Religion in Kenya

Kenya is primarily a Christian country with about 3/4 of the population either Protestant or Roman Catholic. This is quite apparent throughout the country, especially along the road and on cars. As we drive into Nairobi, cars and matatus are littered with bumper-stickers and decals proclaiming "It's in God's hands" and "God is in the driver's seat." While it is not uncommon to see displays of Christianity back home, far from it actually, the most disturbing thing is the extreme literal belief a lot of people here have in those sayings. As if they could let go of the steering wheel, and it would be up to God to decide where they would end up. I sometimes get nervous about this when riding in a matatu or a cab, wondering if someone feels like testing this theory.

There is a prayer day before exam sittings for high school students here. They meet up to pray to God to let them pass their exams. They believe that no matter how hard they study, it is up to God to decide whether or not they succeed.

My biggest issue is lack of responsibility they have for their own actions. How do you educate a town about HIV protection when they believe it is up to God whether or not they will be cursed by it? That is what many think HIV is, a curse. While in Nairobi the other day, Josh bought a four-page pamphlet entitled "How to Recognise (sic) and Expel Demons". There are several similar pamphlets that can be purchased for 30 shillings at any newsstand. I will post their contents later on, as they are really quite remarkable.

The other implication we face is the government and society's views on how HIV is spread. Many refuse to acknowledge the true cause and effect of this epidemic. Sex with multiple people spreads HIV, men buy sex from sex workers, both male and female, and people cheat. Instead, politicians and leaders believe if Kenya was a better Christian nation and more God-fearing, they would not have 25% of their population infected with HIV and AIDS. So the solution becomes prayer and not prevention or education, or any tangible method of

All this religious propaganda has only increased my belief that religions have skewed the essence of spirituality. It is not about what we as individuals choose to believe, but what the religious "leaders" decide what it is we should do and believe. Maybe someone can explain to me how these people are chosen and what makes them entitled to speak on behalf of whatever God may or may not exist, because I simply just don't understand it.

I see religion in Kenya as a major part of what is holding them back from better health and standard of living. But that's just my belief, your's may be different and who am I to say you are wrong?