Invocation of the term God does not sanctify religious hypocrisy

Every Christmas, Christians in Kenya indulge in an orgy of piety and celebration. For good measure, those Kenyans who aren’t Christian, or are agnostic and non-believers, join the festive season willy-nilly. We are always sure of this – lots of food and drink are consumed and plenty of gifts exchanged. Lovebirds find erotic time for each other. Only the Grinch-like sulk in a corner by themselves. Merchants celebrate good sales. Those who lost loved ones – or are facing tragedy – are mournful. We hope they heal. Sundays too are mini Christian holidays. But who goes to Church and means it? Or do hypocrites pack the pews, lift the Holy Book, and shout the Lord’s name in vain? Do Kenyans truly fear God?

This isn’t a column about belief in God. Nor is it on whether the Almighty exists. Nyet. It’s a piece about how we use God, especially during the most festive times of the year for Christians. I chose the term “use” because to many – if not most – Kenyans God is a “thing.” Most have an existential conception of God as a being that lives up in the sky. That’s why most believers supplicate themselves by turning their palms upwards, or looking to the skies. I use the term “God-fearing” deliberately. Fear and love, or respect are different. But you can still do the right thing out of fear, respect, or love. The boat that gets you there doesn’t matter.