Give ten reasons for studying Christian Religious Education

 By studying CRE, a learner gets to know God’s power, character and how God
reveals himself to humankind.
 CRE helps learners to know God’s will for humankind and how He expects us to live.
This will help learners to develop faith in God.
 Helps learners to acquire spiritual insight which is used in making appropriate
decisions on how to handle issues that face them in life e.g. drug abuse, incest,
corruption, and homosexuality.
 The subject helps the learner to acquire basic principles/rules that guide a person to
develop morally, emotionally, intellectually and physically.
 Helps learners become more aware of their internal / inner state and this creates self-
awareness, leading to the development of self-respect, self-worth and identity.
 Helps the learner to understand and to respect the differences among people in the
society.
 It also helps the learner to tolerate one another and appreciate one another
consequently relating well with others and even resolve differences.
 The study of CRE promotes national unity. We get to understand that God created all
people regardless of gender, race, and religion.
 On a boarder sense, it promotes international consciousness. This comes as a result of
the awareness that all human beings were created by the same God.
 It provides an important background for entry into careers and ambitions e.g. law,
clergy, CRE teaching, and administration.
 By studying the subject one knows more about the Bible and the personalities in it.
 Helps to explain certain mysteries in life e.g. origin of mankind, why people 7die, and
the destiny of human beings.
 Helps the learner to appreciate/understand the environment as the creation of God and
the need to conserve/ preserve/care for it.
 It equips the learner with appropriate skills, attitudes and knowledge which are
important for economic development. Such virtues include handwork, diligence,
honesty, tolerance, and respect among others.
 C.R.E. contributes to the national goals of education e.g. patriotism, nationalism
Outline national goals dealing with the improvement of life.
1. National unity;
2. National social and economic development,
3. Individual development and self fulfillment;
4. Social equality;
5. Respect and development of cultural heritage;
6. International consciousness.
How does Christian Religious Education enhances national unity.
a. It emphasizes on the virtue of peace, love and unity.
b. It enables the learners to understand, appreciate and respect other people’s faith.
c. It teaches that human race has the same fatherhood of God and the same destiny
d. It enables the learner to develop a sense of self-respect and respect for others.
e. It enhances mutual social responsibility.
f. It promotes social justice.
g. It campaigns against all forms of discrimination e.g. tribalism, racism etc
Explain the role of CRE in promoting morality in the society
i. It institutes the virtues of honesty, diligence, tolerance in people.
ii. Contributes to spiritual development of an individual.
iii. It encourages love among people.
 iv. Develops basic principles of Christian living.
v. Helps one to cope up with various challenges of life.
vi. It instills the spirit of sharing.
vii. It promotes social unity.
viii. It instills the spirit of self-esteem.
Explain why the Bible is referred to as the word of God (Hebrews 1:1-2, 2 Timothy
3:16, Rev 22:18)
The Bible can be said to be the word of God because of the following reasons
1. Through it God speaks to human beings through his son, Jesus Christ.(Heb 1:1-2)
2. All scripture was inspired by God .(2 Timothy 3:16)
3. The human authors/writes were under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
4. The Bible deals with God’s revelations to human beings and their responses.
5. The Bible contains the true message of God for our daily living.
6. God himself wrote the Ten Commandments.
7. All the scripture is quite useful in training/teaching, rebuking and correcting human
beings so as t make them righteous.
8. There is a striking consistency in thought and development/movement in the Biblical
themes because all authors were inspired by one God.
9. What is written actually happens. It is fulfilled and never changed.
10. It contains words spoken by God Himself like, “Thus, says the Lord…….”
11. Attempts to destroy the Bible have failed.
12. It reveals Jesus Christ as the Word of God.
13. The information in the Bible was revealed to the authors through dreams, visions and
natural phenomena.
14. It clearly explains the nature/quality of God to us, for example,
• God is powerful – omnipotent.
• God is all-knowing – omniscient.
• God is everywhere – omnipresent.
Discuss the reasons why Bible is referred to as a library
The following are some of the reasons why the Bible is considered as a form of a library.
 The Bible is a collection of 66 books.
 The Bible was written using different literary styles e.g. poetic, prayers.
 The different books were written by different authors from different backgrounds.
 The books were written at different times in history over along span of time.
 The books in the Bible are arranged in order from the Old Testament to the New
Testament.
 The books were written in different places.
 The books of the Bible cater for different audience e.g. priests, women, men etc.
 The books are arranged according to different subjects for example: books of law,
books of history, wisdom writings, among others.
Explain why the Bible is referred to as a holy book.
(i) It talks about God who is holy.
(ii) The writers were inspired by God.
(iii) It calls for spiritual purity.
(iv) It is the word of God.
(v) It is used in worship and adoration.
(vi) It has laws of what God expects of us.
(vii) Its presence signifies God’s presence.
(viii) It is a summary of the salvation history of mankind.
(ix) It is the core of Christian’s faith.
(x) It is the mirror and guide to Christianity and its tenets.
(xi) It is reserved for special uses like worship.
(xii) It is a source of Christian’s instructions.
Describe the Human Authors of the bible (2 Peter 1:20-21)
 God used various human authors to write His message which is found in the different
books of the Bible.
 Some of the authors were kings, scribes, apostles and disciples.
 The writers lived at different times in history from the time of Moses to the Gospels.
 The nature of the content written was influenced by the historical, political and religious
factors of the time.
 All the writers of the Bible were Jews except Luke who was a Gentile.
 All books of the O.T. were written in Palestine except Ezekiel and Deutro- Isaiah which
were written in exile.
 The N.T. books were written in many parts of the Roman Empire.
Mention Some of the authors of the bible:
a) Moses, who wrote the books of the Torah.
b) David, the second king of Israel, who wrote the Book of Psalms.
c) Solomon, the father of wisdom, who wrote songs of Songs, among others.
d) Major and Minor prophets, who wrote different books taking after their names. For
instance, Hosea and Daniel made such writings.
e) Disciples of Jesus Christ e.g. Matthew, Mark and Luke, who wrote the Synoptic
gospels.
f) Luke, who wrote Acts of the Apostles.
g) Paul, who wrote several epistles e.g. Corinthians, Romans, etc. The apostle John,
who wrote the book of Revelations.
Explain how God inspired the human authors of the Bible
a. Talked to them directly
b. Through dreams and visions
c. Through the Holy spirit
d. Through historical events
e. Through physical events
f. Through prophets
g. Through Jesus
h. Through other Scriptural writings
i. Through their conscience.
State the literary forms used in the writing of the Bible
1. Poetry-e.g. Job.
2. Prayers-e.g. Psalms.
3. Wise sayings-e.g. Proverbs.
4. Philosophical essays-e.g. Ecclesiastes.
5. Prophetic Speeches-e.g. Jeremiah.
6. Love Songs-e.g. Song of Solomon.
7. Religious Epics-e.g. Kings.
8. Legislative Texts-e.g. Leviticus.
9. Epistles/ letters-e.g. Corinthians.
10. Gospels-e.g. Luke’s Gospel.
Give Reasons why the Bible was written down after the death, resurrection, and
ascension of Jesus Christ
1) The writing materials in which the work was recorded were available
2) The eye witnesses who heard Jesus preaching saw his miracles and his life in general
were dying
3) Christians had waited for long for the coming back of Jesus which was not forth coming
4) The rise of false teaching which was confusing Christians hence they needed to put the
right materials straight
5) There was need to write on orderly account
6) There was need for test to combine the old and the new testament
7) The gospel writers wrote to show what had been prophesied was fulfilled
8) The gospel writers wrote to show what had been prophesied was fulfilled
9) The need to spread the gospel speedily
10) There was geographical expansion of the church
11) To give guidance to Christians by recording the law e.g. Ten Commandments
List the books referred to as Deutro-canonical books.
 Tobit.
 Judith.
 Ecclesiasticus.
 Baruch.
 1 Maccabees.
 2 Maccabees.
 Book of Wisdom.
 1 Esdras.
 2 Esdras
State the divisions of the old testament giving examples of books
The books of the Old Testament are divided into four main categories and these are:
(i) Law books
These are the first 5 books of the Bible that are believed to have been written by Moses.
These are:
a. Genesis.
b. Exodus.
c. Leviticus.
d. Numbers.
e. Deuteronomy.
They are also referred to as the Torah or Pentateuch or Mosaic Law.
(ii) Historical Books
They are 12 Historical books and they record the history of the Israelites from the time they
entered Canaan and settled until after the Babylonian exile. These are:-
a) Joshua.
b) Judges.
c) Ruth.
d) 1st and 2nd Samuel.
e) 1st and 2nd Kings.
f) 1st and 2nd Chronicles.
g) Ezra.
h) Nehemiah.
i) Esther.
(iii) Poetic books
• They are 5 and contain words of wisdom.
• They are poetic in nature and these are:-
a) Job.
b) Psalms.
c) Proverbs.
d) Ecclesiastes.
e) Songs of Songs.
(iv) Prophetic books
They contain the prophecies of the people of Israel. They are further sub-divided into two i.e.
(a)Major Prophets
They are referred to as Major Prophets because their messages cover a longer historical
period and are 5 in number i.e.
a) Isaiah.
b) Jeremiah.
c) Lamentations.
d) Ezekiel.
e) Daniel.
(b). Minor Prophets
The messages of this prophets cover a shorter historical period
They are twelve i.e.
a) Hosea
b) Nahum
c) Joel
d) Habakkuk
e) Amos
f) Zephaniah
g) Obadiah
h) Haggai
i) Jonah
j) Zechariah
k) Micah
l) Malachi
Note: The following are the books of the Bible referred to as the writings;
(i) Job
(ii) Psalms
(iii) Proverbs
(iv) Ecclesiaste
(v) The Song of Solomon/ Song of Songs
List the divisions of the new testament giving examples of the books
It is divided into 5 major categories. These are:-
(i) Biographical Books
• They are referred to as Gospels.
• These Gospels were written by the disciples of Jesus Christ.
• They tell the life story and ministry of Jesus Christ.
• They are 4 in number i.e.
a) Mathew.
b) Mark.
c) Luke.
d) John.
• The first three books in the New Testamentare also referred to as the synoptic Gospels.
(ii) Historical Books
• It outlines the history and development of the church after Jesus’ ascension.
• It is one book namely:- Acts
• The author is Luke.
• It deals with the history of the early church after the ascension of Christ.
(iii)Pauline Epistles
These are 13 letters written by Paul to the congregation and individuals to address certain
problems that arose among them.
They are:
a) Romans
b) Colossians
c) 1st and 2nd Corinthians
d) 1st and 2nd Thessalonians
e) Galatians
f) 1st and 2nd Timothy
g) Ephesians
h) Titus
i) Philippians
j) Philemon.
(iv) General Epistles
These letters are not addressed to specific churches or individuals but to all Christians to
encourage them. Are eight namely:-
a) Hebrews.
b) James.
c) 1st and 2nd Peter.
d) 1st, 2nd and 3rd John.
e) Jude.
(v) Prophetic books
There is only one book i.e. Revelation. It presents God’s will for the future.
Describe the translations of the bible from original languages to the present local
languages
The word translates means:
 To change something written/spoken form from one language to another without
changing the original meaning.
 The following is the development of Bible Translation from its original language to the
present:
(i) The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew and a few parts in Aramaic
 The original (70) translators (Septuaginta) did the first translation of the Bible from
the original Hebrew into Greek.
 This translation was known as the Septuagint.
(ii) The second translation around 4th Century was spearheaded by a Christian scholar
called Jerome.
 This translation was called vulgate.
 The translation was used up until the 16th century
(iii) In the 16th Century; after the reformation (Religious changes in Europe by Protestants
who wanted to break apart from catholic teachings), many countries translated the Bible into
their own languages e.g.
 Translation of the Bible into English (King James Version).
 Translation of the Bible into German (by Martin Luther).
(iv) During the missionary era, the Bible had to be translated into the languages of people
being evangelized.
 The British and Foreign Bible Society was founded in 1804 to coordinate all the
translation functions.
(v) In East Africa, Johann Ludwig Krapf translated the New Testament into Kiswahili.
(vi) The first translation of the complete Bible into some African language in East Africa
was into Luganda in 1896
(vii) In Kenya, the Bible has been translated into the following African languages;
 Kikuyu – 1951.
 Kamba – 1956.
 Dholuo – 1963.
 Kalenjin – 1968.
 Luhya - 1957.
Give reasons of translating the Bible from original languages to other languages
(i) To expand Christianity in gentile lands
(ii) The original languages (Greek & Hebrew) were not so clear
(iii) To convert many people to Christianity
(iv) To enable many people to read and understand the word of God.
(v) To indigenize Christianity
(vi) For effective communication
(vii) To promote revival movement
(viii) For individuals to read at their own free time.
Discuss the effects of the translation of the Bible into African languages
1. Africans could now read the Bible in a language of their own and understood it better.
2. Communication was improved and more Africans accepted the gospel message.
3. Christianity became a more native religion and Africans began to participate actively
in preaching the gospel.
4. Africans became more critical on certain issues like equality and leadership and
demanded for better treatment.
5. Africans re-discovered their cultural identity, which the missionaries were trying to
undermine e.g. Polygamy and use of African names.
6. It led to increased demand for formal education by Africans and therefore more
schools were constructed.
7. The enlightened Africans who would not accept the condemnation of their culture
formed the independent churches and schools.
8. It also promoted revival movement and Africans took up leadership positions in such
revival movements.
9. It led to the development of African languages as the Bible was used as a learning
resource.
10. Led to the establishment of Bible Translation Society, which employed Africans.
11. It also led to the establishment of printing presses to assist in the high demand for and
the distribution of the Bibles
12. Led to the development of the spirit of the ecumenism. E.g. many churches came
together to translate the Bible.
13. Contributed to the development of African theology; research and study were
conducted in African Religions.
14. African people became more aware/enlightened and confident of their own dignity
and rights before God. This contributed to the struggle for independence from the
colonial rule.
State ways in which the bible translations have facilitated the spread of Christianity in
Kenya
1. Has led to the development of African languages.
2. Many people can now read the bible in their own vernacular.
3. The bible has become a useful resource for learning in school/ adult education/
classes.
4. It has led to the expansion of the church.
5. It has led to emergence of African independent churches and schools.
6. It enabled the missionaries to learn the local languages for faster spread of
Christianity.
7. It has led to the high demand for formal education in Kenya.
8. African are able to discover certain contradictions on issues e.g. racism equality
polygamy etc.
9. It has made it possible for Africans to participate actively in evangelism as pastors’
priests’ evangelists.
10. It has contributed to the spirit of ecumenism as several denominations work together
and consult each other.
11. It helped to bring the churches together to starting the bible society of Kenya.
12. It has contributed to the development of African theology e.g. study of African
religious)
Explain the quest for the Bible translation today
1. Not all local languages have bible translations
2. There is still need for more translation
3. To ease evangelization
4. Because of the emerging issues which are due to the necessity to revise old versions
into new ones to be included
5. Due to current changes in language
6. For better understanding
7. The inter church relations (the Ecumenical movement) still call for translate.
State the hindrances to the process of Bible translation today
1) High levels of illiteracy in some parts of the country
2) Lack of money to fund the expensive translation process
3) Remoteness of some geographical regions which makes it inaccessible for the translators
4) Few people with translation skills and knowledge
5) Languages are dynamic which makes translation difficult (SHENG)
State places where the bible is used in Kenya today
a) In the courts of law.
b) In schools and colleges.
c) In state house/ during state functions.
d) In churches.
e) During crusades.
f) At home for personal use.
g) In parliament.
h) At home for personal use.
i) In parliament and
j) In hospitals.
Give ways in which Christians use the bible to spread the gospel
a) Used in instructing new converts.
b) Used during preaching/teaching by priests/pastors.
c) Used in the teaching of C.R.E in schools and colleges.
d) Used as a reference book in disseminating information. /in search of knowledge.
e) Used in writing Christian songs and hymns.
f) Used in administering oaths.
g) Used in writing Christian literature.
h) Reading it out to fellow Christians.
Give reasons why Christians use the bible in worship
1. It is the word of God.
2. It makes them identify with God/Jesus as well as enhancing their unity.
3. To recite prayers from it e.g. the Lord’s Prayer.
4. It has guidelines and rituals e.g. the Lord’s Supper and marriage.
5. It is a source of belief about God/Jesus/Holy Spirit and the church.
6. It outlines church leadership, e.g. roles of pastors, evangelists and deacons.
7. It is a source of Christian customs, e.g. giving of Offerings, dedication of children and
celebration of Eucharist.
8. It is a source of miracles/ healing and other blessings.
9. To strengthen their faith and hope in God.
State reasons why Christians find it difficult to read the Bible
1) Lack of discipline and commitment to read the Bible.
2) Being too busy with work.
3) Availability of several entertainments e.g. movies or newspapers that take most of
people’s time/ worldly pleasures.
4) Most people don’t see the importance of reading the Bible frequently.
5) People find it difficult to understand the Bible.
6) Some churches don’t provide guidelines on how to read the Bible.
7) Most people believe that pastors and church leaders are the only ones who are supposed
to read the Bible.
8) Some people are semi-illiterate.
9) Some people don’t have the scriptures in the language they understand.
Explain How God speak to human beings through the Bible
a) Through Jesus Christ, who preached, healed, taught and addressed various issues
concerning our day to day living.
b) Through the Holy Spirit, God enabled Peter to denounce the dishonesty of Ananias and
Saphirra.
c) God speaks to men through prophets. Jeremiah tells people of the new covenant that is
fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
d) God communicates to people through dreams and visions. For example, the Old
Testament prophets had visions. Amos had five visions directed to the people of Judah.
e) Through allegories e.g. Ezekiel's vision of dry bones.
f) Through extra-ordinary events. The Israelites experienced God's power when they
miraculously managed to cross the Red Sea.
g) God speaks to men through the Ten Commandments, which give directives on which
course of life a true Christian should pursue.
How does the Bible suit contemporary Christian living
a) The Bible is the key resource material in the teaching of Christian Religious Education in
schools.
b) It is used in oathing to signify God's presence and to stick to the truth.
c) It instills knowledge about God.
d) It is used in Liturgical functions like weddings funerals, baptism, etc.
e) The Bible is used in swearing in leaders at any level Where necessary.
f) It teaches us the role that God plays in our lives.
g) It teaches us on how to live cohesively with fellow men
h) We read the Bible to realize spiritual nourishment in our lives.
Describe the First Account of creation (Gen 1-2:3)
 creation was done in six days as follows;
  Day One: Light and Darkness.
 Day Two: Sky.
 Day Three: land, sea and vegetation.
 Day Four: Sun, moon and stars.
 Day Five: Birds and sea creatures.
 Day Six: Animals and human beings in His image.
 Day Seven: God rested.
NOTE: The first account is God centered and describe God as the sole/only creator.
After each work of creation, God emphasize the goodness of his creation and always ends
with; “and Gods saw that it was good…..”
He created out of nothing by his command.
Explain the Second Creation account Gen 2:4-25
 It is a man centered story and everything is created to serve the needs of man.
 The earth is described as waterless and uncultivated desert.
 God made man from clay or dust and put the breath of life in him.
 God planted a garden called Eden in the East where he put man to cultivate and guard
it.
 God made fruit tree to produce food and in the middle of the garden, he put the tree of
knowledge of good and evil.
 God created animals and asked man to name them.
 He commanded man to eat all the fruits except fruits from the tree of knowledge of
what is good and evil.
 A river flowed through and watered the garden.
 The river then split into four rivers:-
 Pishon
 Euphrates
 Gihon
 Tigris
 God then discovered that man was lonely and made him fall into deep sleep and
created a woman out of his ribs as a companion and helper.
 He initiated marriage because he is a caring and loving God.
Give reasons why Biblical creation story has two accounts of the same event.
1) The two accounts were not written in a single sitting but different times.
2) The accounts are from different sources, Yahwist and Priestly.
3) They were written in different places e.g. Yahwist was composed in Judah.
4) One account is as a result of research at the other i.e. second one is trying to explain
the first one.
5) Accounts were written by different authors.
6) The authors were inspired by God and therefore they wrote what God revealed to
them
Explain the meaning of Biblical Accounts of creation
 God worked as a spirit e.g. in the beginning the spirit of God was hovering over the
waters.
 God created the universe all alone. He is the sole creator.
 He created by word of mouth and out of nothing and substance.
 He created human beings in his own image and likeness.
 God put man in charge of the creation and man is to take care of it.(Gen 1:26, 28)
 After each work of creation, God emphasizes on the goodness of creation and always
ends with “And God saw that it was good”.
  God gave people/human beings understanding, namely; of good and evil and man had
to make a choice.
 The dignity of a woman is emphasized. She is portrayed as a companion to man and
both are equal before God and are also complementary.
 God is depicted as a God of order.
 He created the earth with a plan e.g. He created light first to be used by human beings.
 The seventh day is set aside by God as a holiday or sacred for rest and worship.
Discuss the similarities between the two accounts of creation
a) In both, God is portrayed as the only sole creator.
b) In both, man is portrayed as a special creature; Man was created in God’s image and
likeness and there was nothing else created in that way.
c) Both outline the creation of the living and non-living things i.e. heaven, man, plants and
animals etc.
d) In both, Man shares in life with God. God breathed life into man’s nostrils and created
him in his own image.
e) In both cases, the earth was empty, formless.
f) In both cases, Man is given special privileges and responsibilities and is to multiply and
fill the earth.
g) In both stories, God existed before creation.
h) In both mankind is created into full sexuality (male and female).
Explain the differences between the two accounts of creation
1) The creation of the firmament, the sun, the moon, stars, fish and creeping animals is only
mentioned in the first story.
2) The planting of the Garden of Eden and the making of the river is only mentioned in the
second story.
3) The creation in the first account is out of nothing (word) but out of substance in the
second account e.g. the creation of man.
4) In the first account, creation took place for six days and God rested on the seventh day
(Sabbath) while there is no mention of duration and the Sabbath day in the second story.
5) The first account is God-centered i.e. God is pictured as the one doing the work of
creation while the second account is man-centered i.e. man is created first and the rest of
the creatures are then made to serve the needs of man.
6) Marriage is meant for procreation in the first account (Genesis 1:38) while it is meant for
companionship in the second story. (Genesis 2:23 – 24)
7) In the first account man was created last but in the second account man is created first.
8) In the second story there is mention of the forbidden tree of knowledge of good and evil
which is not mentioned in the first account.
9) In the first account God affirms the goodness of all that he created but this is lacking in
the second account.
10) The privileges and responsibilities given to man are more emphasized in the first account.
(Genesis 1:26 – 30)
11) In the second account human beings are forbidden to eat the fruits of the tree in the
middle but in the second, they can eat all plants yielding seeds and none is forbidden.

