There is a question we rarely ask ourselves with complete honesty: What do you believe—and what habits does your belief produce? Most people can answer the first part easily. They can describe their beliefs, their values, their philosophies. They know what they stand for. They can explain the principles they claim guide their lives. But the second question is much harder. Because beliefs are easy to claim. Habits are harder to hide. And it is in our habits—especially the small, ordinary ones—that our true philosophy quietly reveals itself. A belief system means very little if it does not shape the smallest habits of everyday life. Not the grand gestures. Not the moments when others are watching. But the quiet decisions that happen in ordinary settings—shared spaces, everyday responsibilities, small interactions with the people around us. How we manage inconvenience. How we treat people who cannot benefit us. How we handle situations where restraint, fairness, or consideration...
In Kenya today, there is a deep and growing tendency to interpret every experience, setback, or societal issue through a spiritual lens. From personal misfortunes to national problems, we are often quick to declare, “It is spiritual.” But what happens when this worldview becomes the dominant, default lens through which life is understood? When does spirituality stop offering comfort and start becoming a barrier to change, reason, or healing? What Is Spiritualization? Spiritualization is the process of interpreting ordinary life events or challenges as being caused or governed by spiritual forces. In Kenya, this could mean attributing financial struggles to curses, job losses to spiritual attacks, or national corruption to demonic strongholds. While faith and spirituality can offer hope, purpose, and community, over-spiritualization denies the need for personal responsibility, rational thinking, or practical action. Over-spiritualization is not about having faith—it’s about outsourcing ...