The Center for the Study of Religions (CSR) emerged from a collective acknowledgment of the necessity for an advanced academic program for graduates of the Master’s programs (M.A. and M.Div.) in Islamic Studies at the Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology (NEGST). This Masters program was first initiated by Prof. Caleb Kim and the late Dr. Stephen Sesi in 2003 as a track within the mission’s studies program, eventually leading to the official establishment of a Ph.D. program of CSR in 2013 at Africa International University (AIU, formerly NEGST). Rooted in the academic mission of the Institute for the Study of African Realities (ISAR), CSR was spearheaded by the Islamic Studies faculty, particularly under the leadership of Prof. Caleb Kim, with support from Prof. Josephine Mutuku. Its primary goal is to promote in-depth research on non-Christian religions from a Christian perspective, addressing the need for scholarly engagement with various faith systems and the lived experiences of their adherents within the African context. CSR promotes rigorous academic inquiry that connects Christian perspectives with the realities of interfaith engagement in Africa.
Vision: CSR’s Ph.D. program in interreligious studies is designed to train and equip scholars capable of conducting meaningful research into the lived experiences of individuals from diverse religious backgrounds, with a special emphasis on Islam in sub-saharan Africa. The center seeks to nurture a new generation of academics who can provide nuanced insights into the daily realities of Muslim communities within the African context. By focusing on these lived experiences, CSR aims to bridge the gap between theological inquiry and the sociocultural dynamics that influence religious practice, establishing a platform for interreligious dialogue anchored in rigorous academic research.
Mission: To produce high-quality, credible research that offers a comprehensive understanding of how individuals from other faith traditions, particularly Islam, experience and live out their beliefs. The program is committed to gathering data through ethical and skillful research methodologies, ensuring that the findings are both academically sound and practically relevant. This research aims to inform and support key academic and practical partners, including theologians, missiologists, and practitioners.
Achievements and Undertakings: Since its inception, CSR has made significant progress in producing highly skilled African evangelical scholars. Many of these scholars, primarily from Kenya and Nigeria, have become esteemed professors at various Christian academic institutions, including Africa International University. These alumni continue to make meaningful contributions to the academic landscape, particularly in the fields of Islamic studies and the exploration of Muslims’ lived experiences.
Future Objectives: Looking ahead, CSR’s future objectives focus on expanding its academic influence and continuing to produce cutting-edge research in interreligious studies. The center aims to deepen its engagement with global scholarly networks while remaining rooted in African realities. This includes creating new opportunities for collaboration with international institutions and scholars, broadening research topics to encompass a wider array of religious traditions, and ensuring that CSR’s research remains relevant to both the academic community and field practitioners. By achieving these goals, CSR hopes to remain a leader in the study of religion in Africa and a source of transformative knowledge that can guide the next generation of scholars and practitioners in the field.