Give the attributes of God from the creation’s accounts

 He is the only God.
 God is moral and is concerned with the behavior of human kind.
 He is the sole creator and created out of nothing/substance.
 He is a God of order, a planner and organizer of the universe e.g. He created in stages.
 He is good and the source of goodness and real happiness. (Genesis 1:10).
 He is a personal God and likes having a loving relationship with him.
 He is all-powerful-omnipotent e.g. He created out of a word.
 He is a spirit and Omni-present or is spiritually present everywhere.
 In the beginning the spirit of God was hovering over the waters. (Genesis 1:2).
 God is self-existent. He was there from the beginning.
 He is the source of life.
 He breathed life into man’s nostrils.
 God is all knowing/ omniscient.
 God is immortal (cannot die) /eternal.
 God is a worker. His creativity is described as work.8
 God is the provider/sustainer of the universe.
 He provides life, food and companionship to mankind.
 God is Holy.
 He consecrated the 7th day and made it Holy and set it aside for rest and worship.
 God deserves, honour, respect and obedience from human beings.
 God is the author of human sexuality.
 He created man and woman and made them equal.
State responsibilities given to human beings at creation
1. To procreate/ multiply.
2. To cultivate the land and guard it.
3. To name the living creatures.
4. To eat from all plants.
5. Not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
6. To rule/ be in charge/ have dominion over other creatures.
7. To marry and procreate/ multiply.
8. To care for the environment.
9. To obey God.
Discuss the relationship between human beings and the environment from the creation
stories
 Both human beings and the environment were created by God/ have a common origin.
 Human beings are superior to all other creatures.
 Human beings should take care of the environment/ conserve/ preserve it.
 Human beings have authority over the rest of creation.
 Human beings should enjoy/ use God’s creation/ rest of creation was made for human
beings.
 All creation is very good/ human beings should treat the rest of creation with reverence/
respect.
 Human beings and the environment are interdependent/ owe their existence to each other.
 Human beings and the rest of God’s creation have a common destiny.
Explain the teachings about human beings from the Biblical creation accounts
1. Human beings are created in the image/ likeness of God.
2. They have the breath of life from God.
3. They have the authority/ dominion over God’s creation.
4. They communicate/ fellowship with God.
5. They are special/ the greatest of God’s creation.
6. They have the ability to think/ reason/ make choices/ decisions in their lives.
7. They are blessed by God.
8. They have been given special place to stay/ Garden of Eden.
9. Human beings are to use other creation/ plants for their benefits.
10. They are to take care of the creation and till the land/ work.
11. Human beings are to procreate/ multiply through marriage.
12. Man and woman are to complement/ provide companionship for each other.
13. Human beings are God’s creation i.e. both man and woman.
14. The woman is created out of the man’s rib.
Discuss the eachings from Genesis that support equality between man and the woman
(i) Both are superior to the rest of creation.
(ii) Both are intelligent
(iii) Both were given divine command to multiply and fill the earth and subdue it.
(iv) Both are of the same flesh.
(v) Both are responsible over God’s creation.
(vi) Both were created in the image of God.
(vii) God loves them equally.
(viii) Both were meant for companionship
Give the teachings about marriage from the biblical stories of creation
 Marriage is monogamous.
 Marriage is between a man and a woman.
 It is a permanent union/ no divorce/ it is a covenant.
 Marriage is for procreation.
 It is a continuation of God’s work of creation.
 Husband and wife should not be ashamed of one another.
 Man and woman are to complement each other/ help each other/ are equal.
 Marriage is for companionship.
 Marriage is for love/ mutual relationship.
 Marriage is sacred/ is ordained by God.
Explain ways in which Christians continue with God’s work of creation
 Through procreation.
 By planting trees/ crops/ afforestation.
 Through generation of electricity.
 By helping the needy.
 Through provision of medical care.
 Through advancement of science and technology.
 Through discovery and space exploration.
 Through provision of education and training.
 By establishing income generating projects in rural areas.
 Through cleaning of the environment.
 Through building and construction.
 Through growth and development of industries.
 By conserving and managing wildlife.
Give reasons as to why man is considered the most special creation of God
 He was created in God’s image and likeness.
 He has the will to choose between good and evil.
 God gave him the breath of life/ share in the life of God.
 He can worship/ fellowship.
 He can reason/ is rational.
 He was given control over the earth.
 He is a caretaker of God’s creation.
 All creation is for his benefit.
 Consultations were made before his creation.
 He was told to procreate/ co-creator.
 He was created with a mate/ social being.
Explain the lessons Christians learn about work from the Genesis Creation stories.
1) Work was ordained by God.
2) Work makes human beings complete self-fulfilling.
3) We should Work and observe the Sabbath day.
4) One is to work for self-reliance.
5) Work was introduced to man as a punishment for their sin in Eden
6) Work contributes to the development of the community.
7) Christians learn to obey God's command by becoming Co-workers.
8) Work is a continuation of God's creation.
9) Work keeps Christians away from idling, which may lead to sin.
Mention the Common ideas in Traditional African views of creation
1. African communities acknowledge God as the creator of the universe.
2. God is the sustainer of his creation for example, He provides for human beings.
3. God is the only creator and created the earth independently.
4. God’s work of creation is continuous and he does so through humankind e.g. through pro-
creation.
5. It is God who set up human customs and traditions which humankind should follow.
6. Man was created with a mate. The woman is supposed to be his companion and helper.
7. The creation of man was after the rest of the creation.
8. To sustain him, plants and animals were created for food.
State similarities between the traditional African myths and the Biblical accounts of
creation
1. In both, God pre-existed the creation of the universe.
2. In both cases, God is portrayed as the creator of the universe and man and He did it
independently/alone.
3. In both, God had a plan of creation; He did it in an orderly way.
4. In both cases, man has a close relationship with God although Man is not the same with
him.
5. In both, Man occupies a special place in God’s creation.
6. In both, this good relationship remained until man disobeyed God/ broke the rules set for
him and the consequences of the disobedience were punishment.
7. In both cases, man was created in order to complete God’s plan e.g. through pro-creation
and maintaining the environment.
8. In both cases, man has a duty/obligation to worship or have fellowship with God and be
obedient e.g. in the Bible God set aside a day for worship while African communities
worshipped God in many ways e.g. through prayers, sacrifices e.t.c.
9. In both cases, God created man first and at a certain point created a woman as a
companion. Therefore God is the one who institutionalized marriage.
10. In both cases, man was supposed to live forever until a misfortune happened and death
was introduced into the world.
11. In both, creation is a continuous process and man is a pro-creator with God through
procreation and taking care of the environment.
12. In both cases some attributes / characteristics of God are common e.g. He is the provider,
a moral God, sole/ only creator.
13. In both cases God gave mankind skills and gifts e.g. skill of cultivation and land
respectively.
Explain the differences between the traditional African myths of origin and the Biblical
creation stories/African myths
1. In the African myths, God uses materials like clay, water and plants to create while in the
first account God creates out of nothing
2. Some African myths do not specify where man came from while in the Biblical stories
God created man and gave him the breath of life.
3. In some African myths the earth was created at one go while in the Biblical stories the
earth was created in stages.
4. In the African myths an external object/ animal causes the separation of God and man e.g.
snake while in the Biblical story man is blamed for the separation.
5. In the African myths the woman is portrayed as inferior or subordinate to man while in the
Bible man and woman are shown to be equal.
Give the teachings from the Biblical creation Accounts
We learn the following lessons from the Biblical stories of creation:
1. Human beings are given the mandate /power to subdue the earth.
This means that human beings have been given the ability to transform the world for their
benefit through Science and Technology.
2. Human beings were given the power to name plants and animal.
3. Human beings were given the command to care for the environment and therefore, man
has to act responsibly.
It is therefore wrong for man to misuse the environment.
4. Human beings are social beings.
Male and female were created for companionship.
Neither is complete without the other. So they should treat one another with mutual respect
for they are both equal in Gods eyes.
5. Work and leisure are Gods gifts to human kind.
Human beings are expected to work in order to obtain their basic needs and to transform the
world.
This is because, work was ordained by God. Work is also related to leisure.
Therefore, the setting aside of the seventh day. It is a day of rest/recreation and worship.

Describe the fall of man according to Genesis chapter 3: 1 - 17

(i) The serpent was subtler than any other creature that the Lord God had made.
(ii) The serpent asked the woman if God said that they shall not eat of any tree in the
garden.
(iii) The woman replied that they were to eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden but not
to eat of the fruit of the tree which was in the middle of the garden lest they die.
(iv) That God knows that when they eat their eyes will be opened and they will be like
God knowing good and evil.
(v) The woman saw that the tree was good for food; it was a delight to the eyes and
desired to make one wise.
(vi) She took the fruit and ate and also gave some to the husband.
(vii) The eyes of both were opened and they saw that they were naked.
(viii) They sewed fig leaves together and made themselves clothes
State the factors that led to the fall of man
1) God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden.
2) God mandated Adam over all other trees apart from the tree of knowledge.
3) Thereafter Adam was tricked by Eve into transgressing. The end of the iniquity was
expulsion from the Garden of Eden.
Explain how the temptation by Satan led to fall of human kind
(i) Made man want something which was not his…to be like God/know good and evil.
(ii) They doubted the nature of God as a result …. the serpent portrays God as a liar…you
cannot die.
(iii) Man mistrusted God and lost their relationship.
(iv) They were cheated /disobeyed God…ate the forbidden fruit in disregard to God’s
warning.
(v) Temptation made man develop greed for knowledge and power that belongs to God
alone.
(vi) As a result of temptation man rebelled against God after listening to the serpent’s
advice
State causes of the original sin as recorded in Genesis chapter 3.
(i) Disobedience to God`s commands.
(ii) Lack of faith/trust.
(iii) weak faith/temptation as they were easily misled by Satan.
(iv) Lust/greed for material gain/pleasure/power. Not turning to God for strength.
(v) Failure to take responsibility and repent.
Mention the Penalties meted to the serpent, woman and Adam
The serpent (snake) was:
1. Cursed above all creatures.
2. To crawl on its belly.
3. To eat dust.
4. Enmity was declared between it and the woman's generation.
The woman:
a. Would give birth through pain.
b. Would still desire her husband;
c. Her offspring’s shall be enemies with the serpent's offspring.
Adam
1. Ground was cursed because of him;
2. Would have to toil for survival;
3. Would eat on thorns, thistles and herbs;
4. Will (together with his descendants) die.
State the immediate consequences of human disobedience on Adam and Eve.
1) Realized their nakedness
2) Sewed clothes and covered themselves
3) Got embarrassed and hid themselves
4) Became afraid of God, relationship between God and man got broken
5) Counter accusation, man blamed the woman for the sins committed
6) Woman blamed the snake for tricking her.
7) God passed judgement on the snake. Man and the snake became enemies.
8) Woman would be below a man (subordinate) woman will experience painful labour
pains / man would toil
9) God looked for Adam and Eve
Give general consequences of sin in relation to the Genesis stories of the fall of human
beings.
1) Death became inevitable to human beings.
2) Human being" relationship with God turned into phobia.
3) Human beings were ashamed of their nakedness and became guilty of their deeds.
4) Women became subject to men.
5) Human beings were subjected to pain.
6) Human beings were to toil for survival
7) Enmity was created between human beings and animals.
 8) Human being were expelled from the Garden of Eden.
9) The life span of man was reduced to 120 years.
10) The ground was cursed because of human beings.
11) Man began taking away other people's life e.g. Cain killed Abel
12) Man's language became confused.
13) The serpent was condemned to eating dust.
14) The marriage relationship turned from mutual care to tension.
15) Living things were destroyed by the great flood.
16) Man was prone to sin.
Give ways in which God’s love for human beings is manifested after the fall of human
kind.
(i) God looked for human beings when they ran to hide from Him.
(ii) He provided them with clothing and means of livelihood.
(iii) He put enmity between the snake and the seed of the woman.
(iv) God put a mark on Cain’s face to protect him.
(v) Noah found favor in God.
(vi) God did not destroy all his creation during the floods.
(vii) He entered into a covenant with Noah.
(viii) God gave a sign of rainbow and promised not to destroy creation.
(ix) He blessed Noah’s family to be fruitful and fill the earth.
Describe the African perception about evil
1) According to African communities, God is good and he did not create evil
2) They believe that evil is as a result of evil spirits/malevolent spirits.
3) Curses also lead to evil.
4) Breaking of taboos is another source of evil
5) It's caused by disobedience to God and the spirits.
6) Mystical powers from evil people like witches, wizards and sorcerers can cause harm
7) Evil results from bad omen.
8) Breaking of oaths results in malicious experience, which is evil.
9) Evil comes as a punishment from God, spirits and ancestors.
10) Evil could be reversed through cleansing rituals.
11) Evil could be punished in form of humble phenomena/disastrous acts.
State the similarities between traditional African view and the biblical view on evil.
a) In both cases, evil is bad and should be avoided.
b) In both, sin is punitive.
c) In both, sin arises from disobedience.
d) In both cases, evil may result from flailing in a social or spiritual obligation
e) Both agree that the results of sin and evil is calamities, suffering and death.
f) In both, sin separates human beings from God.
g) In both, God is the guardian of morality, law and order.
h) In both, sin not only affects individuals, but also affects other members of the
community.
i) In both, sin is transmitted to people through Satan.
j) In both, sin can be inherited.
Give the differences between traditional African view and the biblical view on evil.
a) In African traditional religion, there is communal responsibility over sin as opposed to
biblical teaching, where individual responsibility is emphasized.
b) Biblically, sin is intrinsic whereas in traditional African belief it is extrinsic.
c) Sin is wholesomely punishable in African traditional religion, but is redemptive
biblically.
d) Biblically, the punishment of sin is not everlasting due to the resurrected Christ.
However, in African traditional religion, sin claims irreversible doom
Explain how evil doers were punished in African Traditional societies
a) corporal punishment
b) Capital punishment
c) Banishment
d) payment of fines
e) public humiliation
f) indecent burial ceremonies
g) failure to be named after
h) Children denied food for some time.
i) Denied leadership roles.
j) Isolation.
Describe the background to the call of Abraham
 Abraham was the son of Terah who lived in the city of Ur.
 Abraham was an Amorite/ a Semitic tribe who occupied the fertile crescent of the Middle
East.
 Abraham’s father migrated to Haran with his family.
 Their religion was polytheistic.
 Sacrifices were made to gods including human sacrifices. After the death of Terah,
Abraham was left in charge of the family.
 Abraham was married to Sarai but they had no child.
 Abraham lived with Lot, his nephew, a nomadic and pastoral way of live.
 Abraham was called by God to leave Haran to go to Canaan.
 He was 75 years when he left Haran for Canaan.
Narrate the call of Abraham (Gen. 12:1-9)
God called Abraham in Haran after the death of his father.
He commanded Abraham who was 75 years old then to leave his family to an unknown land.
During the call, God made the following promises to him:
1. A great nation.
2. Many blessings.
3. A great name.
4. A source of blessings.
5. Blessing to those who bless him.
6. Curse to those who curse him.
Abraham obeyed and set off for the unknown land with his wife, nephew Lot, servants and
his flock.
In Canaan God appeared to him at Bethel and Sechem where he was shown the land that
would belong to his descendants.
Abraham built two altars at the two places and worshipped God.
Give reasons for the call of Abraham
(i) To reveal himself to the Israelites
(ii) To begin God’s plan of salvation
(iii) It was a new beginning of rescuing human being from sin
(iv) To teach the meaning of faith/obedience/trust
(v) So as to be the father and founder of God’s chosen people.
(vi) God intended to teach us that he is merciful/forgiving
(vii) To give Abraham the land of Canaan
(viii) To Separate Abraham from idol worshippers
(ix) To begin the worship of one God.
Explain the lessons learnt about God from the call of Abraham
1. God demands obedience from those He calls.
2. He is a faithful God.
3. He rewards those who obey Him.
4. God is a source of blessings.
5. He reveals Himself to humankind.
6. He punishes evil.
Give the lessons Christians learn from the call of Abraham
1. Christians should obey God.
2. They should have practical faith in their lives.
3. They should ask for blessings from God.
4. They should be ready to face challenging situations as a fact of their faith.
5. They should honor God when rewarded/ blessed.
6. They should be prepared to be used by God for His purpose.

Give the importance of Faith in Christian life today

1. Enables Christians to overcome temptations.
2. Gives Christians strength and courage in their lives.
3. Inspires Christians to do the will of God.
4. Enables Christians to fellowship with one another.
5. Makes Christians to lead a prayerful life.
6. Promotes unity and oneness among the Christians.
7. Enables Christians to preach the word of God.
8. Enables them to do wonders and miracles.
9. Leads to growth and development of the Church.
10. Makes Christians live righteous lives.
11. Enables Christians transform the lives of others as role models.
12. Enables them to know the truth and insight about God.
13. Enables them to praise and glorify God.
14. Makes Christians hope for the Kingdom of God as a reality.
Explain why Abraham is referred to as the father of faith.
He demonstrated his faith in God in the following ways:
1. He was willing to leave his motherland and go to a strange land.
2. Abraham readily believed all promises God made to him.
3. By faith Abraham trusted in God’s voice.
4. By faith Abraham built two altars for God; one at Bethel and another at Sechem.
5. Abraham entered into a covenant relationship with God.
6. He was willing to change their names from Abram to Abraham and Sarai to Sarah.
7. He offered the best of his flock as a sacrifice.
8. He obeyed God’ call for personal relationship/ left polytheism for monotheism.
9. He was ready to sacrifice his son Isaac when instructed by God.
10. He was willing to obey God’s command of circumcision.
How did Abraham demonstrated his faith in God in the incident when he was willing to
sacrifice his son
 Abraham collected wood for a burnt offering.
 Abraham went with his son, Isaac and servants a three days’ journey.
 He informed his servants to wait for him and his son as they go and worship.
 When Isaac enquired about the lamb for the sacrifice, Abraham told him that the lord
shall provide.
 Abraham built an altar and laid the wood in order.
 Abraham bound Isaac and laid him on the altar.
 He took the knife to slay his son, but the angel of the Lord stopped him.
 Abraham took a ram from the bush and offered burnt offering instead of Isaac.
 He named the place “The Lord will provide”.
Give lessons Christians learn from the incident Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son
 They should obey/honour God.
 They should have faith in God.
 They should be patient and wait upon God/should not give up.
 They should be prepared to face difficult situations/perseverance.
 They should be ready to give up everything.
 They should rely on God’s guidance.
 They should be wise when dealing with
 issues affecting their lives.
 They should involve family members in worship.
 They should rely on God’s providence.
Give ways in which Christians express their faith in God today
 Praying to God.
 Giving offering and tithes.
 Reading the Bible/Bible study.
 Preaching the gospel.
 Singing Christian songs.
 Attending fellowships.
 Helping the needy.
 Leading holy life/obeying God’s laws.
 Repenting their sins.
 Partaking sacraments e.g. the Lord’s Supper, baptism e.t.c.
 Caring for God’s creation.
 Celebrating Christian festivals.
State God’s promises to Abraham
Promise is an assurance to someone
Is a written/spoken declaration/commitment that one will definitely do or not do something.
God’s promises to Abraham were irrevocable commitments. These are as follows;
1. God would give him land to dwell in. His descendants would also be given the land of
Canaan to dwell in.
2. God would make Abrahams name famous.
3. God would establish an everlasting covenant with Abraham and his descendants He shall
be their God.
4. God would be a ‘shield’ to Abraham that He would protect him.
5. God would make Abraham’s descendants a great nation.
6. God would give Abraham and his wife Sarah a son of their own.
7. God would make his descendants to be enslaved for 400 years in a foreign land.
8. However God would deliver / free them and go back to their land with a lot of wealth.
9. God would punish the nation that enslaves Abraham’s descendants.
10. God would make some of Abraham’s descendants’ kings.
11. God would bless Abraham.
12. God would bless those who blessed him.
13. God would curse those who cursed him.
14. God would make all the families of the earth receive blessings through Abraham.
15. Abraham would live long and die in peace.
16. He would have many descendants.
Explain the relevance of the promises to Christians today
The promises made to Abraham are important to Christians in several ways. These include:
1. God chose Abraham from among people who were idol worshippers so that he could serve
him. In the same way God continues to call people from different backgrounds to serve him
in different ways e.g. evangelism, pastor, priest e.t.c.
2. God’s promise to Abraham that he would be his shield of protection he is inherited by
Christians; God continues to protect Christians under all circumstances.
3. Through God’s dealings with Abraham God shows that he values personal relationship
with humankind. Christians believe that God is interested in establishing such relationships
with them.
4. 4 .Abraham’s call demanded that he breaks from his earlier life e.g. he had to leave home,
relatives and friends and go to the unknown land. Christians are also called to leave their past
sinful lives and put their faith in God the almighty.
5. God promised Abraham the land of Canaan. Historically this was fulfilled and Christians
also hope for a new learn – heaven, which is the New Canaan.
6. God promised Abraham that he would be a father of a great nation. Christians today see
themselves as the great nation of God and the descendants of Abraham.
7. God’s promise to punish those who enslaved the Israelites shows that God is against any
form of human oppression.
8. Christians are expected to respond to the promises of God by faith, trust and obedience as
Abraham did.
Give examples of well-known covenants in the Bible;
7. Covenant with Noah / Noaic in which God entered into a relationship with the whole
world and promised to preserve the life of people (Gen 9) The sign of this covenant is
the rainbow.
8. The covenant with Abraham in which God promised to fulfill the promises he made
with him. The sign is circumcision.
9. The covenant with the people of Israel at Mt. Sinai/ Mosaic in which God promised to
be their God the Israelites promised obedience (Exodus 24). The sign is the law / the
Ten Commandments.
10. The covenant with King David in which God promised him that his dynasty will
continue forever. (2 Sam 7:14 – 16)
11. The covenant with Jeremiah in which God promised to make a new covenant with the
Israelites where each individual will know God personally. (Jeremiah 31:3 – 34)
State the elements of a covenant
1. Two or more parties are involved.
2. Those involved commit themselves to a binding agreement.
3. Involves promises or oaths.
4. It usually has some physical sign or symbol.
5. It involves a witness or witnesses.
6. It is usually sealed.
7. A ceremony or a ritual is performed to enforce it.
8. It has serious/ negative consequences experienced by those who break it and benefits for
those who keep it.
Describe God’s covenant with Abraham
 Abraham wanted an assurance from God that the Almighty would fulfill his promises.
 God commanded Abraham to prepare to offer a sacrifice.
 Abraham was asked to bring the following
 Three year old heifer.
 Three year old she-goat.
  Three year old ram.
 Turtle dove.
 Young pigeon.
 He was to cut these animals into halves except for the birds and arrange them in two
rows.
 He laid the cut halves one against each other in two rows out in the sun.
 Birds were killed but were offered whole.
 Abraham fell into a deep sleep during which God gave him more promises.
 God the passed between the sacrificed animals in the form of a smoking fire pot and a
flaming torch.
 This was an unconditional covenant because it is God who was to bear the consequences.
 Abraham had been assured of the fulfillment of the covenant.
 The physical manifestations of God are commonly referred to as Theophany. The
following are well known examples of theophanies in the Bible;
 The burning bush in the call of Moses. (Exodus 3:2 – 4)
 The pillar of fire and a pillar of cloud as recorded in the story of Exodus. (Exodus
13:20 – 22)
 Thunder, lightning, smoke at Mount Sinai. (Exodus 19:16 – 22)
 The mighty wind, earthquake a still voice in the story of Elijah. (1 Kings 19:11 – 12)
Explain the importance of the covenant
1. It marks God’s initiative to enter into a personal relationship with humankind which had
been destroyed.
2. It signified the reward of obeying and having faith in God.
3. It confirms that God was willing to fulfill the promises He had made to Abraham.
4. Through the covenant with Abraham, all nations of the world were to receive God’s
salvation.
5. It shows that God may elect an individual and use him/her for His purpose.
6. By entering into a covenant with Abraham, God was confirming His choice of Abraham as
the one to fulfill His plan of salvation.
State the elements of the Gods covenant with Abraham
1. It was unconditional- it had two unequal parties i.e. God and Abraham.
2. It had promises which were given by God.
3. It had an outward sign which was circumcision.
4. It was sealed through the blood of the sacrifice.
5. It was voluntary- Abraham entered it willingly.
6. It was binding- it was to be kept even by Abraham’s descendants.
7. It was initiated by God.
Give examples of covenants in modern life
These include;
1. Baptism/sacraments.
2. Marriage.
3. Ordination.
4. Oath of loyalty to state/ oath of allegiance.
5. Trade agreements/ treaties.
6. Peace treaties.
7. Land buying contracts.
8. Employment contracts.
1.Baptism
Is an agreement between God and the believer to shed the life without Christ and take on life
with Christ.
The believer makes vows to remain faithful to God and obedient to his will.
The believer promises to keep the commandment of God and to serve him.
The covenant is enacted through the ceremony of baptism.
The pastor/priest and the congregation serve as witness.
2.Marriage
It involves the bride and bridegroom.
These are two parties that were separate before coming together.
The two exchange vows in the presence of the pastor and the congregation.
God is also a witness at this covenant.
Wear rings and exchange marriage vows.
A marriage certificate is the sign.
3 oath of alligience
It involves national leaders taking up positions of public service e.g. the head of state,
Ministers, etc.
This agreement is made between them and the people they will serve.
An oath is taken during the swearing in ceremony.
They promise to serve the nation and its citizens faithfully
4. Ordination
Made by leaders who are taking up leadership in the church.
They take up vows in which they promise obedience and loyalty to God, their supervisors and
Body of Christ
Give the importance of covenants in modern life
1. Through baptism, Christians are encouraged to have the right relationship with God and be
able to work for the good of the society.
2. Through Baptism one is able to acquire Christian principles/rules with inspires one to live
a virtuous life. This helps one to fight against evils e.g. sexual immorality, drug abuse, and
corruption.
3. It makes people to be committed to their work.
4. Makes people to have confidence in their leaders.
5. Helps to create a peaceful environment.
6. Brings unity between individuals and communities that were separated before.
7. Strengthens one’s faith in God.
8. Enlightens citizens on their rights.
Explain the importance of circumcision to Abraham and his descendants
1. It was an outward sign of Abraham’s and his descendants’ covenant relationship with God.
2. It was an outward sign of a male Jew’s true belonging to the Jewish community.
3. It was an outward sign of the inner faith for Abraham and his descendants that they were
called to a life of obedience to God.
4. It identified the Israelites as God’s chosen race.
5. Through it, Abraham and his descendants were assured of inheriting God’s blessings.
6. It confirmed that Abraham was obedient and faithful to God.
7. It was a sign of continued love and protection from God which the Israelites were to enjoy.
8. It signified purity/ cleanliness.

