CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

PAPER 1

TIME: 2 ½ HOURS

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

  • Write your name and index number in the booklet provided.
  • The paper consists of six questions; answer only five questions.
  • All answers must be in the booklet provided.
  • Each question totals 20 marks.

QUESTIONS

  1. (a) Describe the second account of creation as given in Genesis 2:4b–25. (8 marks)
    (b) Outline six ways God’s love for human beings is manifested after the fall of humankind. (6 marks)
    (c) Identify six ways used by the church to fight evil today. (6 marks)
  2. (a) Describe the making of the Sinai covenant (Exodus 24:1-8). (8 marks)
    (b) Give seven conditions given to the Israelites during the renewal of the Sinai covenant. (7 marks)
    (c) Give five reasons why Christians repent today. (5 marks)
  3. (a) Give reasons why Samuel was against kingship in Israel. (7 marks)
    (b) State seven failures of King Solomon. (7 marks)
    (c) Identify six factors that hinder political leaders from performing their roles effectively. (6 marks)
  4. (a) Explain seven ways in which prophets of God were important in the life of the nation of Israel. (6 marks)
    (b) Explain the teachings of Amos on the Day of the Lord. (8 marks)
    (c) State six factors that lead people away from the worship of God in modern society. (6 marks)
  5. (a) Describe the personal life of the prophet Jeremiah. (7 marks)
    (b) State the contents of Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles. (7 marks)
    (c) How can Christians avoid God’s judgment and punishment? (6 marks)
  6. (a) Describe the traditional African understanding of the meaning and wholeness of life. (6 marks)
    (b) Explain four reasons why disputes over ownership of property were rare in traditional African communities. (8 marks)
    (c) Give six moral values that contribute to harmonious living in the traditional African community. (6 marks)

MARKING SCHEME

1. Description of the Second Account of Creation (Genesis 2:4b–25)

  • The Lord God formed man out of dust from the ground and breathed life into his nostrils, making him a living being.
  • God planted the Garden of Eden and placed the man there.
  • All kinds of trees grew in the garden, including the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the middle.
  • The garden was watered by four rivers.
  • God tasked man with tilling and guarding the garden.
  • He commanded man regarding the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
  • God instructed man to name the animals.
  • The woman was formed from a man’s rib.
  • Both lived in companionship as husband and wife without shame.
    (8 marks)

2. Ways God’s Love for Human Beings is Manifested After the Fall of Humankind

  • God sought out human beings when they hid from Him.
  • He provided them with clothing and means of livelihood.
  • He put enmity between the serpent and the seed of the woman.
  • Noah found favour in God’s eyes.
  • God did not destroy all His creation during the floods.
  • He entered into a covenant with Noah.
  • God gave a sign of the rainbow and promised not to destroy creation again.
  • He blessed Noah’s family to be fruitful and fill the earth.
  • He called Abraham as part of His plan for the salvation of humankind.
    (6 marks)

3. How the Church Fights Evil in Society Today

  • Preaching the gospel to inspire change.
  • Encouraging repentance.
  • Helping the needy.
  • Creating job opportunities for the unemployed.
  • Praying for evildoers to change.
  • Inviting people to repentance.
  • Educating youth on moral issues.
  • Punishing those who violate church rules.
  • Providing guidance and counselling.
  • Reporting evildoers to authorities.
  • Being role models for others.
    (6 marks)

4. The Making of the Sinai Covenant (Exodus 24:1-8)

  • The following morning, Moses prepared a special ceremony to seal the covenant.
  • He built an altar at the foot of Mt. Sinai and set up 12 stones to represent the 12 tribes of Israel.
  • Young men sacrificed oxen as fellowship offerings.
  • Moses took half of the blood from the animals and put it in basins, sprinkling half on the altar.
  • He read the Book of the Covenant to the Israelites, who agreed to obey the Lord.
  • Moses sprinkled the remaining blood on the people, signifying the covenant.
  • God concluded the covenant by giving Moses two stone tablets with the laws written on them.
    (8 marks)

5. Conditions Given to the Israelites During the Renewal of the Sinai Covenant

  • To obey what God commands.
  • Not to make treaties with the inhabitants of the land.
  • To destroy the altars, sacred stones, and false gods of Canaan.
  • Not to worship any other gods.
  • Not to create cast idols.
  • To keep the feast of unleavened bread.
  • To rest on the seventh day.
  • To dedicate all first-born male children and domestic animals to God.
  • To offer the first fruits of their crops.
  • Not to intermarry with foreigners.
    (7 marks)

6. Reasons Why Christians Repent Their Sins Today

  • It is an act of 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 receive God’s blessings.
  • To renew their relationship with God.
    (5 marks)

7. Reasons Against Kingship in Israel (1 Samuel 8:6-18)

  • It would be a rejection of God as their unseen king.
  • Their sons would be forcefully recruited into the army.
  • There would be forced labour.
  • The people would be enslaved.
  • The king would confiscate their land/property.
  • The king would impose heavy taxation.
  • They would lose their identity as a covenant people.
  • Their daughters would serve in royal households.
  • Hereditary kingship could lead to oppression and dictatorship.
    (7 marks)

