περιτομὴ καρδίας as Remedy for Moral Depravity in Kenyan Christianity: A Theological-Ethical Diagnosis from Romans 1–2

Abstract

This article investigates Paul’s reinterpretation of circumcision in Romans 2:24–29. It gives particular attention to περιτομὴ καρδίας and its theological-ethical significance for addressing moral depravity in contemporary Kenyan Christianity. It approaches this text through a theological-exegetical method and an illustrative case-study approach. It reads this text as Paul’s diagnosis of the collapse of moral conduct, presumption of covenant and the public dishonouring of God’s name.  The article uses four Pauline categories to diagnose selected Kenyan ecclesial patterns: 1) confession-conduct disjunction; 2) sacred authority without accountability; 3) public dishonour of God; 4) the need for Spirit-enabled inner renewal. Selected examples from Roman Catholic, ACK, PCEA, SDA and Pentecostal/Charismatic contexts in Kenya are examined through these categories. This article states that the challenge of moral depravity is not just a “sociological/administrative” one but “theological.” When outward religiosity is not accompanied by internal transformation, it undermines the credibility of Christianity and makes public witness and preaching a form of implied blasphemy. The study does not challenge the need for institutional reform. Rather, it argues that governance, discipline, ministerial formation and public accountability become durable only when grounded in Spirit-shaped moral agency. It therefore presents περιτομὴ καρδίας as a paradigm for ethical renewal, restored ecclesial credibility, and coherent public witness in Kenyan Christianity.