Give the Similarities between Jewish circumcision and African traditional practice of
circumcision
1. In both cases, it promotes one into full membership of the community.
2. In both cases, it is a mark of identification of a person to a particular community.
3. In both, it is carried out on male children.
4. In both cases, circumcision has a religious significance.
5. In both cases, special people/ religious leaders/heads of the community carry out the
operations.
6. In both cases, it unites the members with the ancestors.
7. In both cases, members receive new names.
8. In both cases, the rite is carried on from generation to generation/ is compulsory/ whoever
fails to observe it is considered an outcast.
9. In both cases, the ritual is a communal affair.
10. In both cases, it involves the cutting of the foreskin.
Give the differences between Jewish circumcision and African traditional practice of
circumcision
1. In some African communities, they circumcised both boys and girls while the Jewish
community circumcised boys only.
2. The African communities circumcised mainly teenagers while the Jews circumcised infants
at 8 days.
3. Jewish circumcision is a religious requirement while the African circumcision is a cultural
requirement/ rite of passage.
4. In the African communities the initiate would later be entrusted with new
roles/responsibilities e.g. marriage, inheritance of property etc which was not the case for the
Jewish community.
5. Among the Jews it was commanded by God while in African communities it originated
from ancestors.
CHAPTER FIVE
THE SINAI COVENANT: MOSES
Describe the background to the call of Moses.
1. Moses was born at a time when a decree had been issued to kill all male babies by
drowning them in river Nile. His mother bore and hid him in a woven basket.
2. When the baby was three months old and could no longer be hidden, his mother took
him in a water proof basket, which he placed within the reeds at the bank of river Nile.
3. The baby Moses was miraculously rescued by Pharaoh's daughter, who took him to the
palace, where he was nurtured in a noble manner.
4. The caretaker assigned to him was coincidentally his biological mother: Jacobeth, a fact
hidden even to Pharaoh himself.
5. Moses received credible education and training as a prince.
6. Later on, he killed an Egyptian who had confronted an Israelite. Sensing danger, he fled
to the wilderness. Here, he was a shepherd and experienced all the difficulties of the
wilderness.
7. At that point, Moses received his call in the form of a burning bush.

Narrate the call of Moses (Exodus 3:1-22)

The call of Moses took place as follows;
 Moses had gone to look after his father-in-law’s flocks near Mt. Horeb/ Mt. Sinai which
means mountain of God.
 An angel appeared to him as a burning bush which was not being consumed.
 Moses moved near to see what was happening and God called him by his name in the
middle of the Burning bush.
 He was instructed not to move any closer and to remove his shoes because the place
where he was standing was Holy ground.
 God assured Moses that he was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
 Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God.
 God told him he had seen the suffering of his people (Israelites) and was ready to liberate
them from Egypt.
 God commanded Moses to go to Egypt to free the Israelites.
 Moses protested that he was not worthy but God gave him the assurance that;
God would protect him and be with him.
They would worship God at Mt. Sinai after leaving Egypt.
 Moses asked God what his name was and God replied, “I am who I am,” meaning:
God was what He was in the past and will always be the same i.e. God is eternal.
God does not change with time or situations.
There is no human description of God.
 God then assured Moses that the Israelites would respond positively while Pharaoh
would be stubborn until several miracles were done.
 Moses was given two signs as a proof that he was God’s messenger.
His rod/ walking stick/ staff turned into a snake;
His hand was affected by leprosy.
 Moses being a stammerer was given Aaron as his spokesperson.
 Moses later left for Egypt with his family.
Give reasons why Moses was reluctant to accept God’s call
1. He was a murderer.
2. He was a fugitive / a run away.
3. He was a stammerer.
4. He was not sure of God/ God’ name.
5. The people would doubt him.
6. He knew Pharaoh would refuse to let the people go.
7. He felt he was worth the task.
Explain how God instilled confidence to Moses so as to accept His call.
1) God revealed His name to Moses as Yahweh, I Am Who I AM
2) God promised him protection
3) God revealed to Moses as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
4) God assured Moses that the Israelites will believe / accept him
5) He gave him Haron his brother to be his spokesman
6) Assured that the King will refuse but finally will accept
7) God gave Moses the powers of performing miracles
State the attributes of God learnt during the call of Moses
1. God is Holy/ pure. He told Moses to remove his shoes for he was standing on a Holy
place.
2. God ears the cries of his people/answers prayers Vs.7.
3. Just/God punishes the wrong doers.
4. Deliverer.Vs.8.
5. God of History, vs. 15 and Vs. 6
6. Caring/loving/ merciful/ compassionate.Vs.7.
7. Faithful/ fulfills promises e.g. fulfilled the promise made to Abraham.
8. Demands faith and obedience from those he calls/sends.
9. Transcendent/mysterious/beyond human understanding e.g. burning bush.
10. Personal/knows us by name e.g. called Moses by his name.vs.4.
11. Uses human beings to accomplish a task e.g. Moses/God commissions people to
perform certain tasks/ works through people He chooses.
12. Empowers those He sends/doesn’t give people impossible tasks e.g. enabled Moses to
perform miracles e.g. changing stick into snake.
13. Awesome/demands respect vs.5/ worthy of respect.
 14. Knows our suffering vs.7. He had seen the affliction of His people in Egypt.
15. Has power over nature/all powerful vs.2 e.g. bush burning though not getting
consumed/ almighty/ omnipotent.
16. Eternal. vs. 14 I AM WHO I AM.
17. All-knowing i.e. knows us by name, our sufferings e.t.c.
18. Protects his people vs. 12 e.g. promised to protect Moses.
19. God is omnipresent.
20. Uses events to reveal Himself to people e.g. burning bush.
21. God is miracle working God.
What lessons did Moses learnt from his call about God
1. God is a God of History i.e. He is a God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
2. God is loving and caring and is concerned with the welfare of his people.
3. God is transcendent i.e. He is beyond human understanding and description.
4. God chooses whoever he wills to carry out his plans e.g. He chose Moses, a murderer,
fugitive stammerer.
5. God expects total faith and obedience from the people he chooses to serve him.
6. God fulfills his promises i.e. he was ready to deliver the Israelites from bondage/ slavery
he had promised Abraham.
State christian values learnt from the call of Moses
1. Humility.
2. Courage.
3. Faith.
4. Love/ mercy/ care.
5. Honesty.
6. Obedience.
7. Reverence/ respect/ honour/ God-fearing.
8. Service.
9. Holiness.
10. Inquisitiveness/ knowledge/ curiosity.
11. Patience/ persistence.
12. Justice.
Describe the ten plaques (Exodus 7:14-11:1-10)
 When Moses reached Egypt, he gathered all the Israelite elders then told them what God
had sent him to do.
 He performed all the miracles God had shown him and the Israelite elders believed in his
mission.
 When Pharaoh was approached to let the Israelites go, he became stubborn and increased
the workload for the Israelites
 Moses had to perform plagues on Egypt. (A plague may be a disease or an unfortunate
occurrence in one’s life)(Exodus 7:4-5)
 The signs and the wonders of the plagues were to make the Israelite and Egyptians know
that only Yahweh was worthy of the title God.
1. The plague of blood (Exodus 7:14 – 25)
 Moses was commanded by God to tell Aaron to strike the waters of the Nile.
 He did this in the presence of Pharaoh and the waters of the Nile turned into blood.
 All the fish died and there was no water to drink. This lasted seven days.
 He did not release the Israelites.
2. Plague of frogs (Exodus 8:1 – 15)
 The Lord commanded Moses to tell Aaron to stretch his hand over the streams, canals and
ponds.
 Aaron did as was commanded and there were frogs all over the land of Egypt.
 On seeing this, Pharaoh pleaded with Moses and Aaron to pray to the Lord to get rid of
the frogs and he would release them.
 They prayed and all the frogs died when Pharaoh saw that the frogs were dead, he
changed his mind.
3. Plague of gnats (Exodus 8:16 – 19)
 Gnats are small two-winged biting flies.
 The Lord instructed Moses to tell Aaron to strike the ground.
 Aaron did and all the dust in Egypt turned into gnats.
 The gnats covered the entire land.
 Even the magicians accepted it as God’s work, but Pharaoh still refused to let the
Israelites go.
4. Plague of flies (Exodus 8:20 – 32)
 The Lord warned Pharaoh through Moses that he would send swarms of flies to the
Egyptian houses. But the Israelites houses would be spared.
 When this happened, Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron and promised to let them to go
and worship so that the flies would go away.
 Moses prayed and the flies went away. However, Pharaoh changed his mind and again
refused to let the Israelites go.
5. Death of livestock (Exodus 9:1 – 7)
 God sent a plague that killed all the Egyptian animals. Their cows, donkeys, camels,
sheep, goats and horses were all killed.
 The Israelites were not affected. Still Pharaoh refused to release them.
6. Plague of boils (Exodus 9:8 – 12)
 Moses threw ashes into air as God had instructed.
 This produced boils which became open sores on the skin of the Egyptians.
 Unmoved by the suffering of his people, Pharaoh would still not let the Israelites go.
7. Plague of hail (Exodus 9:13 – 35)
 Moses raised his stick and there was a hailstorm with lightning and thunder. The people,
animals and plants that were struck were killed and destroyed.
 Pharaoh promised to let the Israelites go but as soon as Moses had prayed and all the hail
and thunder stopped. Pharaoh changed his mind yet again. He did not let the Israelites
go.
8. Plague of Locusts (Exodus 10:1 – 20)
 Locusts covered the whole land and ate all the crops in the fields.
 The locusts ate all that had not been destroyed by the hail.
 Pharaoh once more pleaded for the plague to be lifted.
 As soon as locusts were out of Egypt, Pharaoh changed his mind. He still would not let
the Israelites out of Egypt.
9. Plague of darkness (Exodus 10:21 – 29)
 God instructed Moses to stretch out his hand to heaven.
 There was total darkness in Egypt for 3 days. The Israelites had light where they were
living.
 Pharaoh remained unmoved and would still not let the Israelites go out of Egypt.
10. Death of first-born sons (Exodus 12:1 – 31)
 The last plague is the death of the Egyptians male first born.
 The Lord would kill all the first born sons and first male animals of the Egyptians at
midnight.
 The Israelite males would be spared.
Give the attributes of God learnt from the ten plagues
1. God empowers the people he sends to perform miracles and do his work. He gave Moses
the rod with which to work and cause the plagues.
2. God is almighty/all powerful/ omnipotent and no other forces or power can challenge
him. The magicians could not match his powers and accepted that God’s powers are
great (Exodus 8:18 – 19).
3. God is determined to fulfill his plans/to save his people no matter how hard the task may
appear to the human eye. He does not give up on his people. Exodus 8:22, 9:6, 10:23.
4. God gives everyone a chance to repent. He forgives the repentant. Each time Pharaoh
promised to release the Israelites, God relieved the Egyptians from the plagues.
5. God is God of justice/ he punishes the wrong doer and protects the oppressed. He
afflicted the Egyptians who had enslaved his people. He spared the Israelites.
6. God fulfill his promises/ He is faithful. The Israelites finally left Egypt as God had
promised Exodus 3:7 – 10, Genesis 15:13 – 14, 26:3 – 4.
7. God expects total obedience and faith from the people he sends.
8. God is a loving/ caring God. He sees the plight and suffering of his people and works to
release them from their suffering.
9. More powerful that the Egyptian gods.
10. God was aware of the problems of the Israelites.
11. Determined to save his people.
12. God was working through Moses. This strengthened faith of the Israelites on Moses their
liberator
Describe the Preparations God instructed Moses to prepare for the Passover
God instructed Moses to prepare the Israelites for the tenth plague. Moses called all the elders
of Israel and gave them the following instructions.
 On the tenth day of that month each man had to choose either a lamb or a young goat for
his household. If his family was too small to eat a whole animal, then he and his next-
door neighbor were to share the animal. The animal chosen was to be a male, one year old
and without blemish. Using a young animal signified the innocence of the sacrifice while
an animal without blemish signified purity of the sacrifice.
 The animal chosen was to be killed on the eve of the 14th day of that month/eve of the
night of the Exodus.
 The blood of the animal was to be smeared on the door posts and lintel of Israelites’
houses. The blood was to act as a sign of distinguishing the Israelites houses from those
of the Egyptians so that the angel of death would spare them when he killed the first-born
sons of the Egyptians.
 The lamb/animal for sacrifice was to be roasted whole i.e. with its head, legs and inner
parts. Roasting was the quickest method of cooking since the Israelites were in a hurry.
 The meat was to be eaten that night with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. The bitter
herbs signified the bitter experience of slavery in Egypt.
 Everything was to be eaten and whatever remained was to be burnt.
 They were to eat the sacrificial meat after they had dressed up and packed their luggage
(Vs 9 – 11)
 The Israelite women were to ask for Jewellery, Silver and clothing from the Egyptian
women on the eve of their departure. These items were to act as compensation for the free
labour the Israelites had given Egypt.
 Everyone was to remain indoors until morning in order to be protected from the angel of
death.
 The Passover was to be to be commemorated annually and its significance taught to the
coming generation.
Please note that:
 On that night the Angel of death “passed over” the houses of the Israelites and killed the
entire male first born of the Egyptians, including Pharaoh’s son.
 There was great wailing in Egypt.
 Pharaoh summoned Moses and released the Israelites.
 The Israelites left Egypt for the Promised Land through the wilderness/Exodus.
Give the attributes of God as shown in the Jewish Passover
1. God is caring i.e. preserved the life of the Israelites.
2. God loves.
3. God is powerful i.e. took care of nature.
4. God is provider of life i.e. killed the Egyptians.
5. God is the creator and controller of human life.
6. God is universal e.g. controlled lives of the Egyptians and Israelites.
7. God is omnipresent i.e. everywhere including to the Israelite and the Egyptians.
8. God is faithful to his promises.
9. He punishes the disobedient.
Discuss the Importance of Passover
1. The Jewish Passover was of great importance in that it marked the end of the Israelites"
tribulations in Egypt.
2. It also served as a unifying factor, which brought the Israelites close and together.
3. The Passover brought to the Israelites realization of their true Yahweh, who sticks to his
promises.
4. It also showed God's unwavering love to Israelites, who are the descendants of Abraham
5. The Passover was a preliminary event that marked the beginning of the Exodus night, a
time the Israelites left Egypt.
6. The sacrificial lamb is a clear symbol of Jesus: the sacrificial lamb for Christians, who
released them from the bondage of sin.
7. During this time and to the Exodus, Moses was confirmed as the leader of the Israelites.
Give reasons why Pharaoh was not willing to release the Israelites
a) God had already told Moses that Pharaoh would remain adamant till several terrifying
events would force him to release the Israelites.
b) The Israelites provided cheap labor and, to Pharaoh, releasing them would mean that a
new source of labor had to be sought.
c) His being hesitant created room for God's work and power to be realized by everybody.
d) Pharaoh was generally arrogant and stubborn and could not be easily lured by anybody.
e) Pharaoh considered the Israelites and their possessions as part of his empire. If at all he
could release them, he saw as if he would be parting with his wealth.
f) Pharaoh tailed to understand that he was dealing with Yahweh: the true God, otherwise,
he could have immediately released them
Explain the reasons that made the Pharaoh oppress the Israelites
a) It was a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, ‘your descendants will be slaves in
a foreign land”.
b) The Pharaoh did not know Joseph and why he had settled in Egypt.
c) He oppressed them in order for them to produce cheap labour for his development
work.
d) The Israelites had had prospered and pharaoh thought they would overcome the
Egyptians.
e) It was a mode of weakening the power and strength of the Israelites.
f) The Israelites were tremendously increasing and Pharaoh feared that this would be
disastrous to the Egyptians.
Describe the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt

 An Exodus is a mass movement of people from one place to another

 The Israelites hurriedly left Egypt.
 They carried with them unleavened bread.
 The women took away the jewellery and clothing they had borrowed from the Egyptians
as compensation for years of slavery, (had been slaves for 430 years)
 The journey of the Israelites through the harsh wilderness, fighting hostile local people,
was a difficult one.
 Whenever they forgot the mighty deeds God had done for them God gave them a solution
to their problems and restored their faith in him.
 Moses served as mediator between them and God.
 They were directed by God in the wilderness by a pillar of cloud during the day and a
pillar of fire during the night. (Exodus 13:20 – 22, 14:19 – 20).
a). Crossing the red sea. (Exodus 14:5 – 31)
 Immediately the Israelites left Egypt Pharaoh and his people regretted letting them go.
 He pursued them with intension to bring them back.
 The Israelites had camped by the sea.
 God instructed Moses to lift his rod above the waters of the Red Sea to divide them.
 The waters separated into walls.
 The Israelites crossed the sea on the dry ground between the two walls.
 When the Israelites had crossed over the other side, Moses stretched out his hand over the
water and brought the walls back.
 The Egyptians who were still in the middle drowned and the Israelites sailed.
 The Israelites saw God’s mighty work in saving them.
b). Provision of water (Exodus 15:22 – 27, 17:1 – 6)
 After the Israelites had travelled in the desert for 3 days without water, they were thirsty.
 The water they found was bitter and could not drink.
 Called the place “Marah” meaning “bitter”.
 The Israelites started murmuring in complain.
 God instructed Moses to throw a splinter of wood into the water and it became sweet.
 At Elim there were 12 springs of water.
 God provided more water when they had almost reached Mt. Sinai.
 He instructed Moses to strike a rock and water came out of it for people to drink (Ex. 17:1
– 7).
c). Provision of manna and quails (Exodus 16:1 – 35)
 As the Israelites were travelling through the desert, they ran out of food.
 They were hungry and again complained to Moses.
 Their complaints displeased the Lord, though he had saved them many times they still did
not trust him to provide for them.
 He nevertheless promised to provide for them with food whether they obeyed him or not.
 The next morning God provided them with manna which they collected and ate.
 In the evening, he provided them with quails.
 The provision of manna and quails lasted for 40 years.
 On the sixth day of each week, he gave them two portions; one for the sixth day and the
other for the seventh or Sabbath day.
 They were supposed to stay indoors on the Sabbath day to worship and remember God.
d). Defeat of the Amalekites (exodus 17:8 – 16)
 Amalekites were desert nomads who attacked the Israelites in the wilderness.
 When the Amalekite army came against Israel, Moses ordered Joshua to gather men
among them to go and fight them.
 During the battle, Moses held up his rod.
 Each time he raised his hands, the Amalekites were defeated. When he brought down, the
Israelites would be defeated.
 Aaron and Hur saw this; they decided to support his hands until the Amalekites were
defeated. God promised to destroy the Amalekites forever.
State the occasions during the Exodus when the Israelites lost faith in God.
(i) When they were followed/pursued by pharaoh`s soldiers.
(ii) When they lacked food and water in the desert.
(iii) When they were attacked by diseases.
(iv) When they were attacked by snakes.
(v) When Moses delayed at the Mt. they made a golden calf and worship it.
(vi) When Moses died they despaired inheriting the Promised land.

