How Covid 19 Has Transformed Christian Religious Rituals in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

This article examined how Covid 19 has transformed Christian religious rituals such as worship, prayer, baptism, child dedication, Holy Communion, Ash Wednesday, camp meetings, and tithing in Nairobi, Kenya. The research paper was grounded in the social evolution theory, which holds that culture generally evolves. The argument was, therefore, that since the culture gradually changes, the same is valid with the Christian rituals. In terms of methodology, the study used various data collection tools, such as questionnaires and interviews, to collect data. The targeted sample population during the research included the clergy, the church elders, and the general Christian faithful. The study utilized various sampling techniques, such as purposive sampling and stratified random sampling. The collected data was analyzed and presented in a narrative form, which involves a general description and explanation of the study findings. The study established that Covid 19 containment protocols temporarily prevented people from attending church service, but the churches resumed their operations after they were relaxed. The study, however, noted that the pandemic transformed the manner in which long-held Christian religious rituals are carried out. The study recommended reorganization of the Christian religious rituals that not only conform to the new normal of Covid 19 but also respect and uphold the spiritual importance and objective of such rituals. The study further recommended that the clergy and the Christian leadership sensitize members of their faith on the importance of vaccination to allay fears associated with COVID-19 vaccines and embrace vaccine uptake.