The phenomenon of religious switching among university students: The case of Nairobi and Kenyatta Universities, Kenya
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Date
2013-05
Authors
Ongong’a, Jude J.
Akaranga, Stephen I.
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Abstract
This paper examines the concept of religious switching or mobility which is one of the
characteristics of modernity and post-modernity religious phenomenon. Modernity is characterized
by differentiations in an attempt to pin down or explain how things work by distinguishing between
essences and finding relevant mechanism of operation. Today, the influence of modernity and,
religion has been internally differentiated with notable contrasts existing between traditional
authoritative religions based on humanism, prosperity teachings stamped with the marks of
utilitarian individualism. In the contemporary world denominations are less exclusivistic than sects
and dominate mainstream religious life. This explains why university students move from one
denomination to another trying to find the same truth and spirituality at the heart of all religious
traditions. In this paper, we ask and attempt to answer the following questions: Does the existence
of diverse religious affiliations dilute or strengthen ones faith? Are university students more
religiously active? And do new religious experiences affect their original religions? If so, why? and
how?
Key words: Modernity, post modernity, conversion, religious switching, religious mobility,
differentiation, de-differentiation, traditionalization, de-traditionalization
Description
Research article
Keywords
Modernity, Post modernity, Conversion, Religious switching, Religious mobility, Differentiation, De-differentiation, Traditionalization, De-traditionalization
Citation
International Journal of Education and Research, Vol. 1 No. 5, May 2013.