Give the summary of the ways in which God took care of the Israelites during the
Exodus
 He guided the Israelites by a pillar of cloud during the day.
 He provided a pillar of fire to guide them during the night.
 God sent an angel who engulfed the Egyptian soldiers in darkness to delay their attack on
the Israelites.
 He gave them priests to be intermediaries between them and God.
 God split the waters of the Red Sea to create a dry path for the Israelites to pass.
 He punished the Egyptian soldiers who were pursuing the Israelites by drowning them in
the Red Sea.
 God changed bitter water into sweet waters for the Israelites to drink at Marah.
 God provided Manna and quails as food for the Israelites when they were hungry.Healing
those who were bitten by snakes.
 God assisted the Israelites to defeat the Amalekites
 He provided them with strong leaders like Moses.
 God gave them the 10 commandments to guide them on their relationship with him and
one another.
State the problems Moses faced as he led the Israelites during the Exodus
 Lack of water for the Israelites/ bitter water.
 Lack of food for the Israelites.
 Complaining/ grumbling by the Israelites/ refusing to heed to instructions/ stubborn/ stiff
necked.
 Warring tribes in the desert/ Amalekites.
 Settling disputes among the people.
 Travelling in hostile/ harsh climatic condition.
 Lack of faith from the people/ worship of the golden calf/ breaking God’s
commandments.
 Rebellion/opposition from his family.
 Threat from the Egyptian army.
 Bites from snakes.
Explain the problems encountered by Christians in their commitment to Christ today
1. Temptations from the devil/ worldly pleasures.
2. Weakening of faith in God in times of hardships.
3. Opposition/ persecution/ oppression because of what they stand for.
4. False teaching/ heresy/ false prophets who contradict true Christian message.
5. Division/ quarrels/ disagreements within the church.
6. Materialism/ greed for wealth/ struggle for power in the church/ in the society.
7. Challenges from science/ technology which seems to replace the power/ authority of God.
8. Natural calamities; epidemics, diseases, drought, feminine, floods, earthquakes which
make some Christians question the existence of God.
9. Problems of the destiny of a person after death /Where do people go after death?
10. The wicked seem to prosper /why do the wicked prosper?
11. Bad examples set by the church leaders who are supposed to be the shepherds of the
people/ mislead people e.g. through misinterpretation of scriptures.
12. Challenges from other religious/ denominations and the secular society/ traditional
culture.
13. Hypocrisy in the church.
14. Financial constraints/ lack of resources in meeting their obligations.
15. Marginalization in the church membership/ activities.
Explain why the Exodus was important to the Israelites
1. It marked the end of their suffering/ oppression in Egypt.
2. It signified they were a special nation chosen by God.
3. It was a fulfillment of the promises God had made to Abraham.
4. It proved that God was more powerful than other gods/ supreme.
5. It showed/ proved to them that Moses was a chosen leader of Israel as a nation.
6. It made them understand the nature of God.
7. It taught them that God needed obedience from human beings.
8. They received the Ten Commandments which guided them in their relationship.
Give reasons why Moses was successful in leading the Israelites out of Egypt.
i) He was educated in both Israelite and Egyptian ways
ii) He was well versed with the desert terrain/life since he had been a shepherd before
tending his father-in-law’s flock in the wilderness.
iii) He obeyed God and understood the task given to him by God.
iv) He was patient/enduring/skills he acquired when he was shepherd
v) His marital status enabled him to have a sense of responsibility/he was married/had a
family.
vi) God gave him power/ability to perform miracles.
vii) He had acquired leadership skills at the Pharaoh’s palace.
viii) He had a spokesperson/Aaron to assist him since he was a stammerer
ix) He delegated leadership to a council of elders who helped in solving problems.
State reasons why God delivered the Israelites from the Egyptian bondage
a) God was fulfilling the promise he bestowed upon Abraham
b) The Israelites were God's chosen people and race.
c) God wanted them to inherit the Promised Land: Canaan.
d) God wanted to strengthen their faith in him as the God of their ancestors.
e) God had heard of their predicament, thus coming to their rescue.
Describe the preparation for the making of Sinai covenant
God made a covenant with the Israelites at Mount Sinai in the wilderness. He brought them
here so that he could enter into a personal relationship with the whole community of
Abraham’s descendants.
God called Moses to the mountain to ask him if the Israelites were willing to obey. If they
would obey Him, God made the following promises to them;
1. He would make them His people.
2. He would make them a kingdom of priests.
 3. He would make them a holy nation.
In readiness for the making of the Sinai Covenant, the children of Israel made the following
preparations:
1. They had to purify themselves i.e. washed the clothes and themselves.
2. Moses marked a boundary at the foot of the mountain/ a holy boundary to prevent any
person or animal going up the mountain.
3. To be ready on the third day for the Lord come down on the mountain.
4. Men were advised not to touch a woman/ no sexual relationship.
5. They were to report to the mountain on hearing the sound of the trumpet.
6. On the 3rd day Moses took the Israelites to meet their God.
7. God manifested his presence in the form of:
8. Thunder.
9. Lightning.
10. Earthquake.
11. Thick cloud that covered the whole mountain.
12. Fire.
13. Smoke.
14. A loud trumpet blast that made the people tremble.
15. Moses went up the mountain and was given the Ten Commandments
16. Moses came back from the Mt. and told the people about the laws and ordinances which
were to guide them as a covenant people. All the people answered in one voice and said
“All the words which the Lord has spoken we will do,” (Exodus 24:3 – 4)
Narrate the sealing of the Sinaic covenant (Exodus 24:1 – 8)
 Moses told the people the 10 commandments. They all agreed to obey.
 Moses wrote down God’s laws and commands.
 The next day/morning Moses built an altar and put twelve stores/pillars around it; the 12
stones symbolizes the twelve tribes of Israel.
 Young men sacrificed bulls/ oxen to offer burnt offerings and peace offerings.
 Moses collected the blood into two basins.
 He poured half of the blood into the altar. This was a sign that God was involved in the
covenant formation.
 He read the Ten Commandments book of the covenant to the people to make sure that
they understood. The people agreed to obey.
 He sprinkled/threw the remaining blood upon the people. This showed people’s
involvement in the covenant formula.
 The use of the blood showed the seriousness of the covenant. Whoever broke this
covenant meant loss of his life.
 The use of live animals showed that God is the life giver.
State the ten commandments
The Ten Commandments were divided into two major parts.
1. Duties towards God (Ex 20:3 -11) – the 1st 4 commandments about the relationship
between God and man.
2. Duties towards man (Ex 20:12 – 17) – the last 6 commandments about the relationship
between man and fellow man.
Duties to God
1. “You shall have no other gods before me”.
Application
 It means that God is only one.
 There was need to remind the Israelites that he was the God who brought them out of
Egypt and cared for them in the wilderness.
 The Israelites were to worship him alone.
 Any attempts to consider anything else God is wrong.
 We have one God who is the creator and sustainer of all things
 Anything we cherish more than God has become a god.
 It prohibits against Polytheism i.e. “The Lord is one” Deuteronomy 6:4
2. “You shall not make yourself a graven image”
Application
 This is prohibition against idolatry because God is invisible. (Ex 19:19, Deut 4:12 – 16)
 Any representation of God is wrong because it might tempt us to worship it which is
disrespect to God.
 Yahweh was not like the Egyptians or Canaanite gods which were depicted in images.
3. “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in Vain”
Application
 It prohibits against taking the name of the Lord in vain/ swearing.
 This commandment forbids the use of God’s name in a careless manner without regard to
his holiness.
 One should not swear in God’s name.
 In Mathew 5:33 – 37 Jesus stresses that Christians should be honest, sincere and always
speak the truth.
 We need then to respect God’s name and the greatness of his name.
4. “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy”
Application
The Sabbath Day was instituted by God at creation God rested on this day after creation thus
we should not work or involve ourselves in any work.
 It is time to rest/ relax and reflect on what God has done.
 People are expected to honor it by worshipping God.
 Reminder of God’s sacrifice.
Significance of the Sabbath to the Jews
1. They remembered the day God rested after his creation.
2. Day for worship/ thanksgiving/ prayer.
3. It is in obedience to one of the commandments.
4. Day for rest/ leisure.
5. Holy day dedicated to God.
6. Shows that man has his origin in God and is therefore responsible to God.
Duties towards man
5. “Honour your father and mother that your days may be long”
Application
God’s gift of life is passed on through our parents as they take care and bring up children.
God takes care of us through our parents.
 Dishonor to parents leads to disgrace.
 The family is the foundation of the society.
 Good respect to our parents leads to right conduct.
 Obedience to parents leads to long life and prosperity in the land.
 Parents deserve honour; respect and children should help their parents.
6. “You shall not kill”
Application
It is God alone who gives life and it should be Him alone to take it. The life of a person is
sacred. Christians are called upon to preserve, respect and protect life.
7. “You shall not commit adultery”.
Application
 It is wrong to have sexual intercourse with somebody else’s wife or husband. Such an act
sows discord in the community.
 This command safeguards marriage and family.
 Purity is demanded of Christians both in their outward life, thoughts and desires.
8. “You shall not steal”
Application
 Affirms that God is the one who provides us with all that is required to maintain life.
 Stealing indicates lack of trust in God’ providence.
 This command prohibits theft.
 It is protection against property.
9. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor”
Application
 False accusations destroy respect and love among God’s people.
 Christians should show love, honesty, faithfulness and truthfulness.
 The need for justice in courts.
10. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s property”.
Application
 Prohibition against covetousness. Desire for that which belongs to another Num 11:11.
 This commandment condemns greed of any nature.
 Greed is motivated by selfishness and hence leads to sin.
Describe the breaking of the sinaic covenant
 Moses went up the mountain to God so as to be instructed on how to lead the Israelites on
their last part of the journey to the Promised Land.
 Moses overstayed up the mountain until some Israelites became impatient and restless.
 -The multitude started murmuring against the God of Moses/ Yahweh and desired to go
back to Egypt.
 They asked Aaron to make for them a physical god to worship.
 Aaron made an idol god in form of a calf. He used the ornaments they had brought from
Egypt.
 The idol represented power and strength.
 Their worship was accompanied by singing, dancing, drinking, eating and indulged in
revelry/sex around the calf.
 This was blasphemy before God/idolatry.
 Meanwhile God told Moses to go down for the people had sinned and rejected him.
 - Moses was annoyed and dropped the tablets on which the laws were written they broke
into pieces.
 He ground the bull-calf and mixed with water and forced the people to drink.
 Moses called the faithful followers of Yahweh. Only the Levites came forward.
 Moses ordered the faithful people to kill the sinners.
 Moses returned to God and asked for forgiveness on behalf of the people.
 God promised to rub the names of the sinners from the book of heaven.
 God told Moses to continue leading the people.
Why did the Israelites demand for an Idol to worship
 Moses overstayed up the mountain.
 -They needed another leader because they did not know what had happened to Moses.
 They lacked self-control/ were impatient.
 They lacked faith in God/ unfaithful.
 They did not understand the nature of their God e.g. powerful God.
 It is possible that they were misled by foreigners who joined them on their way to
Canaan.
 Aaron was a weak leader and accepted to make the golden bull-calf.
 They had been exposed to idolatry in Egypt.
 The availability of raw materials e.g. Jewellery they had brought from Egypt.
State the effects of worshipping the Idol / Bull
1. God was annoyed with the Israelites and wanted to destroy/consume them and start
raising a new generation through Moses.
2. Moses pleaded with God to forgive them and God withdrew his wrath/ God forgave them.
3. Moses was annoyed when he found the Israelites worshipping the idol and he threw down
the stone tablets breaking them.
4. Moses burnt the Golden Bull-calf into ashes mixed with water and ordered the Israelites
to drink.
5. God forgave those who repented after worshipping the Golden calf.
6. Moses separated those who repented; the Levites included, and ordered the unrepentant
group to be killed.
7. The Lord sent a plague upon the people because they had worshipped the idol.
Describe the renewal of the Sinai covenant - exodus 34:1 -35
 God forgave the people and Moses.
 The Ten Commandments were re-written on two stone tablets that God had asked Moses
to cut.
 Moses went up the mountain with the two stone tablets alone and no man or animal was
allowed to be seen around the mountain.
 God declared that he could make a covenant with the Israelites.
 He gave Moses the Ten Commandments the second time.
Explain how God revealed his nature to Moses
 Merciful/compassionate God.
 Gracious God.
 Slow anger
 Abounding in love
 Faithful to his promise
 Forgiving wickedness, Rebellion and sin.
 Just and jealous/punishes sin
 He promised to take the Israelites to the Promised Land and protect them against the
Canaanites
State the conditions given to the Israelites to fulfill after the renewal
1. Obey what God commands them.
2. Not to worship any other gods.
3. Not to make any cast idols.
4. To keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
5. To rest on the seventh day.
6. To dedicate all their first-born children and that of the flock to God.
7. To offer to God the first fruit of their harvest.
8. Not to enter into any covenant relationship with the inhabitant of Canaan e.g. not to
intermarry with foreigners.
9. To destroy the worshipping place of idols.
10. Not to make molten gods to worship.
11. Three times in a year the male folk were to appear before God.
12. Not to offer the blood of His sacrifice with leaven.
13. Not to boil a kid in his mother’s milk.
Giving of more promises by God
God then gave them the following promises if they obeyed Him;
 God would bless them and make them more prosperous.
 God would preserve them as a chosen nation.
 God would do great and awesome things among his people.
 God would help them settle the Promised Land by driving out the inhabitants/their
enemies e.g. Canaanite, perizites etc.
Explain the role of Moses in the history of the Israelites
1) He was one among the first prophets who received God’s call with a mission to liberate
the Israelites.
2) He performed extra-ordinary miracles for the purpose of overpowering the pharaoh so as
to liberate the Israelite.
3) Its Moses who liberated / delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.
4) He led the Israelites throughout the wilderness during the exodus.
5) He mediated between God and the Israelites through the entire period of exodus.
6) He endured offering for the sake of the Israelites who abused him, accompanied him and
asked him to offer providence.
7) He led the Israelites into making the covenant with God on Mt. Sinai.
8) Moses was given Ten Commandments by God to guide the Israelites to live according to
the covenant way of life.
9) He punished the Israelites who broke the covenant and worshiped the golden calf.
10) Moses interceded on behalf of the Israelites so that God forgive them their sins.
11) Moses sent for God’s providence e.g. manna and water.
12) Moses made the Israelites enter into a renewal of the covenant with God.
13) Though God’s guidance he protected the Israelites against hostile desert tribes e.g. the
Amelekites.
Describe the worship of the Israelites in the wilderness
(EX 20:22 – 26, 23:14 – 20)
 Worship refers to reverence paid to God/ respect given to God in recognition of Him as
the creator and controller of the universe and the strong feeling of love for God.
 The Israelites must have known God well e.g. they knew him as provider, protector, God
of justice, the mighty and all powerful God.
 All these qualities of God must have made them respect him and love him deeply.
 During their period in the wilderness, the Israelites worshipped God as individual and as a
community. This occurred at specific places.
 All worship involved:
A. Sacrifices and offerings
 Animals were used in sacrifices.
 In an offering agricultural produce was used.
Sacrifices included:
1. burnt offerings/holocaust
 The sacrificial animal was completely burnt i.e. entirely removed from human possession
and given to God.
 It could be given by an individual or by the community.
2. Atonement/ sin offering
 Offered when one had sinned either against God or against his fellow man and wanted his
sins to be forgiven.
 The one who had sinned brought an animal before God and it was offered as a sacrifice.
 The animal died on behalf of the person who sinned.
3. Peace offering/ communion sacrifice/ fellowship offering
 Part of the meat of the sacrificial animal was eaten by the people and other parts which
consisted of fat and blood was burnt on the altar for God.
4. Gift offering
 The best animal or grain that God had blessed the concerned party was chosen and
offered to God as a thanksgiving.
5. Meal offering/ drink offering
 It involved both vegetable and animal offerings.
 Meat offering could be offered together with fresh agricultural produce.
6. Incense offering
 Incense is a substance composed of sweet smelling herbs.
 It was burnt before God and it was a sign of God’s holiness and his acceptance of the
sacrifices.
B. Festivals
A festival is a celebration commemorating a past event.
There were a number of festivals in the Israelite community. These included:
1. The Passover/Feast of unleavened bread.
1. This feast was held annually at the beginning of each year/ once a year.
2. Unleavened bread would be eaten for 7 days of the first month in every New Year.
3. The feast was a commemoration of the Israelite liberation from Egypt.
2. The feast of weeks/ Pentecost.
1. This feast originally marked the end of the wheat harvest.
2. Later it was conducted 50 days from the Sabbath following the Passover hence name
Pentecost.
3. The Feast of Tabernacles.
This feast marked the end of agricultural year.
1. It took place in autumn when the fruits had been safely gathered/ harvested.
C. Altars
Altars marked an earthly meeting place between God and the people.
1. The Israelites built an altar in places where they received a Theophany/ God revelation.
2. e.g. Abraham built two altars, one at Shechem and another one at Bethel when God
revealed to him that he would give him the land of Canaan
3. The practice of building altars continued to the time the Israelites settled in Canaan Ex
20:24 – 25.
NB: Altars were also places of sacrifice.
D. Prayer and Songs
People communicated to God through prayer and song. This was mostly used by priests and
their leaders e.g. Moses and Joshua.
E. Holy day of worship
The Israelites set a day of worship. Every week they worked for six days and on the seventh
day they rested and worshipped the Lord/ Sabbath rest.
F. The Tent of Meeting (EXODUS 26)
1. It was a portable structure in which the Israelites worshipped God.
2. The outer court contained the altar for incense, the golden stick and the bread of the
presence table.
3. The inner court was known as the most Holy place because it contained the Ark of the
Covenant.
4. - The Ark of the Covenant was covered with pure gold and the inside contained the two
stone tablets in which the Ten Commandments were written.
5. It was taken care of by the Levites and the priest from the time of Moses.
6. The Terbanacle symbolized the presence of God among his people.
7. Priests would go inside the Terbanacle to offer prayers and sacrifices to God on behalf of
the people.
Explain the elements of the Jewish worship found in the Christian worship today
There are a number of elements of Israelite worship which have been carried over from the
time of the Exodus to Judaism the early church and to the present time.
These elements include:
 The Passover feast which found its origin from the Passover which marked the liberation
of the Israelites from Egypt. This is referred to as the Lord’s Supper in the N. T and
Christian worship.
 Use of prayer and songs in worship.
 Observing the Lord’s Day / Sabbath by modern Christians.
 Offerings are also given in form of money, goods and services tithes.
 Altars. Most Christian churches have altars also called sanctuary.
NB: The worship of God by the Israelites was more similar to that one of the Traditional
African worship.
 Observing the Ten Commandments.
 Burning of incense e.g. catholic church.
 Spiritual leaders e.g. pastors, priests.
 Dedication of children to God.
Give the summary of the ways Israelites worshipped God in the wilderness
1. Through offerings, incense, grain gift.
2. Through sacrifices/ Holocaust, atonement.
3. Through festivals/ feasts e.g. Passover, feast of weeks, Terbanacle.
4. Had the Tabernacle/ the tent of meeting.
5. Use of prayers; for thanksgiving and asking for God’s protection.
6. Use of songs and dances.
7. Built altars to signify the presence of Yahweh/ approached the altars with respect/ earthly
meeting place where they had Theophany.
8. Male folk presented themselves to God three times a year.
9. Observed the Ten Commandments/ had laws.
10. Assembled at the foot of Mt. Sinai where they received the Ten Commandments.
11. Burnt incense to the Lord/ Yahweh.
12. Observed the Sabbath as a day of worship by keeping it Holy and dedicating to God.
13. Paid tithes for the upkeep of the Tabernacle.
14. Consecrated the Tent of meeting.
15. Levite priests led the Israelites in worship/ Religious leaders e.g. Aaron, Moses, Levitical
Priests.
16. Made the Ark of the Covenant and carried it whenever they went which symbolized
God’s presence.
17. The dedication of the first born male children to God in memory of the Passover in Egypt.
Explain how Christians show respect to God
1. They set aside a day of worship.
2. Set aside holy places of worship.
3. They do not mention God’s name in vain.
4. They pray to him asking for forgiveness/ confessing to Him.
5. Live exemplary lives/ role models.
6. Giving offering/ tithes.
7. Praise Him for His wonders.
8. Taking care of the environment.
9. Looking after the needy.
10. Preaching/ spreading His word.
Discuss the Israelites new understanding of the nature of god
Through the teachings of Moses and their personal experience, the Israelites learnt the
following about the nature of God:
1. He is the God of their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
2. God is more powerful than the other god’s e.g. he led them across the Red sea.
3. He fulfils his promises as evidenced by their release from Egypt.
4. God is holy as seen from the restriction from contact with the Holy Mountain.
5. God uses his chosen people to carry out his mission e.g. Israel.
6. God is the provider as seen in his provision of food and water in the wilderness.
7. He is a moral God as he gave the Ten Commandments to the Israelites to guide their
behavior/ God is a jealous God.
8. God is a personal God who initiates a covenant relationship with individuals for e.g. the
Sinai covenant.
9. He is the only God/Yahweh was the true God.
10. God is just as he punished idol worshippers.
11. God is transcendent and beyond human understanding as seen in the revelation at Mt.
Sinai.
12. God demands total obedience from his people as expressed in his instruction during the
making and the renewal of covenant.
13. God is awesome as shown in people’s fear of him as seen on Mt. Sinai.
14. God is omnipresent. He moved with them and was present in the pillar of cloud and fire.
15. God is a jealous God as expressed in the Ten Commandments.
16. God forgives sinners.
CHAPTER SIX
LEADERSHIP IN ISRAEL: DAVID AND SOLOMON
Discuss the Background to the kingship in Israel
1. Refers to the manner in which a community’s way of life is ruled or controlled.
2. When the Israelites settled in Canaan for the first 200 years they were ruled by judges.
3. The first judge was Joshua who took over after Moses died in the wilderness.
4. The period after Joshua’s death was characterized by political and social disorganization
and was between the Israelites and their neighboring nations.
5. To restore order, God raised judges to rule over the people of Israel e.g.
 Othniel - Judges 3:9 – 10.
 Eliud - Judges 3:15.
 Shamgar - Judges 3:31.
 Deborah - Judges 4:4.
 Gideon - Judges 6:11 – 24, 7:1 – 2.

