The phenomenon of religious switching among university students: the case of Nairobi and Kenyatta universities, Kenya

Abstract

This paper examines the concept of religious switching or mobility which is one of the characteristics of modernity and post - mode rnity 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 exc lusivistic 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 att empt 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? an d how?