Christian Religious Education

Paper 1

Duration: 2 ½ Hours

Instructions to Candidates

1. Write your name and index number in the space provided above.
2. Sign and write the date of examination in the space provided above.
3. This paper consists of six questions.
4. Answer any five questions in the booklet provided.
5. Each question carries 20 marks.
6. Candidates should check the question paper to ascertain that all pages are printed as indicated and that no questions are missing.

Questions

1.

(a) Outline ways in which the teaching of C.R.E can help to inculcate the moral values of the youth in contemporary society. (7 marks)
(b) Explain the reasons why the Bible was written down after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. (7 marks)
(c) State six ways in which the Bible is misused by some people in Kenya today. (6 marks)

2.

(a) Describe the call of Moses. (7 marks)
(b) Outline the features of Israelite worship in the desert. (6 marks)
(c) Identify the circumstances under which covenants were made in traditional African society. (7 marks)

3.

(a) State the reasons given by the Israelites in support of a monarchy. (7 marks)
(b) Explain the circumstances that led to idolatry in Israel. (8 marks)
(c) Identify the forms of idolatry that threaten Christianity today. (5 marks)

4.

(a) Identify seven ways through which the Old Testament prophets communicated their message to the people. (7 marks)
(b) Outline the message of hope given by Amos to the Israelites if they turned back to God. (7 marks)
(c) Why do Christians repent their sins? (6 marks)

5.

(a) State the symbolic actions used by the prophet Jeremiah to illustrate God’s judgment and punishment for Judah. (6 marks)
(b) Outline the problems that Nehemiah faced as a governor in Judah during his time. (7 marks)
(c) Give seven leadership qualities Kenyan leaders can learn from Nehemiah. (7 marks)

6.

(a) Describe the measures taken by traditional African communities to discourage pregnancy before marriage. (8 marks)
(b) Outline ways in which traditional African communities show respect for the unborn child. (7 marks)
(c) How can Christians show respect for life today? (5 marks)

Marking Scheme

1. Christian Religious Education

(a) Ways in which the teaching of C.R.E can help to inculcate moral values in the youth in contemporary society. (7 marks)

• It enables the youth to develop Christian principles that guide them in making moral decisions.
• Helps them develop concern for others and values such as equality and justice.
• Assists young people in appreciating African practices that enhance moral values.
• Equips young people with life skills, such as critical and creative thinking, to face challenges wisely.
• Enhances their understanding of God’s saving power through Jesus Christ.
• Helps the youth appreciate their own culture and other people’s religions, fostering coexistence.
• Promotes unity by advocating harmony and peace in society.
• Encourages respect, protection, and conservation of God’s creation.
• Fosters a healthy spiritual life for the youth.
  Total: 7 x 1 = 7 marks

(b) Reasons why the Bible was written after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. (7 marks)

• Christians had long awaited Jesus’ return, which did not occur.
• Eyewitnesses who heard Jesus preach and saw his miracles needed to document these events.
• The rise of false teachings that confused Christians compelled the need for accurate material.
• There was a need to write an orderly account of events.
• It was essential to combine the Old and New Testaments.
• Gospel writers sought to show that prophesies were fulfilled.
• To facilitate the rapid spread of the gospel.
• The geographical expansion of the church necessitated reference materials.
• To guide Christians.
  Total: 7 x 1 = 7 marks

(c) Six ways in which people misuse the Bible. (6 marks)

• Misinterpreting scriptures to exploit others financially.
• Swearing by it while telling lies and doing the opposite of what one commits to.
• Pronouncing curses on others using the Bible.
• Misinterpreting scriptures to lead others astray.
• Quoting isolated scriptures to justify wrong actions.
• Misinterpreting parts of the Bible to instil fear in people.
• Using the Bible as a constant tool for swearing.
  Total: 6 x 1 = 6 marks

2. Biblical Narratives

(a) Describe the call of Moses. (7 marks)

