Public Preaching and Interfaith Relations: The Influence of Muslim and Pentecostal Leaders in Western Kenya

Public Preaching and Interfaith Relations offers an in-depth analysis of Muslim and Pentecostal preachers in Western Kenya, discussing the similarities and differences in engagement between public preaching as da'wah and mission, respectively. This book argues that preaching by Muslims and Pentecostal converts is contributing to a climate of strained interfaith relations. The growing presence of “free preachers” points to changing religious dynamics, wherein conversions from both religions are not neutral or “private” events, but some of the most disruptive events in the lives of converts and their larger communities. Such conversions impact social ties significantly, marking the emergence of a new generation of leaders who claim experiential authority and mastery of sacred texts over and above traditional learning. This is accompanied by a rise of competition with traditional leadership, and a rise in competition between members of the two faiths. Within a broader context of Kenyan life where Muslims are a significant minority, Dr. Wandera’s work is vital.

Dr. Joseph Wandera is an Anglican Priest, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies, St Paul’s University in Limuru, Kenya, where he teaches courses in religious studies and interfaith relations. He coordinates the Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations in Eastleigh. Dr Wandera’s Ph.D. was obtained at the University of Cape Town, Department of Religious Studies.