8. Failures of King Solomon

  • He married many foreign wives who introduced idol worship in Israel.
  • He built temples for the pagan gods worshipped by his wives.
  • He introduced forced labour in Israel.
  • He practised nepotism, exempting his tribesmen from forced labour.
  • He imposed high taxation for the upkeep of his foreign wives.
  • Solomon worshipped the gods of his wives, breaking his covenant with God.
  • He prioritized his palace over the temple, spending more time on the former.
  • He was extravagant, using state resources to please his many wives.
  • He hired pagan craftsmen for the temple’s design and decoration.
  • He sold part of Israel’s territory to Hiram, King of Tyre, to settle debts.
    (7 marks)

9. Factors Hindering Political Leaders from Performing Effectively in Kenya Today

  • Cultural, religious, and tribal barriers.
  • Inadequate infrastructure.
  • Conflicting ideologies lead to indecisiveness.
  • Personal differences among leaders.
  • Insufficient funds for development projects.
  • Lack of adequate forums to meet with constituents.
  • Ridicule from society.
  • Inability to fulfil campaign promises.
  • Discrimination against women leaders.
  • Lack of leadership skills resulting in poor public relations.
  • Division and conflict within and between political parties.
  • Insecurity and threats from opponents.
    (6 marks)

10. Importance of Prophets in the Nation of Israel

  • They acted as mediators between God and the people.
  • They spoke on behalf of God as His messengers.
  • They foretold future events.
  • They guided and counselled kings.
  • They called people back to repentance.
  • They reminded people about the covenant.
  • They condemned evils in society.
  • They warned about God’s judgment.
  • They helped people understand the nature of God.
  • They offered sacrifices and anointed kings.
    (6 marks)

11. Teachings of Amos on the Day of the Lord

  • It will be a day of terror and disaster.
  • It will bring punishment.
  • The land shall tremble with earthquakes.
  • It will be a day of defeat for sinners.
  • There will be darkness at noon.
  • People will thirst for the word of God.
  • People will faint while searching for God’s word.
  • The wicked will not escape God’s judgment.
  • Feasts and festivals will not be joyful.
    (7 marks)

12. Factors Leading People Away from Worship of God in Modern Society

  • Materialism and love for earthly possessions.
  • Social injustices lead to mistrust in God.
  • Permissiveness in society.
  • Urbanization.
  • Threats to human life from war.
  • Scientific and technological advancements.
  • Poverty.
  • Obsession with power.
  • Influence of print and electronic media.
  • Crime as a means of survival.
  • Education fosters a sense of self-sufficiency.
  • Ruthless competition undermines fair dealings.
    (6 marks)

13. Personal Life of Prophet Jeremiah

  • Jeremiah was born in Anathoth near Jerusalem, to Hilkiah, a priest.
  • He was knowledgeable in the Law of Moses.
  • He had a deep love for his people.
  • Called a prophet at a young age, he was commanded not to partake in social functions.
  • He faced opposition and rejection from his people.
  • He fled to Egypt after Jerusalem’s fall and the Babylonian exile.
  • His message focused on judgment and restoration.
    (7 marks)

14. Content of Jeremiah’s Letter to the Captives

  • He expressed hesitation and argued about his speaking abilities.
  • He feared the enormity of his task.
  • He felt unready to accept the call.
  • He believed his youth made him inadequate.
  • Despite these feelings, he accepted God’s call, knowing he would face opposition.
  • He engaged in dialogue with God.
  • He saw two visions that changed his perspective on the call.
    (8 marks)

15. How Christians Can Avoid God’s Judgment and Punishment Today

  • Condemning all societal evils.
  • Obeying God’s commandments.
  • Preaching the good news of Jesus Christ.
  • Responding to God’s call to serve others.
  • Showing love and assistance to the needy.
  • Avoiding temptations and not tempting others.
  • Being prayerful.
  • Repenting of sins.
  • Forgiving others.
  • Sincerely worshipping God.
  • Living according to the teachings of Jesus.
  • Seeking guidance and protection from the Holy Spirit.
    (6 marks)

16. The Meaning of Life and Wholeness in Traditional African Communities

  • God is the source of life.
  • Human life follows a natural rhythm that cannot be destroyed.
  • Individuals progress through various life stages and rites of passage.
  • Life encompasses both physical existence and spirituality.
  • Efforts are made to protect and enhance life.
  • Life is celebrated through rituals, taboos, and regulations.
  • Rites of passage integrate individuals into the fullness of life.
  • Each person must promote life through marriage and procreation.
  • Appreciation for God as the source of life is consistently expressed.
    (6 marks)

17. Reasons Why Disputes Over Property Ownership Were Rare in Traditional African Communities

  • The land was communally owned.
  • Clear guidelines existed for land use and ownership.
  • The community assisted those without property in acquiring it.
  • Greed in property ownership was discouraged and punished.
  • Resources were abundant and shared.
  • Clear inheritance guidelines were established.
  • Laziness was condemned to encourage hard work.
  • The wishes of parents and elders regarding property were respected.
  • Fear of curses from ancestors deterred unlawful property acquisition.
    (8 marks)

18. Moral Values Contributing to Harmonious Living in Traditional African Communities

  • Obedience
  • Respect
  • Responsibility
  • Tolerance
  • Hospitality
  • Chastity/Self-control
  • Cooperation/Solidarity
  • Endurance
  • Loyalty
  • Honesty
  • Love
  • Faith/Trust
  • Generosity
  • Thankfulness
    (6 marks)