State the Roles of the Judges in Israel
1. They were charismatic.
2. Temporary leaders who led the Israelites battles.
3. Upheld covenant faith.
4. Acted as God’s spokesmen/women and.
5. Settled disputes.
6. They ruled Israel on behalf of God.
7. Some judges acted as God’s prophets.
8. They acted as religious leaders and led the Israelites during religious functions.
9. Acted as the conscience of the nation/kings.
10. Condemned idolatry and preached the worship of Yahweh.
 Prophet Samuel was the last judge. When he grew old, he appointed his two sons as
judges, but they failed as leaders.
 The people of Israel went to Samuel and demanded for a king.
Explain the duties of Samuel as a prophet of God
a) Samuel anointed the first two Kings of Israel ie. Saul of Kish and David of Jesse
b) As a prophet, he offered sacrifice to God.
c) He reminded the people to lead the covenant way of life.
d) He played an intermediary role between God and the Israelites.
e) He served as a judge.
f) He abhorred all forms of injustice.
g) He reprimanded Saul for his mistakes.
h) He condemned idolatry, thus reinforcing on monotheism
i) He foretold God's plan for the future.
State the duties of Samuel as a Judge of Israel.
1. He led the Israelites into war against their foes.
2. He settled disputes among the warring people of Israel.
3. He served as a prophet, thus mediating between God and the Israelites.
4. He was a religious leader.
Discuss the qualities that were required for one to be acknowledged a king in Israel
i. One had to have charisma / spirit of God
ii. On had to receive official anointing by a recognized prophet of God.
iii. To receive public acclamation and be recognized prophet of God
iv. To receive public acclamation and be recognized by the people as a leader
v. One had to be upright / honest/ God fearing
vi. Had to be a member of the tribes of Israel
vii. One had to command respect in the community.
Give reasons for kingship in Israel 1st Samuel 8:1-9
The people requested Samuel to choose for them a king because:
 Samuel’s sons were bad and evil leaders/failed as judges/perverted justice and therefore
the people rejected them.
 The Israelites wanted to be like their neighboring nations/other nations who had earthly
kings.
 They needed a leader/warrior king who would lead them to war against their enemies e.g.
the Philistines.
 They wanted a stable hereditary leadership.
 They wanted a human leader who could be recognized by other nations.
 A leader to organize them.
 Wanted a political nation governed by law and order instead of a theocratic government.
 Samuel had grown too old and needed a replacement.
 They failed to understand that Yahweh was their unseen King. God alone chooses rulers.
State the reasons why Samuel was unwilling to choose a king 1st Samuel 8:10-20

 Choosing a king meant rejecting of God as their ruler/king/challenged the kingship of

God over Israel.
 The king would force people into military services.
 The king would introduce forced labour in Israel.
 The king would introduce slavery in Israel.
 The king would grab their land and property.
 The king would impose heavy taxation to maintain the army
 The king would demand free food and services.
 The king would Force people’s daughters into inter-marriage.
 The king would take their daughters to be perfumers and cooks in his palace.
 In becoming like other nations, the Israelites would lose their identity as a covenant
people.
 Hereditary kingship would bring oppression and dictatorship in Israel.
 It was a way of not appreciating/ not being thankful for God’s deliverance from Egypt/
Exodus.
 If ruled by the king the Israelites would lose their identity as God’s chosen people/people
of the covenant.
 The king would not be God’s choice and thus would not rule according to God’s will/
demands.
 The king would deviate/ divert people’s attention from God and the covenant way of life.
 They will cry out to God and He will not listen.
Describe the Background to King Saul’s reign
 When the elders of Israel went to Prophet Samuel and asked him to appoint for them a
king, Samuel prayed to God seeking his guidance.
 God told him to obey the voice of the people.
 He sent him to a man called Saul, son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin.
 Samuel was to anoint him to become the King over Israel.
 Samuel poured oil on Saul’s head from a flask he had with him. (I Sam 10:1)
 Therefore Saul became the first King of Israel.
 Samuel made it clear to the Israelites that they still remained God’s people.
 An Israelite King would still remain the servant of God. The king was to rule God’s
people according to the covenant way of life.
 He explained to the people the rights and duties of the king. He wrote them in a book and
laid it before the Lord, (I Sam 12:14 – 15.
 The initial appointment of Saul as King of Israel was in accordance to God’s will. He
approved of Saul’s leadership in the following ways:
 Saul was Yahweh’s own choice. (I Sam 9:16; 10:24).
 Saul received God’s spirit, which gave him power to act as God’s appointee. (ISam
10:10)
 Through Yahweh’s help, soul fought against all Israel’s enemies everywhere and won e.g.
 Fought against the Ammonites (ISam 11:1).
 Led a successful war against the Philistines, thus saving Israel from their
 enemy (ISam 14:47).
 Defeated the Amalekites (I Sam 15).
However Saul failed and was rejected as King. He had a number of weaknesses that led to his
failure and final rejection by God.
Give King Saul’s failures
1. He became impatient and offered sacrifices to God at Gilgal instead of waiting for Prophet
Samuel, I Samuel 13:1 – 14. He assumed priestly duties by offering sacrifices.
2. He disobeyed God’s command and failed to carry out the law of total destruction of a
conquered enemy/ The Law of Herem or the ban(I Sam 15:1–23) failing to destroy
everything i.e. during the mission against the Amalekites.
3. The spirit of God left Saul and was replaced by an evil spirit which tormented him and
made him like a madman. I Sam 16:14.
4. He was jealous of David for his success as a warrior (I Sam 18:7 – 8, 19:1 – 22)
5. He massacred the Gibeonites contrary to an Oath taken during the time of Joshua.
6. Saul committed the sin of necromancy when he consulted a medium after the death of
Samuel. (I Samuel 28:3–25)
Explain the Lessons learned from king Saul’s failures
1. Christians should be patient and wait for God’s intervention in times of crisis. Saul lost
patience when Prophet Samuel delayed in coming on the appointed day.
2. Christians should be obedient and faithful in God/patient.
3. Political leaders should be more accommodating to people who hold different views and
ideas from their own.
4. Christians should be sincere in the worship of God. To be sincere means to be truthful or
honest about our actions.
5. Leaders should be God fearing so as to succeed in their leadership.

