CRE Notes - Detailed Study Guide

JUNIOR SECONDARY CRE NOTES CBE

STRAND COVERED

  • Strand 1 - INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
  • Strand 2 - CREATION
  • Strand 3 - THE BIBLE
  • Strand 4 - THE LIFE & MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST
  • Strand 5 - THE CHURCH
  • Strand 6 - CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY

Strand 1: INTRODUCTION TO CRE

  • Definition: Christian Religious Education (CRE)
      - Involves the study of the religious beliefs and practices of Christians.
      - Deals with God and His revelation to humanity.
      - Explores human dependence on God and divine intervention for salvation.
  • Purpose of CRE in Kenyan Schools:
      - Develops the mind, behavior, and character of students.
      - Illustrates God's relationship with mankind.
  • Importance of Studying CRE:
      1. Understanding the Trinity:
         - Recognizes God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as one.
      2. Knowledge and Attitude Development:
         - Aids in making informed decisions.
      3. Critical Thinking and Moral Decision Making:
         - Equips learners to face life's challenges.
      4. Cultural Heritage Exposure:
         - Promotes respect for diverse communities and national unity.
      5. Holistic Development:
         - Fosters growth in body, soul, and spirit.
      6. Courage and Empowerment:
         - Enables control over creation.
      7. Interpersonal Skills Development:
         - Teaches care and hospitality towards others.
      8. Environmental Stewardship:
         - Instills moral values needed for environmental care.
      9. Self-Respect:
         - Encourages a productive lifestyle.
      10. Social Justice Principles:
         - Promotes coexistence with others and economic development.
      11. ICT and Communication Skills:
         - Facilitates knowledge acquisition through technology and group discussions.
      12. Life Mysteries:
         - Provides answers to existential questions like afterlife and creation origins.
      - Career Pathways: CRE equips students for careers in Law and Theology.
      - Moral Values Acquired:
        - Promote human dignity, cultural appreciation, and life skills, including critical thinking.

How CRE Enhances Relationships

  • Skills for Better Relationships:
      - Development of listening skills.
      - Acquisition of values like respect.
      - Moral decision-making fostering positive associations.
  • Commandments of God:
      - Emphasizes love for neighbors and care.
  • Moral Values from CRE Study:
      - Characteristics:
        - Humility, Respect, Hard Work, Discipline, Honesty, Integrity, Responsibility, Unity, Love, Hospitality.

Strand 2: CREATION

Biblical Accounts of Creation

  • First Account (Genesis 1:1-31, 2:1-4):
      - Days of Creation:
        - Day 1: Light and Darkness created.
        - Day 2: Sky/Dome created.
        - Day 3: Earth, plants, and water bodies created.
        - Day 4: Heavenly bodies (Sun, Moon, Stars) created.
        - Day 5: Sea creatures and birds created.
        - Day 6: Land creatures and man created.
        - Day 7: God rested, establishing the Sabbath.
      - Attributes of God:
        - Omnipotent, orderly, and a provider.
        - Created leisure (Sabbath) for humanity.
  • Second Account (Genesis 2:4-25):
      - Creation Order:
        - Man (Adam) created first from dust.
        - God breathed life into him.
        - Man given roles: cultivation and naming animals, with Eve created for companionship.
  • Forbidden Fruit:
      - Tree of Knowledge in Eden.
      - Eating from it leads to death.

Attributes/Nature of God in Genesis Creation Stories

  1. Omnipotent (All-Powerful)
  2. Omnipresent (Present Everywhere)
  3. Transcendent (Beyond comprehension)
  4. Sustainer and Provider
  5. Moral and Loving God
  6. Eternal and Holy
  7. The Sole Creator
  8. Worker and Giver of Life

Similarities in the Two Biblical Accounts

  1. God as the Sole Creator
  2. Creation of Male and Female
  3. Human Specialness
  4. Divine Provisions for Humanity
  5. Human Domination over Creation

Differences in the Two Biblical Accounts

First AccountSecond Account
Creation completed in six daysNo mention of days in creation
Man created laterMan created first
Light, Sun, and Moon createdNot mentioned
States God pleased with creationNo mention of this
Names animals but forbidden tree is absentGod commands man about the forbidden tree

Importance of Learning About Creation

  1. Understanding God’s work and blessings.
  2. Familiarity with biblical and African creation stories.
  3. Need to appreciate human uniqueness.

Christian Responsibility Towards Creation

  • Stewardship Over Animals, Plants, and Nature:
      - Biblical teachings emphasize care and use for beneficial purposes.
      - Responsibilities based on Genesis 2:15-20 concerning the Garden of Eden.

Strand 3: THE BIBLE

Function of the Bible

  • The Bible is the inspired word of God, providing guidance, instruction, and hope.
  • Used in various contexts: courts, education, worship, and personal prayer.
  • Outlines biblical truths and fosters spiritual and moral growth.

Divisions of the Bible

  1. Old Testament (39 Books):
       - Contains historical events and prophecies concerningcreation.
  2. New Testament (27 Books):
       - Focuses on the life of Jesus and the early church.
       - Emphasizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

Importance of Knowing the Books of the Bible

  • Assists in referencing and understanding biblical themes and teachings.

Strand 4: THE LIFE & MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST

Prophecies and Birth of Jesus

  • Prophecies by figures like Isaiah and Jeremiah heralded Jesus' coming and mission as savior and messiah.

Key Events in Jesus' Life

  • Annunciation, birth, baptism, and teachings pivotal for understanding Christian faith and operations.
  • Values from Jesus' Childhood:
      - Encouragement of obedience, respect, and responsibility.

Strand 5: THE CHURCH

Role of the Church in Society

  • Contributes to education and health; propagates social values and norms.
  • Initiatives such as establishing schools and healthcare facilities bolster community welfare.

Strand 6: CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY

Human Sexuality

  • Discusses physical, emotional, and spiritual maturity during adolescence.
  • Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships:
      - Healthy: Trust, respect, communication, and moral integrity.
      - Unhealthy: Jealousy, dishonesty, manipulation, and control.

Christian Foundations in Relationships

  • Emphasis on respect, love, and integrity forming the basis of interactions.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Substance Use

  • Overview of the effects, including negative implications on health and family structure.

Biblical Teachings Against Substance Abuse

  1. Encourages hard work rather than easy wealth.
  2. Advocates for the purity of body as a temple of God.