A Critique Of Christian Education For Self Reliance In Kenya In Light Of Existentialism

Abstract

The rise of Christianity has affected every area of life in Kenya today. Eighty percent (80%) of Kenyans are arguably Christians. This study sought to address the negative influence of Christianity (particularly its determinism philosophy) in various educational settings. This discourse argued in support of existentialism as a philosophy necessary for self-reliance. This treatise discussed the Christian theory of truth and how if the same theory is upheld might lead to individual misery and societal dependency. Formal education is one single most factor that affects all spheres of life. As such, the classroom has been a target of the Christian point of view of life and of the world. Accordingly, care must be called upon to assess the dangers that such an approach to life might bring to each individual. In the world today any person who holds atheist view of the world is regarded with great caution. Existentialism stresses the need for taking the single individual subjectively for the greater good of society. This appears to be the opposite of Christian truth that emphasizes self-denial and external factors in the name of Christian ethics and God. This study tried to argue in support of existentialism in Kenyan educational system in order to achieve its educational goals particularly self-reliance. On the same note, this study tried to analyse the authoritative Christian values and theories that negate the very existence they purport to foster. This research used two main methods of philosophical research. These were, the critical method also called philosophical analysis or Socratic Method and the descriptive method. The Socratic Method used the question approach in the study of educational issues in Kenya. This method tried to find answers to questions such as, what is the meaning of the concept, self-reliance. What is the good life for humans in Kenya? What is the meaning of Christianity? What are the salient educational theories and practices in Christian education? What is the meaning of the term truth? What are the salient philosophical theories that encourage self-reliance? On the other hand the descriptive approach was used to describe the real state of affairs in the Kenyan educational system. The study attempted to evaluate how Kenya has embraced aspects of Christianity in the school system. This study contended that selfreliance as an aim in Kenyan educational system has not been achieved. It argued that it is possible to achieve this elusive aim if appropriate philosophies discussed in the theoretical framework are adopted in our school system. Finally, the study recommended a total separation of religion (Christianity) from the school system as a probable pathway to attainment of this elusive goal.