How religiosity correlates with Catholic beliefs regarding human sexuality: a theological-pastoral study of individuals associated with the Shalom center in Mitunguu, Kenya

Abstract

ABSTRACT The article presents the correlation between religiosity and understanding of human sexuality among a selected group of young Kenyan Catholics. Our research aimed to pinpoint the contingencies between these variables with a view to reaching some conclusions and offering suggestions for religious education and pastoral care of youth and families. The present research into religiosity made use of Huber’s Centrality of Religiosity Scale (CRS). The respondents’ understanding of human sexuality was studied with the use of a survey prepared by the authors. Our research shows that an understanding of human sexuality from a Catholic point of view increases alongside an increase in one’s interest in religion, in religious convictions, and the centrality of religion in one’s life. The analyzed correlations occurred more frequently and were stronger among men than women. There were most connections among the youngest group of respondents, younger than 20 and currently receiving education.