• Moses was tending his father-in-law’s flock at Mount Horeb.
• An angel of the Lord appeared to him in the form of a burning bush at the foot of Mount Sinai (Horeb).
• Moses approached to see why the bush was burning and not consumed.
• God called him by name and commanded him to remove his shoes, for the ground was holy.
• God revealed Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
• Moses was filled with fear and hid his face.
• Moses was commanded to return to Egypt as God’s instrument in saving the Hebrews.
• Initially reluctant, Moses inquired about God’s name, to which God revealed His divine name (Yahweh).
• Ultimately, Moses obeyed and went to Egypt.
  Total: 7 x 1 = 7 marks

(b) Features of Israelite worship in the desert. (6 marks)

• Worship of one God, Yahweh.
• Observance of various feasts, such as Passover, Pentecost, and the Day of Atonement.
• Offerings and sacrifices, including grain and fellowship offerings.
• The tabernacle served as a portable meeting place between God and His people.
• The Ark of the Covenant contained the Ten Commandments.
• The Sabbath was a sacred day for rest and worship of Yahweh.
• Sacred leaders guided worship practices.
• Altars served as places for sacrifices.
• Adherence to the Mosaic Law.
• Hymns were derived from the Book of Psalms.
  Total: 6 x 1 = 6 marks

(c) Circumstances under which covenants were made in traditional African society. (7 marks)

• During reconciliation ceremonies between warring tribes or clans.
• To settle disputes between family members, such as husbands and wives or different families.
• In oathing ceremonies to maintain societal secrets and promote harmony.
• Before warriors went to battle.
• During marriage ceremonies.
• When selecting leaders.
• For compensation in cases of accidental harm or death.
• During inheritance ceremonies.
• In trade agreements between tribes or clans.
  Total: 7 x 1 = 7 marks

3. Monarchy and Idolatry in Israel

(a) Reasons why the Israelites supported the monarchy. (7 marks)

• Samuel was old and nearing death.
• Samuel’s sons, Joel and Abijah, lacked leadership qualities and were corrupt.
• The Israelites desired a visible king to lead them.
• They wanted a king to lead them in battle against enemies.
• They aspired to be like other nations with human leaders.
• There was a desire for a political government governed by laws rather than commandments.
• They wanted a leader to negotiate on their behalf with other nations.
  Total: 7 x 1 = 7 marks

(b) Circumstances that led to idolatry in Israel. (8 marks)

• Intermarriage between Israelites and Canaanites.
• The allure of Canaanite gods, represented by symbols and images, seemed more realistic than Yahweh.
• Kings like Jeroboam encouraged idol worship by establishing idol shrines.
• The belief that Canaanite gods were more powerful than Yahweh.
• Emergence of religious differences among the Israelites.
• Influence of Canaanite culture on the Israelites.
• The division of the kingdom exposed the Northern Kingdom to idol worship.
• Familiarity with idolatry from experiences in Egypt.
• Unfaithful leaders who relied on their own strength.
• Commercial and agricultural prosperity led them to forget God.
• Canaanite practices, such as temple prostitution, attracted the Israelites.
  Total: 8 x 1 = 8 marks

(c) Forms of idolatry that threaten Christianity today. (5 marks)

• Devil worship.
• Sexual immorality.
• Alcohol and drug abuse.
• Greed for money and power.
• Practices of witchcraft, magic, sorcery, and divination.
• Excessive focus on education and career.
• The influence of popular culture, includes revealing clothing, unconventional hairstyles, and pornography.
  Total: 5 x 1 = 5 marks

4. Prophetic Messages

(a) Ways in which Old Testament prophets communicated their message to the people. (7 marks)

• Lyrics.
• Prose narratives.
• Letters, such as those from Jeremiah.
• Songs and poems.
• Lamentations, particularly of Jeremiah.
• Symbolization in their actions.
• Lifestyle examples, as seen in Hosea.
• Miracles performed by prophets like Moses and Elijah.
  Total: 7 x 1 = 7 marks

(b) The message of hope that Prophet Amos gave to the Israelites if they turned back to God. (7 marks)

• Israel would defeat her enemies.
• Towns would be rebuilt.
• Israel and Judah would be reunited.
• A descendant of David would rule God’s people.
• Exiles would return home.
• Their farms would be productive.
• The people would settle permanently in the Promised Land.
• A close relationship between the people of Israel and their God would be restored.
  Total: 7 x 1 = 7 marks

