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Religious Rituals and Their Manifestation in Contemporary African Christianity: A Case Study of Luong Mogik Church in Kisumu County, Kenya
Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology · Area of research: Religion
Abstract
Religious rituals constitute fundamental expressions of faith that shape the identity and practices of religious communities worldwide. This study explored the specific religious rituals practiced in Luong Mogik Church (LMC) in Kisumu County, Kenya, examining their manifestation in contemporary African Christianity. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research involved 135 participants selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, focused group discussions, and participant observation. The findings revealed four primary ritual categories: refraining from worldly actions (80%), ritual cleansing practices (85%), punishment of transgressing members (90%), and adherence to specific worship attire (93%). The study demonstrates how traditional African religious elements integrate with Christian practices, creating unique expressions of faith that maintain cultural continuity while adapting to contemporary contexts. These rituals serve multiple functions including spiritual purification, community cohesion, and moral regulation. The research contributes to understanding the dynamic nature of African Christianity and its capacity to synthesize indigenous and foreign religious elements.
Keywords
Religious rituals, African Christianity, Luong Mogik Church, Cultural practices
How to cite this paper
@article{1709400,
author = {Malone Naliaka Noel, Dr. Margaret Matisi, Prof. Jude Ongong'a},
title = {Religious Rituals and Their Manifestation in Contemporary African Christianity: A Case Study of Luong Mogik Church in Kisumu County, Kenya},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {8},
number = {12},
pages = {1518-1522},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1709400.pdf},
abstract = {Religious rituals constitute fundamental expressions of faith that shape the identity and practices of religious communities worldwide. This study explored the specific religious rituals practiced in Luong Mogik Church (LMC) in Kisumu County, Kenya, examining their manifestation in contemporary African Christianity. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research involved 135 participants selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, focused group discussions, and participant observation. The findings revealed four primary ritual categories: refraining from worldly actions (80%), ritual cleansing practices (85%), punishment of transgressing members (90%), and adherence to specific worship attire (93%). The study demonstrates how traditional African religious elements integrate with Christian practices, creating unique expressions of faith that maintain cultural continuity while adapting to contemporary contexts. These rituals serve multiple functions including spiritual purification, community cohesion, and moral regulation. The research contributes to understanding the dynamic nature of African Christianity and its capacity to synthesize indigenous and foreign religious elements.},
keywords = {Religious rituals, African Christianity, Luong Mogik Church, Cultural practices},
month = {June},
}