An ethical analysis of a Christian Theology of reconstruction in Africa and its contribution to epistemic masculine violence (in South Africa)

Abstract

Physical violence from masculinist power in South Africa continues to be an obstacle to growth and progress. In the second quarter of the 2023 financial year, approximately 6945 people were murdered in South Africa. This is important to note because most citizens in South Africa affiliate with Christianity. While many reasons have been provided for the cause of gender violence such as African cultures and traditions which perpetuate patriarchy, I argue that the cause of such violence is epistemic. Using violence caused by masculinist power as an example, I challenge the social constructionist approach that is state driven and African traditionalist discourse about masculinities in South Africa by attempting to expose how they contribute to epistemic violence. Recognising the importance of Christianity and African Culture in South Africa, I engage the work of three Christian reconstruction theologians to determine which of the models attached to their work disrupt epistemic ‘masculine’ violence. Christian reconstruction theology is important because it recognises culture and Christianity as sources of reconstruction. The three theologians whose works are engaged are Mugambi who advocates for the reinvention of Africa; Ka Mana who advocates for an African axiological ethic; and Villa-Vicencio who advocates for mutual inclusivity. It is the argument of this dissertation that an Africanist axiological ethic advocated for by Ka Mana, is the only model of the three engaged, capable of disrupting epistemic ‘masculine’ violence in South Africa.