Christian Religious Education Paper 1 Questions and Answers - KCSE 2021 Past Papers

QUESTIONS

1.      
   1. State seven reasons why Christian Religious Education is taught in secondary schools in Kenya. (7 marks)
   2. Outline the translation of the Bible from the original languages to local languages in Kenya. (6 marks)
   3. Give seven reasons why some Christians find it difficult to read the Bible. (7 marks)
2.      
   1. Describe the covenant ceremony between God and Abraham in Genesis 15: 9-17. (6 marks)
   2. Explain four characteristics of a covenant as demonstrated in the covenant between God and Abraham. (8 marks)
   3. State how Abraham benefitted from the covenant he made with God. (6 marks)
3.      
   1. Outline eight achievements of Solomon as the King of Israel. (8 marks)
   2. Explain five factors which led to the division of the Kingdom of Israel. (5 marks)
   3. Give seven lessons Christians learn from the leadership of King Solomon (7 marks)
4.      
   1. Descibe the religieus background te the call of Prophet Amos
   2. Outline the teaching of Prophet Amos on the Remnant and Restoration (8 marks)
   3. State seven reasons why Christians are encouraged to repent their sins. (7 marks)
5.      
   1. Describe the call of Jeremiah to become a Prophet of God. (Jeremiah 1). (7 marks)
   2. Identify six reasons why Prophet Jeremiah condemned necromancy in Judah. (6 marks) (c)
   3. Identify seven obstacles that may hinder a person from accepting the call of God. (7 marks)
6.    
   1. State the role of God according to traditional African understanding. (6 marks)
   2. Explain seven factors that have affected the traditional African people's dependence on God. (7 marks)
   3. Identity seven similarities between the Christian and traditional African ways of showing respect to God. (7 marks)

MARKING SCHEME

1.  
   1. Reasons why Christian Religious Education is taught in Secondary schools in Kenya
      1. The teaching of Christian Religious Education helps the learner to acquire skills to handle challenges in life.
      2. It leads to employment/acts as a bridge to further studies/is a career subject.
      3. It helps the learner to appreciate the Christian faith/his/her culture/and that of others.
      4. To equip the learner with principles of Christian way of living/moral values.
      5. The teaching of Christian Religious Education provided answers to some life's questions/mysteries of life.
      6. It contributes to the achievement of the natural goals of education. (
      7. It enables the learners to have a better understanding of God/spiritual growth.
      8. It helps the learner to appreciate the environment as God's creation/ conserve the environment.
      9. It helps the learner to appreciate his/her culture and that of others.
   2. The translation of the Bible from the original languages to local languages in Kenya.
      