(c) Why Christians repent their sins. (6 marks)

• In obedience to Christ’s teachings.
• To lead holy lives.
• To set a good example for others.
• To prepare for the Kingdom of God.
• To strengthen their faith.
• To renew their relationship with God.
  Total: 6 x 1 = 6 marks

5. Jeremiah and Nehemiah

(a) Symbolic actions used by Prophet Jeremiah to illustrate God’s judgment and punishment for Judah. (6 marks)

• Wearing a waistcloth and hiding it.
• The parable of jars filled with wine.
• Commanded not to marry or have children.
• Forbidden to enter mourning houses.
• Restricted from participating in social functions, like weddings.
• Visiting a potter’s house to observe the moulding process.
• Wearing a wooden yoke.
• The vision of two baskets of fruits.
• Giving the people a cup of wine.
• Breaking a clay flask before the elders.
  Total: 6 x 1 = 6 marks

(b) Problems that Nehemiah faced as governor of Judah. (7 marks)

• Lack of cooperation from nobles who refused to work.
• Opposition from the people of Palestine who despised his construction efforts.
• Plots against his life by Sanballat and Tobiah.
• False accusations of treason against the Persian emperor.
• Ridicule of the building project by Sanballat.
• Harassment of the Jews as a minority group.
• Fear and discouragement among the Jews due to ridicule.
• Traps set by Shemiah to lure Nehemiah.
• Poverty and famine forced the poor to sell children and land for food.
• The exploitation of the poor by wealthy landowners.
• Over-taxation to fund wall construction and pay the king’s tax.
• Loans taken by the poor to pay taxes, contrary to Mosaic Law.
  Total: 7 x 1 = 7 marks

(c) Seven leadership qualities Kenyan leaders can learn from Nehemiah. (7 marks)

• Diplomacy.
• Teamwork and team building.
• Patriotism.
• Hard work and dedication.
• Being a role model.
• Courage and bravery.
• Effective planning and initiative.
• Mindfulness and reformist thinking.
• Wisdom and faithfulness.
  Total: 7 x 1 = 7 marks

6. Traditional African Practices

(a) Measures taken by traditional African communities to discourage pregnancy before marriage. (8 marks)

• Providing sex education to instil discipline and responsibility in youth.
• Sensitizing youth on the consequences of irresponsible sexual behaviour.
• Prohibiting premarital sex and valuing virginity.
• Punishing girls who became pregnant before marriage.
• Imposing penalties on young men who impregnated girls, including heavy fines and social ostracism.
• Holding parents, especially mothers, responsible for their daughters’ conduct.
• Supervising young people during social gatherings to prevent misbehaviour.
• Maintaining physical separation of the sexes in living arrangements.
• Enforcing taboos against sexual relationships.
• Teaching mutual respect and dignity between genders.
  Total: 8 x 1 = 8 marks

(b) Ways in which traditional African communities show respect for unborn children. (7 marks)

• Expectant mothers are given protective charms.
• Expectant mothers observe taboos, avoiding certain foods, people, and places.
• Traditional midwives check and advise expectant mothers.
• Prayers, sacrifices, and libations are made for protection.
• Sexual intercourse is prohibited during pregnancy.
• Herbs and medicine are administered to expectant mothers.
• Ensuring the absence of harmful implements where the expectant mother resides.
• Expectant mothers are treated kindly by family and community members.
  Total: 7 x 1 = 7 marks

(c) How can Christians show respect for life today? (5 marks)

• Conserving the environment.
• Condemning abortion.
• Discouraging child abuse.
• Opposing euthanasia.
• Donating relief aid in drought-stricken areas and war zones.
• Avoiding environmental pollution.
• Opposing capital punishment.
• Supporting medical research and health services.
• Condemning drug and alcohol abuse.
• Guiding the value of life.
• Promoting peace and love in society.
• Opposing the production of weapons of mass destruction.
• Providing charitable services.
• Sharing resources with the less fortunate.
  Total: 5 x 1 = 5 marks