Highlight King David’s achievements as the king of Israel 1st Samuel 16,6
1. He was chosen by God to be the king of Israel/anointed by God’s prophet Samuel.
2. David was filled with God’s spirit right from the time of anointing/throughout his reign.
3. He had outstanding qualities of leadership e.g. he was charismatic, generous, patient,
honorable, wise, brave, eloquent in speech, God-fearing.
4. He knew and obeyed God/He was a man after God’s own heart/faithful/ trusted God
throughout his life.
5. David consulted prophets of God in all undertakings.
6. David was acclaimed/accepted/chosen as King of Israel by the whole of Israel at Hebron, 2
Sam 5:1 – 5
7. He courageously fought and defeated his enemies e.g. the Philistines.
8. He captured the city of Jerusalem from the Jebusites/He made it the political
administration capital for the nation and a religious centre.
9. He chose Jerusalem a neutral city of his nation. 2 Sam 5:6-10, 6-19
10. He recaptured the Ark of the Covenant.
11. He united his people through personal efforts.
12. He extended the boundaries of his kingdom by capturing smaller states.
13. He established a standing army / he was a good military commander. He broke the
Philistines control over Canaan once and for all and shut them up in coastal plain 2 Sam 5:17
– 25, 21:15 – 22.
14. He also waged successful wars against Moab, Ammon, Edon, Amalek and Aram/Syria
and concluded a treaty with the Phoenician King, and Hiram of Tyre. David came to be
recognized as the ruler of an empire that stretched from Lebanon Mt. to the boarders of
Egypt, from Med. Sea to the desert of Arabia.
15. He established a long lasting dynasty /Davidic which lasted for 400 years.
16. He was a shrewd/ good administrator /He chose wise elders and counselors to advice him.
17. He organized religion through the Temple music/ composed Psalms.
18. He was humble/ repentant. He was ready to accept the sins he had committed e.g. when
he committed adultery with Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife and arranged for the death of her
husband, he was later remorseful. He put on Sackcloth as a sign of repentance after Prophet
Nathan rebuked him for the offence (2 Sam 12:1 – 15).
19. Divided his Kingdom into small administrative districts.
20. He came up with the idea of building the Temple for God.
21. God made a covenant with David through Prophet Nathan.
22. David respected the Prophets of God and always consulted them whenever he wanted to
do anything e.g. when he wanted to build the Temple he consulted Prophet Nathan. (2 Sam
7:1)
23. He was a great diplomat and established good political relations with the neighbouring
Kings.
24. David ruled over Israel, administering Law and justice to all people, (2Sam 8:15).
25. He insisted on taking census of all Israel 2Sam 24: 1 – 9. The information collected was
for the purpose of recruiting young men into military service and deciding on the policy of
taxation.
26. He made his nation rich by taxing his enemies
State the qualities of David as King of Israel.
1. He was brave. He proved this when he killed the giant Goliath.
2. He was God fearing as he retrieved the Ark of the Covenant. He also respected God's
prophets.
3. Humility. He humbled himself before God after Nathan reprimanded him for the
death of Uriah.
4. He was faithful. He had absolute faith in God, who he praised through psalms.
5. He was just and was not biased at any cost in the course of his reign.
6. He was kind. David showed kindness when he spared Mephiboshethz Saul's grandson
7. He was diplomatic. He established a good political relationship with the neighbouring
Kings.
8. He was always loyal to God in whatever circumstances.
9. He was wise. David was able to choose wise elders and counselors to advise and
guide him
10. He was compassionate/forgiving. David spared the life of King Saul, yet Saul had
sought to kill him
Explain king David’s weaknesses
However, David had some weaknesses e.g.
1. He committed adultery with Uriah’s wife.
2. He plotted for Uriah’s murder.
3. He coveted his neighbor’s wife.
4. He forced a soldier to meet the wife.
5. He broke military laws by putting Uriah in the frontline instead of the back.
6. He married many wives which took a large portion of state money.
7. Conclusion: He repented and God forgave him.
State the importance of David as an ancestor of Jesus Christ 2nd samuel7 and Luke 1:26-
3)
 David intended to build a splendid temple for God after he had accomplished building a
palace for himself in Jerusalem, 2 Sam 7:1 – 29.
 He felt it was not fair for the Ark of the Covenant to continue dwelling in a tent while he
himself lived in a magnificent palace.
 He consulted Nathan the Prophet to find out whether it was in order to do so.
 The Prophet approved the idea.
 Later that night, Nathan received a revelation that stated that David was not to build a
house/ temple for God; (2 Sam 7:5 – 6)
Explain the significance of David as an ancestor of Jesus to Christians today
1. The promises that God made to King David pointed to the mission of Jesus in the
world to save sinners.
2. Through Jesus a descendant of David, Christians are blessed/ protected/have peace.
3. Through David, Jesus came to establish a spiritual kingdom/the church. David
recognized the divinity of Jesus as Lord/Savior who Christians also recognize as
Lord/saviour.
4. David as an ancestor of Jesus established proper worship of God in Israel which has
been emulated by Christians.
5. David the ancestor of Jesus made preparations to build a temple for God which has
been realized in the modern day places of worship built by Christians.
 6. Through David Christians have been promised a place to settle in heaven.
State the promises God made to David through Prophet Nathan
In 2 Sam 7:9 -16 is a summary of the divine promises made to David by God. These are as
follows;
1. God promised to Keep David and his descendants safe from all enemies.
2. God would give David’s descendants a place to settle/their own land.
3. God promised to raise up an heir from the house of David to sit on the throne.
4. He promised to let David’s son be the one to build a temple for him. God’s relationship
with this king would be like that of a father to his son.
5. God promised to establish an everlasting kingdom for David and his descendant rule
forever.
6. God promised to make David’s name greater or famous among all other leaders of the
earth.
7. God would protect David’s descendants from oppression and make them live in peace.
8. God would bury David with ancestors.
9. God would punish David’s son when he did wrong.
10. God would always support David’s heirs.
11. The Messiah would come from David’s lineage.
12. God would protect David from his enemies.
The immediate fulfillment of these promises was seen in the reign of King Solomon, David’s
son and successor.
 Solomon did build the Temple of God 1Kings 6:1.
 Solomon’s reign was marked by a period of peace and prosperity since David had
subdued all the enemies of Israel.
State God’s promises to David fulfilled through Jesus
1. Jesus was born in Bethlehem: the city of David.
2. Jesus was seen and appreciated as the son of David.
3. Jesus established an everlasting Davidic dynasty.
4. Jesus rode on a colt, signifying him as a peaceful Messiah.
Discuss king David as ancestor of Jesus
1. Jesus was born in the family of David. Joseph was a descendant of David Luke 1:26
2. Angel Gabriel in his annunciation message to Mary says that Jesus will be like his ancestor
David Luke 1:32 – 33.
3. Zechariah in his Benedictus says that God has raised up a savior descended from the house
of David Luke 1:69.
4. Jesus was born in Bethlehem which was also the birth place of David. Luke 2:4.
5. The blind man at Jericho hailed Jesus as the son of David and looked to him to restore his
sight Luke 18:38.
6. Jesus was hailed by the crowd as the Messiah descended from David during his triumphal
entry into Jerusalem (Math 21:9).
7. God promised David that he would have an everlasting kingdom and Jesus established the
Kingdom which does not have geographical boundaries/an everlasting kingdom.
8. The early apostles like Peter and Paul made a number of references to Jesus as a
descendant of David. Acts 2:29-35, 13:23.
State ways in which David demonstrated his faith in God
1. He accepted to be anointed by Samuel as next King.
2. He killed a bear and lion bare handed as a shepherd of his father’s flock.
3. He trusted God and killed Goliath using a stone.
4. He consulted God in all his undertakings.
5. He accepted God’s promises made to him through Prophet Nathan.
6. He brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem making it a religious capital
7. Though faith in God he conquered all Israelites enemies.
8. He wanted to build God a house/temple.
9. He danced before God and made sacrifices to him after bringing the Ark to Jerusalem.
10. He composed Psalms.
11. He repented after sinning.
12. He strongly believed that God had given him the power.
13. He advised his son Solomon to be confident and obey God’s Laws if he wanted to be a
successful King in Israel.
14. He was humble before God and attributed his successes to God.
15. He taught the Israelites that Yahweh was their King.
16. He fasted and prayed.
State the activities in the life of David that showed he had faith in God.
1. He prayed and called himself a servant of God.
2. Through faith in God, he killed Goliath using a stone and a sling.
3. He repented after he had killed Uriah.
4. He accepted to be anointed by Samuel as King.
5. He consulted God and his prophets prior to any action
6. He advised Solomon his son to remain faithful to God in order to succeed.
7. He offered sacrifices to God.
8. He sought God's protection when Saul wanted to kill him
9. He genuinely accepted God's punishment for his sins.
10. He attributed all his achievements to God through songs and psalms.
11. He brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem
12. He wanted to build a temple for God.
Explain the characteristics of God as portrayed in the life of King David.
1. God is omnipotent.
2. God is kind and merciful
3. God is loving/caring.
4. God answers prayers.
5. God requires total faith.
6. God punishes sin God is holy.
7. God is righteous/pure.
8. God protects his people.
Give the qualities of a good leader drawn from David’s leadership
1. Have faith in God. A leader should be a God fearing man/seek God’s guidance as all
authority comes from him.
1. Have courage/bravery and fearlessness in spite of many dangers: a leader should be more
courageous than his people.
2. Be just and fair. All leaders must ensure that there is fair treatment for all in society/was a
good administrator/ he never favored anyone.
3. David led his armies into battles. Christian leaders should be in the forefront when their
people have problems to be solved.
4. Humility. When David sinned he was ready to ask for forgiveness from God. A leader
should accept mistakes and be willing to ask for forgiveness/ repentance.
5. David consulted the prophets of God in all his undertakings. A leader needs to recognize
God’s chosen servants, priests; pastors co-operate with them and constantly ask Gods
guidance before indulging in any venture.
6. Kindness. David had a forgiving heart towards some of the offenders e.g. spared Saul’s life
1 Sam 24:10. Therefore modern leaders should be willing to accommodate their rivals even
forgive their offenders.
7. David felt that he was ruling for God. He was just a servant of God not his master. A
leader should lead as a servant of God.
8. A leader should be patriotic to his country and be ready to sacrifice his life for the sake of
unity, love and peace.
9. A leader should be patient in decision making. David gave his people to decide whether to
accept his rule or not.
10. Loyalty. David drew support of his subjects and never imposed his will on them. Modern
leaders should never betray their oath of loyalty they make to serve their subjects faithfully
after taking office.
11. Gratitude. David always thanked God for any success or favours he received from him
(Samuel 7:18-29). Modern leaders should not be boastful over their personal achievements. It
is God who gives such success.
12. Obedient and humble. He humbled himself before God and his Prophets and obeyed
God’s commands/compassionate, loving, kind and merciful. He was tolerant with King Saul.
He also helped the needy.
13. Shrewd administrator. He chose wise leaders to help and advise him. Modern leaders
should choose wise people to advise them in their administrative duties.
State King Solomon’s achievements as a king
1. He built a Temple for God in Jerusalem as a fulfillment of God’s promises to David. (I
Kings 5, 6)
2. He collected and composed thousands of proverbs and songs which were used in teaching
and worship (3,000 Proverbs 1,005 songs) (Prov. 1:1-5)
3. He established and developed trade links with other countries which led to economic
prosperity in Israel/ He was a successful merchant.
4. Solomon initiated industrial activities and exploited copper deposits in the area of Edom
which had been conquered by David.
5. He developed diplomatic relations with foreign countries by marrying the daughters of the
Kings of those countries e.g. Married the daughters of the Kings of Egypt, Moab, Edom, Tyre
and many others I Kings 3:1, 1:1) He remained at peace with those countries.
6. He built up a professional army equipped with horse drawn chariots, Had 1,400 chariots
and 12,000 horsemen I Kings 10:26.
7. He had government officials who assisted Solomon in his administrative duties. (I Kings 4)
8. He was a great wise man e.g.
 He was able to judge difficult cases and settle disputes fairly (in the story of two women
(I Kings 3:16-28)
 His wisdom is seen in the way he organized trade with other countries.
 The queen of Sheba (Ethiopia travelled all the way to test Solomon’s wisdom. (I Kings
10:1 – 9)
 Solomon brought the Ark of the Covenant to the Temple of Jerusalem which represented
God’s presence among his people (I Kings 8).
 He built himself a palace that took 13 years to be completed (1 Kings 7).
 Solomon divided the kingdom into administrative districts in order to exploit the
resources effectively.
 Solomon initiated an ambitious building programme in which he fortified Jerusalem and
other cities.
Mention King Solomon’s failures
Although Solomon was a successful King, he had many failures. These include;
1. He married many foreign wives who brought with them the worship of foreign gods to
Israel. Ex 34:16.
2. He allowed his foreign wives to worship their gods in Israel.
3. He built high places of worship/temples for the gods of his wives. Ex 20:4-5.
4. Solomon worshiped the gods of his wives alongside the God of Israel thus broke the
covenant with God.
5. He imposed heavy taxation on his subjects and his districts in order to raise part of the
government revenue.
6. Solomon overspends and misused the wealth of the Kingdom by building a huge palace.
7. He overtaxed his subjects to maintain high standard of living in his royal court/ was
extravagant.
8. He introduced forced labour to carry on his building programmes. E.g. palace and temple,
therefore breaking the covenant rule of brotherhood.
9. He gave King Hiram of Tyre an area of Israel’s land to pay off his debts thus treating the
nation’s land as his own personal property.
10. He killed his half brother Adonijah (1Kings 2) because he suspected that Adonijah could
be his rival to the throne thus committing murder.
11. He practiced nepotism by exempting his own people from taxation and forced labour i.e.
tribes of Judah and Benjamin exempted from forced labour and payment of taxes.
12. He hired the skills of pagan craftsmen in the construction of the Temple and his palace.
13. He made treaties with foreign Nations/neighbouring nations against the covenant
requirements.
State the lessons Christians learn from King Solomon’s reign
Christians should;
1. Be sexually pure.
2. Be Monogamous. Solomon’s seven hundred wives led him into worshipping their foreign
gods.
3. Be just and fair.
4. Respect and honour God.
5. Not misuse national resources.
6. Put God above everything else.
State factors that led to the rise of schism in Israel
1. Solomon practiced idolatry which made God to punish him by splitting the kingdom.
2. Solomon built high places for idols.
3. The introduction of forced labour and heavy taxation led to discontentment among the
Israelites and this made them rebellious.
4. Solomon had many foreign wives who brought with them the worship of foreign gods to
Israel.
5. Rehoboam’s failure to heed to the elders wise counsel to rule the Israelites less harshly.
6. Rehoboam’s acceptance of the foolish advice given by the youth to rule the people more
harshly than his father had angered the people.
7. Long standing feuds in David’s house.
8. Jeroboam was ready to lead the rebellious groups against Rehoboam.
9. Solomon’s favor extended towards the Southern tribes making the northern tribes to
rebel/Solomon practiced nepotism and tribalism making northern tribes rebel.
Explain why the Northern Kingdom of Israel was destroyed before the Southern
Kingdom of Judah
a) The Kings of the northern Kingdom led the people in syncretism
b) The people persecuted and even executed God's prophets.
c) The Kings were not ordained by God.
 d) The Kings and their subjects filled to repent from their iniquities.
e) The leaders built temples for idolatry.
f) The people defiled Yahwehism by worshipping the Canaanite gods simultaneously.
g) The people were deeply involved in temple/cult prostitution.
h) The King took part in slave trade.
i) They formed political alliances with the neighbouring nations instead of relying on
God.
j) The Kings oppressed the Have Nots.
k) The judges were corrupt.
l) The people neglected messages from the prophets of Yahweh.
Discuss the importance of the temple in Israel
The Temple of Jerusalem played important roles in religious, social and economic lives of the
Israelites.
1. It symbolized God’s presence among his people through the Ark of the Covenant
which was kept in the Temple.
2. It was a dwelling place for God. I Kings 8:12-13.
3. It was a center/house of worship and prayer for the Jews/ priests offered sacrifices,
burnt incense and prayers to God in the Temple.
4. All the Jewish Religious festivals/feasts such as Passover, Pentecost and New Year
were celebrated in the Temple.
5. The Temple was a symbol of national security because the Jews believed that the
Temple would never be destroyed.
6. Religious rites were performed in the Temple e.g. Purification and dedication rites,
naming, circumcision of baby boys and lepers were cleansed in the temple.
7. It was a place for pilgrimage for the Jews living in Palestine and the Jews of the
Diaspora
8. It was a commercial centre and housed the Jewish treasury where currencies were
exchanged and animals for sacrifices sold.
9. It was a centre for Jewish learning where the teaching of the law was conducted
10. It was used as a law court where social and religious issues could be solved by the
Sanhedrin/council of Jewish religious leader.
11. 11. It was a symbol of Jewish unity. It united the Jews as the people of God, since it
was built and maintained by Kings. It was a royal sanctuary thus providing stability for
the monarch.
12. It was the residence for the religious leaders and the place where priests and prophets
Lived, e.g. prophetess Anna, Luke 2:36 – 38.
13. The Jews believed that the Messiah would appear in the Temple.
14. The Temple was the only place where sacrifices to God were offered by the priests.
15. God revealed himself to many in the Temple e.g. Hannah, Isaiah etc.
CHAPTER SEVEN
LOYALTY TO GOD – PROPHET ELIJAH
State the instructions given to the Israelites as they occupy Canaan
1. Make any agreement/treaties with the foreigners.
2. Not to intermarry with the foreigners.
3. Practice polytheism /worship of many gods.
4. Copy the way other nations were ruled and governed.
5. Compromise the worship of Yahweh with that of Canaanites.
 However, when the Israelites settled in Canaan the Canaanite influence on them was great
and they started to fall away from the worship of Yahweh.
Mention ways in which some of the King of Israel brought people back to God.
 a) The Kings like Jehu killed the prophets of Baal.
b) They destroyed the altars of the gods.
c) They set examples to the people by repenting whenever they went astray.
d) Kings like David and Solomon restored temple worship by maintaining the Ark of the
Covenant.
e) They led the people in renewing their relationship with Yahweh when they broke the
covenant ways.
f) They renewed the temple to look presentable.
g) Solomon the third King built a temple for God.
h) They destroyed the bronze serpent made by Moses during the Exodus.
i) They never indulged into political alliances with neighboring Kings.
State the factors that contributed to the spread of idolatry
a) The fact that Israelites intermarried with foreign wives, who introduced foreign gods.
b) The Israelites did not fully rely on Yahweh; they worshipped the Canaanite gods too.
c) They emulated the ways in which the foreign communities/nations were ruled and
governed.
d) After the split of the Kingdom, some of the Kings E.g. Jeroboam, promoted worship
of idols.
e) The presence of temples for gods attracted the Israelites into idolatry.
f) The Israelites practiced polytheism
g) The Israelites turned away from their pastoral life to agricultural life, which
welcomed idol worship. They offered sacrifices and prayed to the gods.
h) Influence by the local Canaanite religion
Explain how the Israelites engaged in Syncretism.
(i) Former places of worship for Canaanite gods were used for worshiping Yahweh.
(ii) Canaanite Agricultural calendar was adopted by the Israelites.
(iii) Names of Canaanite gods were applied to Yahweh.
(iv) Parents named their children after Baal and other Canaanite gods.
(v) They worshiped Baal to give them rain, fertility, productivity while Yahweh was
worshipped for victory in war.
Explain the features of Canaanite religion
1. The Canaanite religion was a Nature religion: a religion dealing with the forces of nature
e.g. rain i.e. it was cosmic.
2. The religion comprised family gods e.g. el Baal among others.
3. Images and symbols were made to represent the gods.
4. They inculcated their worship with temple prostitution.
5. Sacrifices including human beings were offered to these gods.
6. Festivals and feasts were celebrated in honor of the gods.
7. Rituals were offered to ensure continued fertility and well-being of the community.
8. Each god and goddess had a noticeable role in the community.
9. Temples or high places were built for the worship of the gods.
10. There was a supreme or chief god or goddess.
11. It contained prophets and prophetesses for each god.
12. The Israelites imitated the agricultural life of the Canaanites, disregarding their pastoral
life.
13. Believed that a god was only powerful in his own land.
Explain how the Israelites were influenced by the local Canaanite Religion
1. the new situation in Canaan made the Israel compromise the worship of Yahweh with that
of Canaanite duties leading to Syncretism e.g. one time the Israelites recognized Yahweh
as their sole God in the time of need/crisis at other times worshipped him as a Canaanite
 deity at Canaanite sanctuaries and making their own at Gilgal, Bethel, Dan, Gibeon, and
Shiloh
2. The Israelites used the items of Canaanites, sanctuaries e.g. Altar, the stone pillar and the
wooden pole belonging to the Canaanite religion in worship.
3. The sacrifices and offerings of the Canaanites were taken over by the Israelites e.g.
-Peace offering for renewed communion between the deity and the worshippers.
-The burnt offering – given wholly for the deity.
-Cereal offering of the fruits.
-Israel adopted great festivals which belonged to the structure of agriculture life in Canaan
e.g.
1. Transition from pastoral life to agricultural life, they were attracted by the agricultural
successes of the Canaanites and thought this was due to their religion and thus began
copying their worship activities.
2. The Israelites were attracted to the visible gods of the Canaanites as opposed to the
invisible Yahweh.
3. The Israelites failure to effect God’s commands to destroy all the cultic objects and
temple used in the worship of Canaanite gods.
4. The Israelites failed to understand the nature of their God: They broke God’s
commandments which prevented them from worshipping their gods e.g. made and
worshipped the golden bull calf.
5. The change of environment from nomadic to settled and agricultural environment. The
nature gods proved more relevant than Yahweh (The God of the desert.)
Give ways in which King Jeroboam contributed to religious schism between Judah and
Israel.1Kings 12:25 – 33
1. He made two golden calves and placed one at Bethel and another at Dan to represent
Yahweh Vs 29.
2. He set up two rival places/ centers of worship and ignored Jerusalem. V.s31.
3. He made the Israelites to offer sacrifices to the golden calves. V.s.32.
4. He chose priests from ordinary families to serve at worship centers. Priests were supposed
to come from the house of Levi. Vs. 31
5. He built other places of worship/shrines on hill tops vs. 32.
6. He burnt incense at altars of the idols/ made sacrifices to idols himself, thus breaking the
first commandment.
7. He instituted religious festivals in the months of his choice.
From the above we conclude that Jeroboam set a bad example for all the Kings who came
after him in Israel
Explain how queen Jezebel promoted idolatry in Israel
1. She imported her Baal religion to Israel.
2. She asked her husband, Ahab to build high places for the idols.
3. She influenced the king to make Baalism the state religion.
4. She persecuted the prophets of Yahweh.
5. She influenced King Ahab to worship Baal.
State factors which lead people away from the worship of God today
1. Materialism, love/craving for earthly possessions/wealth at the expense of spiritual
development.
2. Corruption which makes people mistrust God/come to the conclusion that God does not
care.
3. Permissiveness in society which makes people lose value especially religious
values/social influence from peer groups.
4. Mass media /pornography where people spend time listening and watching T.V, videos
and films. They may influence people’s activities which are contrary to the true worship
of God.
5. Urbanization leads people to lose their identity/change values which may lead to
degeneration of morals.
6. Dehumanization where the value of a person is not considered but the service they can
provide.
7. Threats to human life/human dignity; caused by wars nuclear power/abortion which make
people lose faith in God.
8. Confusion arising from religious pluralism. Some people wonder which is the true
religion as some religions advocate worship of idols/Satan.
9. Oppression. Social/political/cultural/economics/religion suffering might make some
people loose faith in God.
10. Sexual immorality/adultery, fornication, prostitution, homosexuality take away some
people from the community of worshippers.
11. Scientific discoveries. People come to place their faith in science and technology. They
believe it can solve all their problems.
-Addiction to drugs.
-Social prejudices/discrimination racism/tribalism destroys the unity of humanity.
-Poverty dehumanizes the unit of humanity.
Discuss the effects of idolatry in Israel
1. It led to the persecution of Yahweh’s prophets. The remaining loyal followers of
Yahweh were driven into hiding.
2. It led to the division in Kingdom as a punishment by God Unity was undermined.
3. Religious syncretism developed where they worshipped both Yahweh and Baal e.g.
Israelites turned to fertility gods to ensure good harvests and looked to Yahweh in times
of military crisis..
4. Israelites broke their covenant relationship with God.
5. Israelites forgot the covenant of brotherhood and practice.
6. God raised up prophets like Prophet Elijah to help bring back the Israelites to the
covenant way of life.
7. Famine and drought befell Israel leading to the people’s suffering e.g. 3 years
drought/suffering.
8. Social evils such as bribery, sexual immorality and stealing became rampant.
9. False prophets emerged in Israel and received state protection and gave false messages.
10. The Israelites were defeated in battles leading to their exile in foreign countries.
11. They introduced new religious festivals that were not in the Mosaic Law.
12. The Canaanite agricultural calendar was adopted by Israel for the timing of the
pilgrimage festival. (Ex 34:22-23).
13. Names of Canaanite gods were used for Yahweh e.g. El the name of the father of all
gods was applied to Yahweh. The name Baal was also given to Yahweh.
14. Parents began naming their children after Baal e.g. one of the judges, Gideon was also
named Jerubaal, which means “Let Baal contend”.
15. The Canaanite sacrificial system was incorporated into Israelite worship e.g. the
different types of Israelite sacrifices such as peace offerings, burnt offering (Holocaust)
and cereal offering (Oblation) where formerly Canaanite in origin Lev 1 and 2 but were
later taken over by Israelites.
16. Under the influence of Jezebel, King Ahab declared Baalism a compulsory state religion.
Baal was worshipped as the Lord of heavens who sustains and gives life.
 17. Queen Jezebel ordered the destruction of the altars of Yahweh/Yahweh’s altars were
destroyed/ neglected.
18. Emergence of weak rulers through bloody coups.
19. Exile to Assyria and Babylon.
20. The 450 prophets of Baal were made officials of the royal court in order to promote and
protect the Baal religion.
21. The religion of Yahweh was now in danger of being destroyed. It is in this context that
Yahweh raised up Prophet Elijah, a Tishbite, to return Israel to the covenant
 Way of life.
Describe the Carmel contest
God sent Prophet Elijah to fight against widespread idolatry in Israel. He did this through
several ways including calling for a contest between him and the prophets of Baal at Mt.
Carmel. The contest went as follows;
 Prophet Elijah asked Ahab to assemble all the people at Mt.Carmel.
 The king summoned all the people including the prophets of Baal to Mt. Carmel.
 Elijah told the people to choose between worshipping God and Baal.
 He suggested to the people that two bulls be brought and each party to offer a sacrifice to
their God.
 He challenged them and said whichever party will make their God burn the sacrifice will
be the true God.
 The prophets of Baal were given a bull which they prepared and called upon the name of
their god.
 Elijah mocked the m asking them to shout louder to their god.
 They prayed, cut themselves with knives until the bled but Baal did not answer them.
 Elijah asked the people to come to near him as he repaired the altar of God.
 He placed the sacrifice on the altar and asked the people to pour water on it.
 Fire consumed the sacrifice/ the wood/ the stones/ the water/ dust around it.
 The people threw themselves on the ground and worshipped the Lord as the true
God.Elijah killed the prophets of Baal.
Give the nature of God learnt from mount Carmel contest
1. Yahweh is the only true God. Baal is not a god at all.
2. Yahweh is a living God who controls force of nature/ He is the Lord of nature/ He has
power over nature.
3. Yahweh is a powerful God.
4. Yahweh is a merciful God who wins back way ward hearts. I Kings 18:37.
5. Yahweh is a jealous God who will have no other gods beside him. vs. 21
6. Yahweh is a God of justice who punishes idolaters and other sinners/He punishes evil.
7.Yahweh answers prayer/He is a faithful God. God should be worshipped.
8. He works through human beings e.g. appointment of Jehu. God wants human beings to
obey him.
9. He is omnipresent.
State the conditions that made it difficult for prophet Elijah to stop Idolatry in Israel
1. The existence of false prophets who gave false promises to the Israelites.
2. King Ahab had allowed his Phoenician wife to bring the worship of false gods and
goddesses.
3. Jezebel ordered the persecution of the true prophets of God.
4. King Ahab had allowed the building of temples/ high places for the worship of Baal.
5. The Canaanite religion had a strong influence on the Israelites.
6. The king participated in idol worship.
7. The idol gods could be seen/ touched so they appeared real.
Explain the forms of punishment prophesied by Prophet Elijah to King Ahab and
Jezebel
1. Death of King Ahab would be in the same place/ valley of Jezreel like Naboth’s. Vs. 19.
2. Evil would be upon Ahab. Vs.21.
3. God was to take away the posterity of Ahab/ his rule would come to an end.
Dogs would lick the blood of Ahab.
4. All the male children free/ slaves would be cut off.
5. The lineage of Ahab would be wiped out.
6.The dogs would eat anybody who belongs to the family of Ahab who died in the city. Vs.
24.The birds of the air would eat all members of Ahab’s family
who die in the field. Dogs would eat the body of Jezebel within the bounds of
Jezreel. Vs 23.
State the forms of corruption in the society
The following are the forms of corruption found in the
society today:
 Tribalism.
 Bribery.
 Cheating in business.
 Stealing.
 Robbery with violence.
 Dishonesty/telling lies.
 Misuse of public property/funds.
 Grabbing of personal or public land.
 Any form of corruption is wrong as it is an unfair dealing and causes suffering to
individuals who fall victim. It can also retard development in society. A Christian has a
duty to play in building a fair and just society by applying the life skills of:
 Critical thinking
 Creative thinking
 Decision making
 Conflict resolution/problem solving
 Tolerance
 Assertiveness/principled
 Self-awareness
 Empathy
 Effective communication.
Give seven ways of fighting against corruption in the country today
1. Condemning all the unjust practices in the society.
2. By practicing moral values such as honesty and integrity.
3. By making moral choices and informed decisions through the use of life skills like critical
thinking, creative thinking and decision making.
4. By lobbying for the punishment of all those who abuse justice.
5. By obeying the laws of the state.
6. By exposing corrupt practices in the society.
7. By advocating for the enactment of laws that will fight corruption.
8. Praying for the corrupt to change their behavior.
9. Setting a good example by acting as good role models for others to copy.
10. Educating people on the evils of corruption.
11. Preaching to corrupt people to change their ways.
12. Providing civic education on corruption.
13. Reporting those who are engaged in corrupt practices to the relevant authorities.
State seven reasons why it has been difficult to fight the evil of Bribery and corruption
in Kenya today.
1. Lack of political will in the fight against corruption.
2. Weak legislative framework/the laws made lack ‘teeth’ to bite.
3. Limited resources for effective fight against corruption
4. The general public perception that there is nothing to be done about corruption and is
there to stay.
5. Weak institutions and poor corporate governance.
6. The complexity and mutative nature of corruption – corrupt practices change and
adopt new regulations.
7. Moral delay in society/moral decadence/lack of Christian principles.
8. The standards and practices in the anti-corruption body is not up to date. It suffers
credibility issues.
9. The code of ethics for public servants are not yet at its full operation/development.
10. The investigative arm on corruption is not well developed and lacks emphasis.
11. Law enforcement mechanism on would be culprits is weak/lacks the full powers.
12. Lack of role models
13. Publicity on the effects of corruption is not given the urgency it deserves.
Give reasons why Elijah faced danger and hostility as a prophet of god
I KINGS18:19-21, 19:1-21, 21:1-26
Prophet Elijah’s mission was to fight false religion and moral decay in Israel. This put him in
great danger and hostility with Ahab and his family in the
Following ways:
1. He foretold a 3½ year drought that caused suffering to the people. I Kings 17:1, 18:3-6,
17:7-16.
2. He was one of the prophets of Yahweh who were being persecuted by Jezebel.
3. There were many false prophets of Baal who enjoyed state protection. They outnumbered
Yahweh’s prophets. Baal’s prophets supported the Kings decision to fight Elijah.
4. He rebuked King Ahab’s and Queen Jezebel’s evil ways.
5. Queen Jezebel sought to kill him for killing Baal’s prophets at Kishon valley.
6. He hid in the wilderness to avoid persecution, where he faced the danger of starvation.
7. He fought for the true worship of Yahweh, which angered Jezebel.
8. Prophesied doom for Ahab and Jezebel’s family.
Explain why Elijah was uncompromising in his attitude to the worship of Baal.

