Emotive or Ethical? A Theological Reflection on Kenya’s Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Abstract

Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) has been lauded as a more inclusive, rights-based, and progressive approach to sexuality, particularly in its assumed impact on youth sexuality in Kenya. An emotive approach is proposed by both protagonists and antagonists of CSE. This article, however, seeks to ground the discussion on a theological and ethical approach, by way of utilizing a customized practical theological methodology. First, it utilizes inter-disciplinary methods to analyze the CSE policy in Kenyan society. Second, its normative aspect is grounded in a theological reflection on the sexual ethics espoused in key New Testament passages. Third, its practical recommendations explore the ramifications of this research for sexual ethics in youth and family ministries and public theological engagement with Kenya’s society.

Keywords

• adolescent reproductive and sexual health
• comprehensive sexuality education
• practical theology
• public theology
• youth and family ministry