Kenyan musician Vivianne has ignited a fervent online debate with her recent critique of Christianity. On August 21, 2024, Vivianne took to TikTok to publicly announce her departure from the faith, a decision she detailed with considerable candor. Her critique has resonated widely, sparking conversations across social media platforms and among Kenyans at large.
In her video, Vivianne described her disillusionment with Christianity, framing it as a system rooted in control and fear rather than spiritual growth. Her discontent is not a sudden development but appears to be a culmination of her evolving perspective on religion and spirituality.
Vivianne’s critique begins with a profound statement: “Can I tell you why I don’t believe in Christianity? I don’t think I ever had a real choice.” She argues that Christianity’s foundation is built on mechanisms of control and fear, suggesting that it dictates every facet of an individual’s life through a single book, the Bible. This, she contends, limits personal freedom and autonomy.
Her dissatisfaction extends to how the Bible is used to govern behavior. Vivianne claims that the religious text often justifies harmful practices and discrimination. “Every decision, everything about who you are, is controlled by a single book. And people can hate you, condemn you, ostracize you, belittle you, dehumanize you, and justify all these actions using this so-called holy book. That’s just wrong,” she asserts.
Vivianne’s criticism also highlights what she perceives as the Bible’s treatment of women. She points out that women are often portrayed as secondary to men within biblical texts, which she argues undermines their intrinsic value and contributions. “The book treats women as an afterthought—man was created first, and then woman was made to serve him. Yet it is the woman who carries and nurtures life. So why do we allow this one book to dictate our lives? It’s not right,” Vivianne asserts.
Her critique escalates as she labels Christianity as a “disease” and a form of “brainwashing.” She characterizes it as an institution designed to control the masses while empowering a select few. “Christianity is like a disease—it brainwashes people. It’s an institution meant to empower a few while disempowering the rest,” she argues. Vivianne urges her followers to reclaim their personal power and not be confined by religious teachings, emphasizing the importance of self-empowerment and creativity.
This dramatic shift in Vivianne’s spiritual perspective is notable, especially given her previous public stance. In September 2021, she released a gospel ballad and spoke about reconnecting with her Christian roots, which she attributed to introspection during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, she described her experience as a “change of heart,” reflecting on her Christian upbringing and the introspective opportunities the pandemic provided. Her earlier statements reflected a positive view of Christianity as a source of personal reflection and connection with God.
Vivianne’s recent statements, however, represent a stark departure from this earlier position. Her criticism reveals a complex journey of questioning and reevaluating her beliefs, moving from a period of spiritual reconnection to a complete departure from Christianity. This transformation underscores the dynamic nature of personal faith and belief systems.
The response to Vivianne’s critique has been mixed. While some applaud her for speaking out and challenging established norms, others view her departure with concern, particularly within a predominantly Christian society. Her critique raises important questions about the role of religion in personal identity and societal norms, encouraging a broader discussion about the intersection of faith, personal autonomy, and social structures.
In summary, Vivianne’s recent public statements reflect a significant shift in her spiritual journey, marking a departure from Christianity and sparking widespread debate. Her critique, marked by a call for personal empowerment and creative freedom, challenges traditional religious frameworks and highlights ongoing discussions about faith, identity, and control.
