THE CHRISTIAN UNION STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE INFLUENCE OF THEOLOGICAL GROUNDING ON CULTISM IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN KENYA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse the Christian Union (C.U.) students' perceptions of the influence of theological grounding on cultism in public universities in Kenya. Studies have shown that cultism is prevalent among university students, resulting in suicides, drug abuse, crimes, unrest, withdrawal from family, academic malpractices, failure, attrition, psychological and financial exploitation, among others. The study employed a descriptive research design. The study was carried out in six public universities in Kenya. A sample of 220 C.U. students was selected through simple random and stratified sampling methods. The study further included 60 small group Bible study leaders and 6 C.U. Patrons selected through purposive sampling. The study was guided by Bounded Choice Theory. This study established that theological grounding was perceived as contributing significantly to cultism (β=0.194; p<0.05). The study concludes that lack of adequate spiritual instruction may turn students to cultism since cults target students with a cursory familiarity with the scriptures, who lack a solid religious foundation, and who have been exposed to cultism as children. The study recommends training on cultism and on Bible study to enable students to attain spiritual strength prior to joining university. The Christian Unions should provide social support and discipleship for their members to shield them from cult recruiters. University Chaplains and C.U. Patrons should vet all preachers who come to the university to mitigate against cultic doctrines and practices.