14. He believed that only Yahweh was the Israelite God.

15. By worshipping Baal, people had broken the covenant law.
16. The worship of Baal led to the killing of Yahweh’s prophets.
17. Elijah had strong faith in God.
18. By condemning Baal worship, Elijah knew that he could put away the foreign
ideology that Ahab was trying to bring into Israel.
19. As the people worshipped Baal they failed to recognize Yahweh as God and the Lord
of everything.
20. Elijah believed that the people might turn to the covenant of faith.
21. Being a prophet, Elijah was against Baalism because his vocation was o turn people
back to the covenant way.
State six problems Elijah faced in Israel
1. His life was threatened.
2. He was fearful.
3. He was hungry and thirsty in the wilderness.
4. He had no support from his fellow Jews.
5. His fellow prophets were killed.
6. His message was rejected.
Explain Practices of idolatry during the time of Elijah.
1. There was human sacrifice. The people worshiped many gods.
2. There was animal sacrifice to the gods.
3. People observed festivals in honour of the gods.
4. Symbols were made to represent the gods.
5. Temples were built for the worship of the gods.
6. Rituals were performed in honour of the gods.
7. Baal prophets presided over religious matters.
Explain how king Ahab fail to keep the covenant way of life
1. He coveted Naboth's vineyard.
2. He took away Naboth's vineyard.
3. His wife bore false witness against Naboth.
4. Through his wife, Naboth was murdered.
5. He oppressed the lowly.
6. He neglected the Jewish law of land inheritance.
7. He compared and equated himself to God.
State six ways in which the presence of God was felt during the time of Elijah
1. Through thunder at Mount Carmel
2. In a fire;
3. In a small still voice in the wilderness.
4. In an earthquake at mount Carmel;
5. Through a thick cloud.
6. Strong wind that split the hills.
Give ways that Elijah used in proving that Yahweh was the true God.
1. The fire that descended on the sacrifice and consumed the sacrifice.
2. The three-year drought.
3. Torrential rain that marked the end of the period of drought.
4. The raising of the widow's son at Zeraphath.
5. The multiplication of flour and oil.
6. Going to heaven on a chariot.
7. Fed by ravens/birds in the Wilderness.
8. Spoken to in a small still voice.
9. Provision of floor and oil, to the window of Zarephath.
10. Raising window`s son.
11. Thunder on Mt. Horeb.
12. Earthquake and fire on Mt Horeb.
13. Fulfillment of prophecy of judgment on Ahab, Jezebel and his house.
Discuss the relevance of Elijah’s prophetic mission to Christians today
1. Elijah was courageous and faced the king whenever he turned away from the covenant way
of life. Likewise, church leaders today should remain courageous and firm in condemning
any form of social injustice e.g. Desmond Tutu of South Africa struggled to end apartheid
which was finally achieved in 1994.Elijah was loyal to God and struggled to return Israel to
the
2. Monotheistic worship of Yahweh. Modern Christian should remain faithful to God through
word and deed even if this would cost them their lives.
3. Just as God helped Elijah, when he was in difficulties by providing him with food and
drink, modern Christians should not despair in their missionary work but lean on God for
Encouragement and providence/pray to him for provision whenever they lack.
4. Elijah was a man of prayer and God always answered his prayers. Christians should pray
to God in faith and God would surely answer them. They should not give up.
5. Christians should not compromise their faith in God for fear of threats, rejection,
opposition or persecution/should be loyal to God.
6. Elijah lived a simple life and stood for the rights of common people in the same way
Christians should advocate for the rights of the poor and speak against any form of
oppression.
7. Christians should accept their call and accept any task God gives them.
8. Christians should not give false evidence against their neighbors like Jezebel in the case of
Naboth.
9. Both political and church leaders should realize that all authority comes from God and they
are accountable to him for their deeds.
10. Christians should be persistent like Elijah was in their struggle against injustice. God
communicated with Elijah in a “still small voice” indicating his intimacy with the prophet.
God is able to establish an intimate relationship with his faithful.
12. Christians should show strong faith in God and avoid all forms of idolatry such as love
for money, devil worship and drug abuse. They should avoid sinful life so as to escape God’s
punishment.
13. Christians should preach and win converts to God.
14. Christians should be ready to suffer and face opposition in their work. Christians should
worship one true God and put their trust in him. He is the one who has all the powers.
15. Christians should condemn all forms of social injustices such as corruption, murder of
innocent people and exploitation of the weak.
Mention eight qualities of Prophet Elijah that a Christian leader should posses
1. Truthfulness.
2. Courage.
3. Faithfulness/ trust.
4. Kindness.
5. Loving/ caring.
6. Honesty.
7. Responsible.
8. Loyalty/ obedience.
9. Respectful.
10. Prayerfulness
CHAPTER EIGHT
SELECTED ASPECTS IN AFRICAN RELIGIOUS HERITAGE;
Give seven attributes of God as understood by African people
1. God is the creator of the universe and everything in it.
2. God is a provider. He provides and sustains his creation.
3. God is merciful. He removes suffering from communities.
4. God is all powerful / omnipotent. He has power over all creation and controls nature.
5. God is holy/ pure seen from the nature of sacrifices and the purity of the people involved
in sacrificing.
6. God is all-knowing /omniscient. He knows and sees everything e.g. Zulu of South Africa
refer to him as the “wise one”.
7. God is everywhere/ omnipresent in the universe e.g. when a person is on a journey,
members of the family ask God to be with the person.
8. God is immanent because he is not limited to space and time. He is both very far and very
near.
9. God is transcendent. He is beyond human description/beyond human comprehension and
cannot be limited.
10. God is self-existent. He exists on his own and existed before creation. He continues to
exist.
11. God is a spirit. He has no physical form and is invisible.
12. God is everlasting/eternal. He is immortal and lives forever.
13. God is good. He is not evil and did not create evil.
Explain the African concept of spirits
 They are invisible beings second in Seniority in the hierarchy of beings.
 Some spirits are believed to have been created by God as spirits/ divinities.
 Others are spirits of people who died long ago and are no longer remembered by the
living.
 Spirits are subordinate to God and depend on him for survival. God uses them to perform
certain things such as causing floods and lightening.
 They can be reborn among the living.
The divinities
 Communities in Africa e.g. the Ashanti of Ghana believe in a category of spirits between
God and the spirits.
 They are believed to have been created by God.
Ancestors
 They are founders of African clans and tribes. They are people who died and whose
names and identities are still remembered by their relative
 As spirits, they are concerned with the people’s welfare and are close to them.
 They speak the language of human beings when they appear to them in dreams or visions.
 They participate in the activities of the living relatives.
Describe the hierarchy of beings as understood by African society
A. HIERACHY OF HUMAN BEINGS
 The Africans understand the universe to consist of two parts.
1. The visible/ earth.
2. The invisible/ sky which is regarded as the home of God.
 The universe has a specific order of created beings, with God the creator occupying the
highest rank. This ordering is what is referred to as the hierarchy of beings. It can be
divided into seven categories as follows;
1. GOD (Supreme Being responsible for the existence and sustenance of human beings and
all other beings).
2. DIVINITIES (Are spirits created by God).
3. SPIRITS (Belonging to people who died a long time ago).
4. LIVING DEAD/ ANCESTORS (Act as intermediaries between human beings who are
alive and the spirit world).
5. HUMAN BEINGS (Include those who are physically alive and those yet to be born).
6. PLANTS & ANIMALS (They are used by human beings in their natural and religious life
as food and sacrifice).
7. NON-LIVING THINGS (Natural and artificial beings e.g. rain, rivers, mountains, rocks
and all other lifeless bodies)
Discuss the Inter-relationship between all things, living and non-living
 According to the African view of the universe, all created things depend on each other
and God.
 The universe is viewed in totality of existence. It is also viewed in a religious context.
Human beings and God
 Many African myths of creation point to the fact that human beings are dependent on God
e.g.
 They depend on God for the most essential requirements of life e.g. rain, air and sunshine.
Are less powerful than God.
 Must obey God’s laws and commandments. Failure to heed these regulations may lead to
punishment. Those who obey prosper.
 Must offer sacrifices to God to maintain a good relationship with him.
 Natural calamities e.g. drought, famine, floods and Earthquakes are believed to be
controlled by God and are beyond people’s power.
Human beings and Animals
 Africans believe God gave human beings animals for their use and should handle them
responsibly.
 The following are the uses of animals to human beings;
1. Domestic animals like cattle, sheep and goats are used for food.
2. Payment of dowry and settlement of disputes.
3. Possession of animals is seen as a sign of prestige and wealth.
4. Skins are used as clothes.
5. Used to make music instruments e.g. drums.
6. Used as sacrifices to God.
7. Used as payment of a fine from an offender to God/ ancestors or the offended.
8. Used to predict weather patterns.
9. Some of them are used to communicate the social standards expected of people e.g.
a. Hyena - Used to discourage cowardice and greed.
b. Hare - Used to discourage trickery.
c. Tortoise - Illustrates the importance of being slow but wise.
d. Snake - Not killed by some communities, it is believed to be immortal and that the
ancestors may visit the living from it.
10. Some animals and birds are treated as totems by communities. Plants and animals are
used as a symbol of a family.
Human Beings and Plants
 Human beings depend on plants in various ways e.g. Food, Fuel,
 Construction of buildings, Medicinal purposes, Totems, Pasture.
 Some trees are used as sacred places of worship, Pasture for their animals.
 Provision of shelter.
Human beings and Non living
 Non-living things e.g. rain, rocks, mountains, hills, rivers, moon and sun are given
religious significance e.g. rain is a great blessing from God while thunder is seen as God's
movement or voice.
 Rocks and mountains are viewed as God’s manifestation to humankind and also as
dwelling places for the living dead and spirits. Such places are used for the worship of
God and are treated as sacred.
 Heavenly bodies help human beings to determine times and seasons.
 Human beings depend on the sun for sunlight during the day and on the moon and stars
for light at night.
Explain the Roles of God as understood by African society
 Refers to the functions/ roles of God which He plays in the world and people’s lives.
They include;
1. God cares for his creation and can be invoked in times of need.
2. He is the giver and sustainer of life, provides necessities of life e.g. food, air, water and
fire.
3. He protects human beings from evil, e.g. protects the weak and hears the cry of those
unjustly treated.
4. He comforts the sorrowful e.g. heals the sick.
5. He is the guardian of moral and ethical order. He punishes those who do evil.
6. He controls the spirits that are more powerful than humans.
7. He gives order to the universe and controls it. His activity didn’t end with creation.
8. Gives power to the religious specialists e.g. medicine persons, kings, priests and prophets.
He communicates with them through dreams, trances and visions.
9. He answers prayers.
Explain the Roles of spirits as understood by African society
 Although spirits are invisible, they are believed to play an important role in the lives of
the living. Generally people fear spirits; they are viewed as total strangers to the living.
When they appear to humans, people feel disturbed. Their roles of spirits include;
(a) Some may be manipulated by human beings and cause harm to others e.g. with sickness
and death.
(b) Spirits can posses religious specialists e.g. medium and diviners and give them important
information on how to handle people’s problems.
(c) Spirits relay God’s response to human beings. In return human beings act according to the
wishes of God through the spirits.
(d) Bad spirits sometimes posses people.
(e) Spirits guard sacred places.
(f) They intercede for people before God.
State eight Roles of ancestors in African societies
 They are believed to appear to the living in various forms e.g. visions/dreams to enquire
about the family affairs and to find out what is going on as they’re still part of the family.
(a) May cause illnesses or mental disturbances.
(b) Give instructions to the family as to what should be done in certain areas affecting it.
(c) Rebuke and warn the living of the impending punishment to those who have failed to
honour their obligation to them.
(d) Request for something like animals to be slaughtered for them. Interact with the living.
(e) Act as mediators between the living and God.
(f) Inflict punishments on offenders in society.
(g) Bless the living members of the family.
(h) Avert consequences of curses.
(i) Protect human beings against evil.
(j) Provide names to new born.
(k) Preside over all religious ceremonies in the community.
(l) Custodians of African traditional, moral culture and religious values.
Explain the religious importance of intermediaries
 They communicated the needs of man to God, e.g. priests.
 They revealed hidden secrets of the society to the people.
 They guided and counseled the members e.g. prophets.
 People like prophets communicated or conveyed God's will to man.
 They acted as arbitrators.
 They proposed solutions to spirits that possessed people.
 Priests led in religious rituals.
 The diviners prepared younger generations for the maintenance of harmony in the
community.

Give the Responsibilities of human beings towards God

 Take care of God’s creation.
 Obey God’s instructions.
 Set aside specific places for worship of God.
 Respect sacred places of worship.
 Appreciate God’s blessing.
 Make their request known to God.
 Worship God.
 Give their children names of God.
 Had a duty to share God’s given resources with fellow human beings.
State the responsibilities of human beings towards spirits
 Respect places like shrines which are associated with spiritual manifestation.
 Appease the spirits by pouring libation to them.
 Respect and honor the spirits.
 Protect sacred places.
 Consult spirits on spiritual matters.
 Obey the will of the spirits.
mention the responsibilities of human beings ancestors towards ancestors
 Show respect to them.
 Address them by their proper names and titles.
 Pour libation to them.
 Offer sacrifices to them and give them offerings to appease them.
 Obey their commands and wishes.
 Name their children after their ancestors.
 Build shrines for them.
 Pray to God through them.
 Invite them to social functions.
 Teach their children about their ancestors.
 Consult them through diviners and medicine people.
 Praise them through song.
How did the Africans worshipped God
1. SACRIFICES
(a) An animal is slaughtered in honor of God.
(b) It involves the shedding of blood of human beings or birds.
(c) Sacrifices are carefully selected, since they are offered to the creator of the universe.
(d) Animals offered have to be of one Color e.g. black, White, Brown.
 They are given back to God as a sign of appreciation of what God had provided for them
Explain Why sacrifices are made to God, spirits and ancestors
 To appreciate God as the source of life.
 To thank God for the blessings to the people.
 To appease God for the wrongs done.
 To petition God for help during difficult times.
 To invite God to participate in family and community functions.
 To maintain a good relationship
 To avert evil e.g. drought, famine, floods or epidemics.
Mention six occasions when sacrifices were offered
 During rites of passage i.e.
 Birth and naming.
 Initiation.
 Marriage.
 Death.
  During disasters.
 After a good harvest.
 During installation of leaders.
 During cleansing ceremonies.
 During reconciliation ceremonies.
 Before going to war.
Offerings
 It is another way of worshipping God.
 It involves the taking of foodstuffs e.g. milk, water or honey and giving them to God.
 Offerings are carefully selected.
Singing and dancing in worship
 Songs and dances are performed during communal worship. They are used in praising and
thanking God. Songs and dances make the worshipers emotionally connected with God.
Songs and dances are accompanied by clapping of hands, drumming and playing musical
instruments. They also promote solidarity among the worshippers.
Prayers
 They are verbal communications with God.
 Prayers are mostly short and to the point.
 Prayers are offered during important religious occasions.
Explain how Africans prayed to god
1. Kneeling.
2. Standing.
3. Prostrating.
4. Bowing.
5. Facing certain directions.
6. Raising hands.
State six occasions when prayers were offered in traditional African culture
a) During special ceremonies.
b) During death.
c) When struck with natural calamities.
d) During a great banquet of victory in war.
e) During pregnancy and at birth.
f) When faced with evil forces.
Mention seven places where prayers were offered in traditional African culture.
a) In shrines;
b) Under sacred trees.
c) In caves
d) On mountains.
e) At grave yards.
f) At river banks.
g) On rocks.
h) At waterfalls.
i) In homes of religious leaders.
Invocations
 Short formal prayers e.g. “Help me, O God!”
Blessings
 Blessings by an elder constitute acts of prayer. It is believed that the person blessing is
doing so on behalf of God.
Salutations- e.g. “Dear God”.
How did the African people expressed their belief in God
a) People were given religious names.
b) They made sacred places for God's worship.
c) They worshipped God before carrying out anything.
d) They offered sacrifices/offerings as a sign of gratitude.
e) They invited God's spirits during rituals.
f) God was called upon to protect the unborn child.
g) People involved the name of God in their undertaking.
h) They made certain animals and birds sacred.
Explain factors that have affected the traditional African people’s dependence on God.
a. The introduction of the western culture.
b. Some people rely on witchcraft to solve their problems.
c. Greed for power / materialism without the fear of God.
d. Some people rely on science and technology to provide solution to life’s problems.
e. Money economy where success depends on how much money one earns.
f. Abject poverty has made people lose faith / hope in God.
g. Negative peer pressure influences the members to rely on themselves other than God.
h. Pressure of modern living makes people too busy to serve God / urbanization.
i. Modern education / formal make some people arrogant.
Explain how political leaders today recognize the role of religion
a) Permitting of freedom to worship
b) Some political leaders help in collecting funds for Church projects
c) Some leaders have been involved in opening institutions for churches
d) Many evangelists have been allowed to preach in Kenya
e) Church leaders visiting Kenya have been welcomed cordially
f) C.R.E has been allowed in the curriculum
g) Political leaders respect the views of the Church on certain issues
h) Some political leaders attend church services every Sunday.
Give ways in which traditional African communities demonstrated their respect to
ancestors and spirits
 Pouring libations.
 Making sacrifices and giving offerings.
 Naming children after them.
 Praying to God through them.
 Addressing them by their proper names and titles.
 Inviting them to social functions e.g. birth, initiation, and marriage.
 Teaching children about them.
 Building shrines.
State seven reasons why ancestors were venerated in African traditional culture.
a) The ancestors were believed to offer solutions to certain difficulties.
b) The ancestors mediated between people and God.
c) Through the ancestors, people worshipped God.
d) The people prayed to God through the ancestors.
e) They protected them from certain misfortunes.
f) Through the ancestors, God received people's sacrifices and offerings.
g) They involved ancestors in their daily activities.
h) They helped in moral upkeep.
i) Through ancestors, the spirits are appeased.
Explain how People communicated with spirits in African traditional societies
 Through divination.
 Singing and dancing to them.
 Recitation/ chanting and invoking their names.
 By making sacrifices to them.
 By saying prayers.
 By giving offerings.
 By giving sacrifices.
 Through burning incense.
Describe the meaning of life and its wholeness in the traditional African society.
 God is the source of life.
 In A.T.S God is the source of life
 Life is a rhythm which recycles itself.
 There are several dimensions of life which include physical, social, spiritual and
environment
 Life is enhanced through observance of rituals, taboos and regulations
 Life is through transitional stages such as birth, initiation, marriage and death.
 Life is perpetuated through marriage for the continuity of the community
 Death transforms and individual from physical life to a spiritual one
 Life is communal
 Everybody depend, on the other for survival
 Life is precious/sacred/god given
 Murder is condemned
 There is life after death
 The people are buried with some personal belongings eg spears.
 Physical dimension of life refers to the material state of human beings.
 Social dimensions comprises of relation of living with others in a community.
 Spiritual dimensions link human beings with spiritual power e.g. God, spirits and
Ancestors.
 Environmental dimension of life is the relation between the physical environment and
humans.
 Life is enhanced through observance of rituals, taboos and regulations. Life is promoted
through Transitional stages e.g. birth, initiation, marriage and death. It is perpetuated
through marriage for the continuation of the community.
Describe the characteristics of an African community
 A community is a group of people occupying one geographical location and guided by
common values.
 An African community consists of the living, living-dead and the yet to be born.
 Each community is governed by specific rules, regulations and traditions.
 Survival of the community depends on God and other spiritual powers.
 A community believes that it is God who created the first human being.
 God gave them a place to settle in and responsibilities to fulfill.
 Leadership is provided by heads of families, elders and religious specialists.
 Social structure of the community comprises family units which form a clan, and several
clans make a community.
 Members are expected to show concern for one another and foster the common good.
 The community promotes a sense of belonging and identity for its members thus making
individuals feel secure
Explain the Change in traditional concept of community today
 The dead are not part of community
 Comprises of several tribes/ races not one tribe
 Members of community no longer live in the same geographical region
 Political structure is controlled by modern systems of government e.g. democracy
  Economically the community depends on employment, dealing to social classes.
 Socially informal education has been overtaken by formal systems of education
Explain the importance of Kinship Ties
a. They determine how members relate to one another.
b. They bond together the entire life of a community i.e. the living, the living dead, the
unborn.
c. They assist the people to live together in peace and harmony.
d. They provide a sense of security to all members at all times.
e. They regulate marital customs, rules and regulations.
f. They give an individual a deep sense of belonging identity.
g. They enable people to face hardship together.
h. They safeguard the communities’ traditions and customs.
i. They enhance unity among community members.
j. They determine punishment for the offenders
State eight moral values that strengthen kinship ties
j. Hospitality – Africans welcomed relatives band provided them with basic needs e.g. land
1) Honesty- They spoke truth about self and among relatives. No one was to bear false
witness about another
2) Courtesy- controlled interactions among relatives and promoted good mannerism among
them
3) Chastity - Ensured that sexual feelings were not expressed among relative’s incest was
controlled.
4) Respect- Africans aimed at treating self-others with dignity e.g. wives respected their
husbands
5) Responsibility. Each relative played his/ her role seriously for family / community
purpose
6) Co-operation- relatives came together in all undertakings in times of sorrows and
happiness
7) Integrity: each family member encouraged to form her roles without giving up
8) Love: The Kins were expected to help protect and serve one another through action
Explain the factors that have weakened kinship ties in Traditional African Society.
i. Individual ownership from communal ownership of land.
ii. Parenting is an individual activity e.g. discipline of children.
iii. Marriage and family life.
iv. Western education
v. Foreign religion
vi. Migration to towns
vii. Modern economy
viii. Easy transport and communication.
ix. Mass media
x. Political system emphasizes national loyalty and identity rather than kinship.
State nine ways in which western education has affected kinship ties in the society today
1) Educated members develop individualism and are not concerned about the poor kin
members
2) Children from educated families may not be given names of their ancestors
3) Educated parents fear leaving children in the rural areas with their grandparents because
they claim hygiene standards are low
4) Children from educated families rarely visit or stay with their extended families
5) Education abroad and boarding schools separates kin members
6) Most of the educated work in urban areas where the space limit extended families staying
together
7) Western culture and Christianity allow interracial marriages hence kinship system no
longer regulate marital customs
8) Educated people use the police, courts, and magistrates in case of despites or to maintain
law and order in the country instead of elders
9) Educated members are so involved in demanding careers and would rather take orphans
and the aged to orphanages and homes for the aged.
Explain seven factors that have contributed to harmony and mutual responsibility in
the African community
They include;
(i) Political ties.
 Power and authority is exercised and shared among clan leaders and elders.
 This enhances a peaceful co-existence among community members.
(ii) Communal ownership of property.
 Land and other resources are owned by community.
(iii) Division of labour.
 Done according to age, gender and social status.
 Ensures that all members participate in the activities of the community.
(iv) Communal worship.
 All members are to pray and worship together and during times of crisis e.g. when there is
a disaster, epidemic or serious sickness, people gather to offer sacrifices to God and
ancestors/ spirits in order to appease them.
 Common beliefs about God and spirits are passed on from one generation to another and
are held dearly.
 Members of the community try to live in harmony and peace with the departed and
unborn.
 Every activity in life has a religious dimension.
(v) Marriage.
 Strengthens and fosters closer ties among different families.
 Exchange of gifts is a sign of friendship, acceptance and mutual responsibility.
(vi) Leisure activities.
 People come together to sing, dance and be entertained.
 In TAC leisure is integrated with other activities although after work, people rest and
share jokes.
 In the evening, men are entertained by the youth.
 Elders correct the youth accordingly and identify talents among performers.
 Beer-drinking parties are forms of leisure activities.
 During leisure activities people discuss family and community affairs.
(vii) Children.
 The birth of children cements relationships, because in some communities, marriage is
not complete without children.
(viii) Rites of passage.
 Ceremonies marking birth, naming and initiation and bring families and community
members together and create a source of unity and collective responsibility.
(ix) Observation of taboos.
 Guides individuals in moral behavior and maintains discipline and harmony.
Give seven factors that have led to the decline in observance of taboos in traditional
African communities.
• Foreign religion like Christianity and Islam
• Urbanization / growth of towns
• Formal education and raining
• Permissiveness in the society
• Inter-ethnic marriages
• Inadequate resources due to poverty
• Government policies on some of traditional practices
• Struggles for equality and gender sensitivity
State seven Consequences of breaking taboos in Traditional African Communities.
(i) Paying of a fine.
(ii) Excommunication/ Banishment/Ostracized/Exile.
(iii) Being killed
(iv) Being punished/ridiculed/inflicted pain to the body.
(v) Cleaning/undergoing rituals.
(vi) Making sacrifices to appease the ancestors/spirits/God
(vii) offering compensation
(viii) Being cursed
(ix) Being denied privileges.
(x) Rules and regulations.
 Rules dictate and govern the roles and duties of all members in the community
depending on age, gender and social status.
 Breaking of rules results to punishment.
 and order by settling disputes and reminding members of what is expected of them.
Elders maintain law
(xi) Belief of a common ancestry.
 This promotes a sense of brotherhood among members of the community.
(xii) Sharing.
 Genuine concern for each individual within the nuclear and extended family is common.
 Cooking and eating is done at household level and all share in feasting and rejoicing in
some communities.
 Marriage gifts such as animals and foodstuffs are shared among relatives of the bride’s
family.
 Land in T.A.C is communally owned and is used collectively by members of a given
clan or family.
 People work together on such land and share the proceeds.
 This creates a strong bond of unity among the people.
(xiii) Social norms.
 People grow in T.A.C. knowing what is right and wrong.
 Rules and regulations are established to govern and regulate people’s behavior.
 Everyone understands the virtues they should uphold i.e. Friendship, love, honesty,
courage, bravery, compassion among others.
 People are discouraged from developing vices i.e. cheating, theft, selfishness, greed and
dishonesty.
 Social norms keep the community from disintegrating and they provide peace to the
individual and society.
Mention the common characteristics of African religious ceremonies
All of them involved Separation/seclusion. In death one is forever separated from the
community.
 Transitions. An individual undergoes some physical, social and emotional changes.
 Incorporation .One is brought back to the community after seclusion and is given full
rights in his/her new status. An individual becomes an active participant in the
community. In death he/she is incorporated in the spirit world.
Rites of passage are:
1. Birth and naming
2. Initiation
3. Marriage
4. Death
Why is the expectant mother accorded a lot of respect and given special treatment in
African traditional societies
 Eating special food and avoiding some i.e. eggs and fatty meat which may make the baby
too big hence creating complications during delivery.
 Refraining from heavy tasks e.g. splitting firewood, carrying heavy loads.
 Refraining from sexual intercourse because pregnancy is believed to make the woman
ritually unclean.
 Avoiding handling iron tools in the house for fear that such tools may cause injury.
 Not speaking to her husband directly but can only do so through an intermediary.
 Returning to her home to give birth there and coming back after weaning her baby.
 The mother carries protective charms to protect her from people with evil eyes and bad
omen such as sorcerers.
 The midwives assist the woman in delivery and the sex of the baby is announced i.e. 4
ululations for a boy and 3for a girl.
state the rituals observed after and during childbirth
 The child belonged to the community.
 The birth of the baby is witnessed by the elderly women who act as midwives.
 Men are not allowed to go near the delivery place.
 When the baby arrives, its sex is announced by shouts/ululations.
 The placenta and the umbilical cord are disposed off ceremoniously. i.e.
 Thrown into a running stream/river
 Dried up and kept for rituals performed later
 Carefully buried near the homestead or in uncultivated field/ shamba with
bananas/cereals.
 Hung in the house to symbolize the continuity of life.
It should be noted that these ceremonies are observed so that the womb may remain fertile /
to ensure continuity of life.
 A purification/cleansing ritual is done on the mother and the child by a medicine
man/diviner to prepare the mother for the birth of the next child including ritualistic
washing.
 Protective rites, performed by the local medicine person. They are meant to protect the
child from evils i.e. magic, malicious spirits, sorcery, witchcraft and evil eyes.
 The baby is committed to God for protection and to bring good fortune. An object is tied
round the neck, waist, or wrist as a physical sign of the ceremony.
 Thanksgiving ceremony performed to show gratitude to God for the safe arrival of the
baby.
 Prayers offered for continued blessings for both the mother and child
 The baby’s hair is shaved after sometime as a sign of purification and newness. When
new hair grows it will signify a new phase of life for the baby.
 Mother’s hair was also shaved to show that she has cast off that pregnancy. New hair
symbolizes new life.
 In some communities the mother and the baby are secluded from the rest of the
community, so as to give the mother time to rest.
 The whole community celebrates this rite of passage by rejoicing, singing, dancing and
bringing gifts to the mother and the child.
Explain the importance of rituals performed during naming ceremony
1. Bathing of the child sets in the beginning of a new life.
2. Shaving of the mother and baby’s hair symbolizes a new status.
3. Choosing of an appropriate name to give to the baby is for identification/ incorporation
into the wider community.
4. Feeding of the baby symbolizes a new life/ growth.
5. Holding of the baby by members of the community shows concern for it/ shared
responsibility.
6. Saying prayers/ words of blessings for the mother and baby signifies long life.
7. Slaughtering of an animal signifies thanksgiving.
8. Feasting is a sign of joy/ socialism/ welcoming the baby.
9. Giving presents to the baby and mother is a sign of goodwill.
10. Wearing of charms signifies protection to the baby and the mother.
State the activities carried out in traditional African culture to ensure safety of the
newly born baby.
a) The birth is made public to the whole family.
b) The placenta is disposed off in a secret place.
c) The baby is born in a clean place.
d) The baby is delivered by an expert.
e) The umbilical cord was carefully cut.
f) Prayers are offered for the well-being of the child.
g) The baby was cleansed using medicinal herbs.
h) The baby and mother stayed in seclusion for some time.
i) The mother is given protective charms and herbs.
j) The baby is named.
k) Mother and baby are given nutritious food.
l) They put on/wear protective charms.
Mention the role of midwives in African traditional society.
a) They helped pregnant mothers in delivery.
b) They gave advice to the mother.
c) They took care of the weak mother and child.
d) They announced the sex of the child (whether male or female).
State the importance of seclusion after birth in traditional African societies
1) It protects the mother and baby from evil eyes.
2) It gives the mother time to regain lost energy.
3) It accords the mother time to rest.
4) It marks the end of pregnancy and beginning of new life.
5) It enables the mother to take maximum care of the baby.
6) It enables the baby to adjust to new life.
7) It enables the mother to feed Well to produce enough milk.
8) The mother acquires training on proper handling of the child.
Give the significance of naming
1. Gives the new born baby an identity.
2. Indicates that the child is an accepted society member.
3. Through naming, they show gratitude to God.
4. Reflects part of the personality of the child.
5. Naming children after the departed relatives appeases the spirits.
6. The name can reflect a remembrance of a certain event that was memorable at the time of
birth.
7. Naming customs differ from one community to another. Some names are chosen before
birth others are given immediately they are born, others are named after a few days.
8. Sometimes children are given more names as they grow.
Explain wow names are given to children in T.A.S
1. According to the time of day, season, and place.
2. Named after great leaders and heroes.
3. after important historical events.
4. Animal names.
5. Names that reveal physical features.
6. Religious names i.e. names of God.
7. Reflect the difficult time the mother experienced in labor.
8. Names that reveal internal qualities of a child.
9. Gender of the child.
10. Parent’s choice.
11. Twins had special names.
12. 1st born child of the family could have a special.
13.Children are named after relatives, e.g.
 Grandparents
 Uncles
 Aunties
Explain the changing attitude to birth and naming
 It is no longer a communal affair.
 The sex of the child is no-longer announced by ululations.
 The role of a midwife is no-longer important.
 The pregnant mother is no-longer secluded.
 Some rituals are no-longer performed e.g. purifying rituals.
 Shaving rituals are no longer practiced.
 Wearing protective charms is no longer a common practice.
 Some naming patters/models are no longer adhered to.
 The attitude towards the sex of the child is no longer the same/discriminative.
Mention the methods used to solve childlessness in T.A.S
1. Offering sacrifices to ancestors to appease them.
2. Seeking the services of a diviner to find out the causes and offer solutions.
3. Marrying another wife.
4. Praying for God to reverse the situation.
5. Allowing the woman to get children with a relative of the husband if the problem is with
him.
6. The couple may adopt children.
7. Children may be given as a gift to a childless couple by relatives.
Discuss the role of birth and naming in inculcating moral values(virtues)
1. Respect: The mother is respected. The traditions are respected through performing rituals.
2. Love: Through the acceptance of the baby. The parents respect each other.
3. Care and mutual responsibility: The mother and the baby are cared for. The parents have
a responsibility to taking care of the newborn.
4. Obedience: To the community’s traditions.
5. Harmony: Is restored between community members i.e. joining the living and the non-
living through naming.
6. Unity: The people come together to celebrate the birth of a new child.
7. Patriotism: The people name their children after community heroes.
Explain the common rituals performed during initiation
 Offering sacrifices to ancestors to appease them and bless the initiates.
 Blood was left to drain on the ground as a connection between the initiates and
ancestors.
 Seclusion is done during initiation for several reasons that include;
(a) To receive education on;
 Human sexuality.
 The community’s secrets.
 Skills and knowledge.
(b) For healing.
(c) To give time for bonding together.
(d) To be well fed.
(e) Give time to allow preparation for celebrations to welcome them back to the society.
State five importance of Singing and dancing during initiation Celebrate the occasion.
 Encourage them.
 As an act of worship.
 Express solidarity.
 Praise the heroes.
 Mock the cowards.
 Gifts and presents were given as a sign of appreciation and congratulation.
 Washing and shaving was done so as to:
 Shed off the former status.
 Cleanse the initiates.
 Giving names and wearing new clothes.
Discuss the significance of initiation rites
1. Train the initiates to acquire important virtues of courage and endurance.
2. To be linked with the ancestors through shedding of blood.
3. For the unity of community members.
4. Prayers and sacrifices offered are acts of worship.
5. It is a gate-way to marriage.
6. Creates a bond of unity and friendship between age mates which is lifelong.
7. To make them full members of a community.
8. Introduce individuals to the community secrets and traditions.
9. For them to acquire new life status i.e. adults.
10. To give them an opportunity to access high responsibilities in life e.g.
 Become clan warriors.
 Be allowed to marry.
 Allowed to own property.
 Assume some leadership posts.
Explain the importance of seclusion during initiation
i. To facilitate the healing process of the initiates.
ii. To teach them moral values.
iii. To facilitate proper feeding for them.
iv. To enable them to adjust to the new independent life.
v. The isolation is rebirth from childhood.
vi. It promotes social interaction and the formation of the age set system.
vii. To learn the secrets of the community.
Give ten reasons for singing and dancing during initiation ceremonies
1. The songs inform the participants of the history of the community/ preserving culture/
importance of initiation.
2. They provide an opportunity for the members to socialize/ welcome ancestors.
3. It diverts the initiates’ minds from the impending pain.
4. The songs teach the initiates important moral values.
5. The songs educate the participants of gender roles/ relationships.
6. Through singing and dancing members exercise their bodies.
7. The songs encourage the initiates to face the challenge/ rebuke cowardice.
8. It exposes those with leadership qualities/ skills/ talents/ singers.
9. They are used to mark the various stages of the initiation ceremonies.
10. It is a form of prayer for the initiates/ drive away evil spirits/ invoking spirits.
11. Singing and dancing is a form of entertainment.
Explain how initiates were prepared for adult life in African traditional society
1) The pain they faced was to encourage them to tolerate/endure challenges.
2) They were exposed to hardship to prepare them for the coming adult life.
3) They were taught the history of their respective communities to help them trace their
ancestry.
4) They lived in seclusion.
5) They were grouped into age sets to share responsibility.
6) They were told moral stories to sharpen their moral awareness.
7) To acquire skills and develop independence
Give reasons why female circumcision (female genital mutilation) is discouraged in
Kenya today
1) Can lead to infection e.g. HiV;
2) Can injure reproductive organs;
3) Is against human rights;
4) Can lead to death;
5) Can lead to divorce;
6) Can lead to chaos in families;
7) Can lead to early marriages;
8) Can lead to or increase school dropout;
9) Leads to irresponsible sexual behavior.
Highlight the role of initiation in inculcating moral values
(i) Respect.
 The initiates gain respect and they are also expected to show respect to the community
members.
(ii) Loyalty.
 Developed through the initiates keeping the community secrets.
 Through the initiates becoming clan warriors.
(iii) Endurance and courage.
 Developed during pain bearing, tolerance and perseverance.
(iv) Sharing.
 Through sharing ideas, food and resources during seclusion.
(v) Chastity.
 Through the sex education they get.
 Female cut to reduce sexual desire in women.
(vi) Self control.
 Through being taught against unhealthy sexual relations.
 Through pain bearing, endurance, tolerance and perseverance.
(vii) Solidarity/unity.
 The community come together to sing and dance.
 They come together to prepare the celebration.
 They come together to welcome back the initiates to the community.
Give eight ways in which initiation rites have changed today
1. Some initiation rites have been abandoned, e.g. removal of teeth
2. The rights are less elaborate.
3. Some communities have adopted initiation rites from others.
4. The times for initiation have been shifted due to formal education.
5. Many prefer to go for circumcision in hospitals.
6. The age of initiation has shifted from adolescent to young children.
7. It is carried out at family level and not communal level in most cases.
8. Female genital mutilation (F.G.M) has been outlawed.
Give reasons why initiation rites are still practiced today
a. To uphold traditional values, customs and culture.
b. Provide an occupation for initiator surgeons.
c. In order to please/appease ancestral spirits.
d. Ensure acceptability by those who have undergone the initiation rites.
e. To prepare one for marriage.
f. Promote African language through songs and dance.
g. To create a new age-set.
h. To raise one’s social status.
i. Provide an opportunity for leadership.
j. To help one inherit property.
k. To create identity and a sense of belonging into the community.
State challenges that face the practice of Circumcision in our society today.
1) The problems associated with HIV/Aids pandemic (use of one knife in all the initiates)
2) Education and the school system. The programming of the exercise in relation to the
academic calendar causes disputes.
3) Churches and NGOs including the government are all against female genital mutilation.
4) Religious doctrines which dismiss it as of no consequences as far as life is concerned.
5) It no longer promotes national identity and unity.
6) Academic achievements count much more than mere circumcision.
7) Some aspects involved in initiation are now unlawful e.g. killing of wild animals.
8) Urban set up is not conducive to certain aspects of circumcision.
9) Western culture influence that does not recognize circumcision as a rite of passage.
10) Intermarriage that uproots people from their community traditions.
Explain the importance of marriage
(a) Creates new relationship bonds when two families come together and so expand kinship
ties.
(b) Promotes social status of those involved.
(c) Source of wealth due to dowry payment made by the wife’s family.
(d) Meeting point of the departed, the living and the yet to be born.
(e) Religious obligation through which human life is preserved, propagated and perpetuated
since it is sacred.
(f) Promotes immortality because parents are remembered by their children when they die.
They perpetuate the name of the family.
(g) Gives identity, a sense of belonging and completeness.
(h) Allows the individuals to have sex.
(i) Gives men and women new roles and responsibilities.
(j) It is in marriage that children are born into the community.
(k) Communal affair that brings people to work and feast together.
(l) Provides security to parents especially in their old age when their children take care of
them and inherit their wealth.
Explain how marriage was formalized in traditional African culture
1. Dowry was given as a token of appreciation.
2. Religious rituals were performed, characterized by exchange of gift.
3. Ceremonies were held to create harmony.
4. The families of the bride and groom visited one another.
5. Marriage negotiations were held.
6. Singing and dancing marked the celebration of marriage.
7. Oathing was observed to reinforce the marriage.
8. Virginity of the bride was to be proved.
Discuss the moral values inculcated by marriage
(a) Creates respect and confidence since it promotes the social status of those involved.
(b) Promotes co-operation when two families come together to help sustain it.- Promotes
hospitality and sharing when the families visit each other, share food, services and bride
wealth.
(c) Brings together the living, the departed and the unborn encouraging unity.
(d) When children are named after ancestors and the departed, loyalty and obedience is
promoted.
(e) It is compulsory for all which creates obedience.
(f) Promotes chastity since sex is only allowed in marriage.
(g) Encourages self-control because adultery is forbidden and couples have to follow all the
rules of marriage.
(h) Marriage comes with new roles and duties thus promoting responsibility.
(i) Those dishonest in marriage are punished; this helps to instill honesty, integrity and
faithfulness.
(j) The first duty is procreation which calls for love in the upbringing of the children.
(k) All have roles to play. This calls for handwork so that harmony is maintained.
Give ten reasons why divorce was rare in traditional African culture?
1) Marriage was highly valued.
2) Courtship was allowed in some communities.
3) Marriage negotiation involved many people.
4) In divorce, bride wealth was to be returned.
5) A divorced person lacked dignity.
6) Early education on marriage life was offered.
7) Gender roles were clearly defined.
8) In case of barrenness, an alternative was sought.
9) Elders handled marriage disputes.
10) The wife belonged to the wider community.
11) Children and dowry sealed marriage.
12) Clear marriage procedures were followed.
Explain the rituals connected with marriage in the Traditional African Societies.

