturbing neglect in reading and understanding the Bible and applying biblical principles in participants’ lives. Although emerging adults still believe that the Bible is reliable and authoritative, and crucial to read, they lack a thorough epistemological understanding of it. This thesis concludes with a summary of a clearer understanding of the Bible's authority amongst emerging adults. After summarising findings, further research and recommendations are offered to assist the church's impact concerning emerging adults reading and studying the Bible, proclaiming the gospel of Christ effectively.