Key Themes in Mekkes’s Post-Critical Thought

Abstract

Abstract This article examines J.P.A. Mekkes’s post-critical thought with respect to three areas. First, I examine the correlation between faith and hearing, and the corresponding notion of the normativity of revelation, in Mekkes’s religious epistemology. I develop Mekkes’s epistemology in light of an appeal to testimony as the epistemic basis of faith. Second, I examine his claim that there is an irresolvable conflict between the historically situated knower and his claim to make universally valid truth claims. In this context, I raise the question regarding the distinction between epistemic justification and truth, and problems that arise from Mekkes’s failure to draw that distinction. Third, I examine Mekkes’s fundamental theology regarding the meaning of creation revelation, as well as his reluctance to speak of states of affairs, structures of creation, creational law, and the like. I argue that his reluctance stems from not only the philosophical problems I raise regarding his views on justification and truth, but also Mekkes’s emphasis on a Christocentric and eschatological perspective of creation revelation.