      1. The old testament was originally written in Hebrew language.
      2. The New testament was originally written in Greek.
      3. The old testament was translated from Hebrew to Greek/the Septuagint.
      4. The Bible was translated from Greek to Latin by Jerome/The Vulgate.
      5. The Bible was translated into national languages of European countries during the period of reformation/English/Dutch/ Scandinavian/German.
      6. The New Testament was translated from English into Kiswahili by Dr. Ludwig Krapf.
      7. The Bible was then translated to various local languages by the Bible Society of Kenya.
      8. The translation of the Bible into local languages in Kenya is still ongoing.    6x1 = 6 marks
   3. Why some Christians find it difficult to read the Bible.
      1. Some Christians do not read the Bible because of laziness.
      2. Some Christians do not have the Bible/may not afford to buy.
      3. Some Christians do not value the Bible/consider it as an ordinary life.
      4. Some Christians do not create time to read the Bible/busy schedules.
      5. Some Christians are unable to read the Bible due to illiteracy.
      6. Some Christians fear reading the Bible because it rebukes/exposes their sins.
      7. Some Christians do not believe in certain biblical teachings/doctrines/ ideologies.
      8. Some Christians have challenges in interpreting/understanding the Bible.
      9. Negative influence from others/peer pressure
      10. Lack of role models in the society.     7x1 = 7 marks
2.  
   1. The covenant ceremony between God and Abraham in Genesis 15:9-17
      1. God told Abraham to provide a heifer 3 years old, a she goat 3 years old, a ram 3 years old, a turtle dove and a young pigeon for the ceremony.
      2. Abraham cut the animals into two/he did not cut the birds.
      3. He laid the carcasses side by side in two rows.
      4. When birds of prey came to eat the carcasses, Abraham drove them away.
      5. As the sun was going down, Abraham fell into a deep sleep'a thick darkness came over him
      6. God made some promises to Abraham.
      7. When the sun had set, God passed through the sacrifice in form of a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch.
      8. He did not cut the birds    6 x1=6 marks
   2. The characteristics of a covenant demonstrated in the covenant between God and Abraham
      1. A covenant is made between two parties who enter into a mutual agreement - God and Abraham were the two parties that entered into a mutual agreement.
      2. Sacrifice/ceremony/ritual - Abraham offered animals/birds as a sacrifice to seal the covenant.
      3. Sign-Abraham was to circumcise himself/his male children/ descendants/change of names.
      4. Conditions/obligations - The covenant between God and Abraham was not to be broken/Abraham was to be blameless.
      5. Witnesses God as the sole initiator of the covenant passed through the sacrifice as a witness to the covenant.
      6. Promises/vows - God made promises to Abraham 
      7. A covenant is sealed through the blood of animals.   4 x 2 = 8 marks
   3. How Abraham benefitted from the covenant he made with God.
      1. Through the covenant, Abraham became the source of blessings to all nations/ancestor of the chosen people of God.
      2. Abraham became a friend of God.
      3. Abraham became a role model to the Israelites/Christians in his faith/ obedience to God.
      4. Abraham became famous/his name became great.
      5. Abraham was blessed with a son/descendants.
      6. Abraham/his descendants were promised/given the land of Canaan.
      7. Abraham started worshipping the true God/abandoned idolatry.
      8. He became the ancestor of chosen people.    6 x 1 = 6 marks
3.  
   1. Achievements of Solomon as the King of Israel.
      1. King Solomon composed many proverbs/songs.
      2. He built a temple for God in Jerusalem.
      3. King Solomon brought the Ark of the Covenant to the temple in Jerusalem.
      4. He developed diplomatic relations with foreign nations.
      5. He established a professional army equipped with horse drawn chariots.
      6. He established a strong/effective administrative structure.
      7. He fortified major cities to ensure security
      8. He was a successful merchant/established trade with neighbouring countries.
      9. He initiated industrial activities/exploited minerals in Edom.
      10. He gained a reputation for his wisdom in settling disputes.
      11. He built a magnificent palace in Jerusalem.   8 x 1 = 8 marks
   2. Factors which led to the division of the Kingdom of Israel.
      1. King Solomon allowed the worship of other gods in Israel which displeased God.
      2. Oppression of the Israelites through over taxation introduced by King Solomon.
      3. Introduction of forced labour in Israel by King Solomon.
      4. Rehoboam's rejection of the elder's advice to rule Israel less harshly/ followed the advice of young men to rule more harshly.
      5. The readiness of Jeroboam to lead rebellious tribes.
      6. King Solomon married foreign wives which was against the will of God.
      7. It was a fulfilment of the prophecy by Ahijah/ it was the will of God   5x1=5 marks
   3. Lessons Christians learn from the leadership of King Solomon.
      1. Christians should maintain good relationship with others.
      2. Christians should build/maintain places of worship/support church activities/projects.
      3. Christian leaders should delegate duties to others.
      4. They should use peaceful methods of solving conflicts/make critical decision/problem solving.
      5. Christians should put into practice their God-given skills/talents/ abilities.
      6. They should obey God's commands/instructions.
      7. They should exercise self-control.
      8. They should have respect for human life/not commit murder.
      9. Christians should be just/fair in their dealing with others/avoid nepotism/tribalism.
      10. Christians should be contented with what they have.      7x1=7 marks
4.  
   1. Religious background to the call of prophet Amos.
      1. The people of Israel interacted with neighbouring nations which influenced their way of worship.
      2. The Israelites practiced idolatry./temple prostitution
      3. The religion of the Israelites was hypocritical.
