Christian Crusades in Nairobi: An analysis of socio-religious factors underlying their upsurge

The present research examines socio-religious dynamics within, and implication of, the phenomenon of Christian crusades in Nairobi. It is argued that the phenomenon of crusades in an indicator of the crisis situations confronting society in general and efforts that are being mustered by crusaders to address the situations. This research study brings to the fore the socio-religious role of crusaders in the urban context of Nairobi. Crusades are seen as one of the Church's alternatives in responding to the perceived contemporary issues. Review of general works on Christian mission and literature specifically addressing crusades or their aspects in Kenya has been done. Related scholarly contributions which have already been made on the area of research interest are discussed in the review. It also shows gaps that the present study fills. Research tools in this scholarly undertaking comprise library research, pilot survey and field research. The theoretical framework guiding the study is based on sociological classics in religion, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber. They both emphasises the functionalist perspective of religion in society. The research findings show that increased socio-economic problems in society cause a gap which crusades attempt to fill. Attendance in crusades is drawn from people of different ranks and walks of life in terms of their gender, age, socio-economic standing, educational level, religious affiliation among other. However, women and the youth, more than any other group in society as well as the generally middle and low class feature more explicitly in crusades. This is partly because they are most affected by socio-economic problems. The crucial role and the believed-in power and efficacy of the evangelist in crusades is also underlined in this study. Thus, many crusades are drawn to crusades is also underlined in this study. Thus, many crusades are drawn to crusades by a number of aspects that relate to the perceived popularity of the preacher-evangelist.