      4. The main centres of worship were at Bethel, Dan and Gilgal.
      5. There was emphasis on external observances at the expense of sincere worship.
      6. The people of Israel continued to worship Yahweh alongside other gods/practiced syncretism.
      7. There was prevalence of false prophets/priests in Israel who were loyal to the King.    5x1=5 marks
   2. The teaching of Prophet Amos on the Remnant and Restoration.
      1. The Remnant were the small group that would survive God's punishment/destruction.
      2. Prophet Amos taught that those who would repent sincerely would be spared.
      3. The remnants would recover their homes/rebuild ruined cities/live forever.
      4. The restored Kingdom would enjoy material prosperity.
      5. After exile Judah and Israel would be restored/re-united into a strong Kingdom.
      6. Through the remnant, God's promises would be fulfilled/blessings would come to the nation.
      7. Only sinners would perish.
      8. The restored people would enjoy the fruits of their labour.
      9. God would be again their God and they would be His people.
      10. The restoration would come only after God's judgement/exile.
      11. Israel will never be taken to exile again      8x1=8 marks
   3. Reasons why Christians are encouraged to repent their sins.
      1. Christians are encouraged to repent their sin as a demonstration of their obedience to biblical teachings.
      2. So as to lead holy/righteous lives.
      3. To be able to prepare for the Kingdom of God.
      4. To be a good example to others/role models.
      5. For their faith in God to be strengthened.
      6. Christians should repent in order to receive God's blessings.
      7. So as to renew their relationship with God/be at peace with God. 
      8. In order to co-exist harmoniously with others.
      9. To avoid God's punishment/judgement.     7x1=7 marks
5.  
   1. The call of Jeremiah to become a prophet of God (Jeremiah 1:4-19).
      1. When God called Jeremiah, He told him that He knew him before He formed him in the womb/appointed him to become His prophet.
      2. Jeremiah was reluctant I told God that he did not know how to speak/ he was a youth.
      3. God commanded him to take up the call/told him that he must speak whatever God would tell him.
      4. God assured Jeremiah that He would be with him/would deliver him, (
      5. The Lord touched Jeremiah's mouth/put His words in Jeremiah's mouth.
      6. God told Jeremiah that his ministry would be to prophesy God's judgement/punishment/restoration/hope over the nations.
      7. God showed Jeremiah two visions/a rod of almond/a boiling pot facing away from the north.
      8. The Lord said that He was watching over His word to perform it/ would bring punishment on Judah from the North.
      9. The Lord warned Jeremiah that he would face opposition.
      10. The Lord promised Jeremiah protection/would make him a fortified city/iron pillar/bronze wall.      7x 1=7 marks
   2. Reasons why Prophet Jeremiah condemned necromancy in Judah.
      1. Necromancy demonstrated the peoples' lack of faith in God.
      2. Necromancy was disobedience to God's commands.
      3. It encouraged synecritism because the people trusted magical powers as well as God.
      4. It showed lack of knowledge by the people of Judah of the one true God.
      5. It was an evil used by magicians to give people false hope.
      6. It was a form of deception that led people away from God.
      7. The practice of necromancy prevented the people from seeking forgiveness from God/repentance.
      8. It would bring God's punishment upon the people of Judah.
      9. It defiled the holy land.
   3. Obstacles that may hinder a person from accepting the call of God.
      1. Family commitments.
      2. Poverty/financial constraints.
      3. Level of education.
      4. Materialism/job commitment.
      5. Fear of persecution/rejection/ridicule
      6. Peer pressure/discouragement from other people.
      7. Inability to uphold the high moral standard expected.
      8. Limitation due to age/gender factors.
      9. Insecurity in some areas of the country.
      10. Poor health.    7 x 1= 7 marks
6.  
   1. The role of God according to traditional African understanding.
      1. God is the creator of all things.
      2. He is the sustainer of life.
      3. God is the provider/giver of all blessings.
      4. He is the protector of all creation/giver of victory.
      5. God is the controller of the universe/gives order.
      6. He punishes wrong doers.
      7. God gives solution in all situations.
      8. God delegates some of his power/responsibilities.   6x1 = 6 marks
   2. Factors that have affected the traditional African people's dependence on God.
      1. Emergence of other religions/cults/sects - This has caused a lot of confusion/has made many people to neglect God.
      2. Modern Education - Some educated people think that they have acquired enough knowledge hence do not need god.
      3. Scientific inventions/technology - Some people depend on science for solutions hence see no need for God.
      4. Money economy - Those with a lot of money/wealth feel contented and see no need to depend on God.
      5. Greed for power/materialism -- Some people are busy looking for power/material things hence have no time for God.
      6. Witchcraft-some people rely on power of darkness for success/ protection hence neglecting God.
      7. Poverty/misfortunes - This has discouraged some people from depending on God.
      8. Lack of role models - Religious specialists who act as role models are no longer valued/are ignored hence no one to guide people to depend on God.    7 x 1= 7 marks
   3. Similarities between the Christian and traditional African ways of showing respect to God./Sion.com/membership-join/
      1. In both members pray to God.
      2. In both they give offerings to God.
      3. In both members sing to God.
      4. In both they build/maintain place of worship.
      5. In both members take care of the religious leaders respect them.
      6. In both members obey the laws/commands of God.
      7. In both they maintain God's name with reverence.
      8. In both members show respect to God by helping those in need.
      9. In both members take care of God's creation.   7 x 1= 7 marks