a) Careful choosing of a marriage partner with right qualities.

b) Marriage negotiations between the families of the bride and bridegroom to prepare for the
formalization of marriage and strengthening their ties.
c) Courtship – which allows the bride and bridegroom to familiarize themselves with one
another.
d) Payment of dowry to seal the marriage
e) Exchange of gifts to strengthen the relationship between the two families.
f) Singing and dancing to praise and comfort the bridegroom and the bride respectively and
to welcome them into their new status.
g) Offering of sacrifices to appease God and the ancestors so that they may bless the
marriage.
h) Bathing together in medicinal water as a solemn way of binding the husband and the wife
into one/water washes away the state of unmarried life.
i) Breaking of virginity to consummate the marriage with the blood symbolizing that life
has been preserved.
j) Seclusion period which served as a transition from unmarried life to the new life of
maturity and procreation.
Explain how marriage partner was chosen in traditional African culture
1) Courtship was done early by parents.
2) A mediator identified a girl from a family and informed the man.
3) Parents chose marriage partners.
4) Young people chose who to marry.
5) First wives chose girls for their husbands.
6) Girls were waylaid and taken for marriage.
7) Inheritance of a brother's wife.
8) Bride wealth could be paid in advance.
9) A girl could be given as a gift to rulers.
10) To replace one who died, a girl was given.
11) A girl was given as payment of fines.
State five causes of death in many African communities

(a) Witchcraft (e) Sorcery

(b) Curses (f) Evil magic
(c) Diseases (g) Evil spirits
(d) Old age (h) Breaking of taboos/binding oaths
Explain ten reasons why witchcraft is feared in Traditional African Communities.

(i) Many deaths are attributed to witchcraft.

(ii) Witchcraft leads to suffering of individual community.
(iii) People suffer mysterious illness/sickness.
(iv) It causes hatred/disunity.
(v) It caused fear/suspicion/mistrust among people.
(vi) It carries severe punishment from ancestors/Spirits/God/Community.
(vii) It leads to poverty.
(viii) It leads to destruction of property.
(ix) It is full of mysterious happenings.
(x) It forces people to migrate from their homestead/ancestral lands.
(xi) Those associated with it are regarded as evil/outcasts.
Discuss the death rites in African traditional society (A.T.S)
 In some communities, the corpse is washed using water and herbal medicine in order to
preserve and send it clean to the spirit world.
 In some communities, the dead are buried with their belonging e.g. food, animals, bows,
arrows. They believe that the dead will need those things in the spirit world.
 Pregnant women and children are not allowed to touch or come in close contact with the
corpse so that misfortunes do not befall them.
 -The dead are buried in a carefully selected place in the ancestral land so that the spirits
continue to be close to the family.
 The body is carefully placed in the grave facing an appropriate direction according to the
customs of the people.
 In some communities the bodies are properly dressed before disposal while others e.g.
among the Abagusii the dead are buried naked in the belief that they will be reborn in the
spirit world.
 -The grave is respected by being protected and made a family shrine particularly in cases
where the dead were the head of the family. People avoid walking over the grave.
 Before and during burial, the members of the family and all relatives enter a period of
mourning. Normal activities are temporarily halted in some communities this period is
marked by people smearing their bodies with white clay; others stop washing their bodies,
stop eating or refrain from sexual intercourse.
 During this period there is singing and dancing of mourning songs as a way of expressing
sorrow and sending off the departed to the next world.
 In some communities there is feasting and beer drinking.
 After burial, close relatives shave their hair as a sign that one of their members has been
separated from them and for cleansing impurities. The new hair grown shows that life
continues after death.
 Sacrifices are offered to introduce the deceased to the spirit world.
 Most communities pour libation to their dead ancestors.
 In some communities a symbolic fire is lit near the grave and the graveyard is guarded by
the mourners.
 A widow’s inheritance is divided by the husband’s kinsman.
Explain role of death in creating moral values
1. Creates co-operation since the whole community is involved.
2. All mourners are given food supplied by the family of the deceased or outsiders also help
in providing and promoting hospitality and sharing.
3. Africans are careful to follow all the funeral rites so as to promote obedience.
4. In some communities, the affected are not supposed to indulge in sexual intercourse
encouraging chastity and self-control.
5. Members of the deceased mourn and have to come to terms with their grief promoting
perseverance.
6. By following all the wishes of the dead person, death encourages respect.
7. The dead body is carefully disposed of to avoid any haunting and the grave is respected
promoting respect.
8. When the society takes care of the widows and orphans, they show love.
9. Children, pregnant women and witches are not allowed near the corpse and this shows
responsibility.
Give eight reasons why death is feared in T.A.S
1. It disrupts the rhythm of human activity/ life.
2. It is irrevocable/ inescapable.
3. It brings impurity to the family.
4. It deprives the community of members.
5. It involves too many rituals.
6. It comes unannounced.
7. Separates one from the loved ones/ end of life on earth.
8. Nobody knows about the afterlife.
9. It may cause misunderstanding in the community.
10. Death rites reveal people’s characteristics.
11. It may bring poverty to the family.
Mention seven Practices in T.A.C that show their belief in life after death
a. Naming children after the dead.
b. Invoking the names of the dead during problems./ inviting them to important occasions.
c. Burying the dead with some property.
d. Offering sacrifices to the dead.
e. Pouring libation to the living-dead.
f. Taking care of their graveyards.
g. Fulfilling the wishes / will of the dead/ carrying out the demands of the dead.
h. Talking of the dead as having gone for a walk.
i. Washing the dead body/ oiling/ giving a descent burial to the dead.
j. Holding commemoration ceremonies.
k. Burying the dead in a particular position/ direction/ in ancestral land.
Explain how people in traditional African society helped bereaved families.
1. They kept them company.
2. They consoled them through singing, dancing and willing words.
3. They were helped in preparing the grave.
4. Society contributed food and other material support, particularly during the funeral.
5. They attended the funeral to give the dead a decent send-off
6. They helped by performing certain duties for them
7. They helped in preparing the body for burial
8. They participated in rituals performed.
9. They made a eulogy to praise the deceased.
10. Informed friends and relatives about the death.
Give ways in which people prepare for death in Traditional African Communities.
(i) Abiding by the community rules and regulations to ensure harmonious end.
(ii) They go through the rites of passage in order to be true member s of their community.
(iii) They raise a family in order to have sons who will inherit the family property and
perpetuate
the family name.
(iv) They stick a claim on a piece of land and establish a home where one would be
buried.
(v) They accumulate material wealth to support the family after death and to accompany
one
to the world of spirit.
(vi) Maintain good relationship with one another so as to be honored and be given good
send off after death.
(vii) An elder may call members of his family and declare his wishes concerning how they
should be buried and the role of each member of the family.
(viii) Some divide their property among the children especially males.
(ix) Some bless the family members.
(x) If he has a secret or debt, he reveals it to his sons and wives in order for them to settle.
(xi) Those with talents hand it over to their sons.
Mention the ceremonies connected to death that fostered solidarity in Traditional
African society
i) Death was viewed as an enemy of the people and thus people came together to face a
common enemy
ii) Relative and friends came together to console each other.
iii) People helped in organizing the funeral and in feeding the relatives.
iv) Specialists would be consulted to warn of dangers, and imminent death I the
community
v) Relatives joined in song and dance to depict anger and indignation towards death
vi) Relatives gathered to bid farewell to the departed
vii) In some communities, the wife / wives of the departed were inherited by his close
male relatives so that they could bear more children for him
viii) Prayers and Sacrifices were made to ask for protection and to the ancestors to accept
the dead.

Explain how the religious specialists acquire their skills

 The religious specialists acquire their skills through the following ways depending on
their specialization:
1. Inheritance.
2. Apprenticeship.
3. Dreams and visions.
4. Being possessed by the spirits.
5. Receiving a call from God/ ancestors.
6. Observation of the work of other specialists..
State six functions of medicine people
 Identify illness and their causes.
 Identify appropriate treatment and prevention measures for the illnesses.
 They avert the effects of a curse.
 Offer sacrifices and prayers to God and ancestors.
 Prepare charms for protection against witchcraft and evil spirits.
 Give medicine to increase fertility in both people and animals.
 Act as counselors, guiding people on all issues of life.
Highlight the occasions when the services of a medicine man were required in
traditional African culture.
1) During illness.
2) When going for a war/raid.
3) During a natural phenomenon such as famine.
4) When forces of evil e.g. magic haunted someone.
5) In case of impotence/barrenness/childlessness.
6) When one is in need of a protective charm
7) During ceremonies e.g. marriage or initiation.
Discuss the factors that have affected the role of medicine men in modem Kenya.
1) Destruction of indigenous forests, which provide herbs.
2) Christianity, which is against the use of herbs.
3) Educated people look at herbs as backward.
4) Modem medicine, which has outweighed the traditional.
5) Most herbalists are treated with suspicion.
6) The government is not giving adequate support.
7) Urbanization, which has eroded most African culture.
8) Most medicine men who are skilled have died.
Give ways in which traditional medicine is still used in our society today.
1) Herbal clinics have been licensed.
2) Herbs are still used.
3) Medicine men are still consulted.
4) Barren women seek medicine men for help.
5) Research centres on traditional medicine have been established.
6) Herbalists have been recognized.
Explain the relevance of traditional healers in modern society
1. Medical doctors and scientific researchers today work side by side with traditional healers
to alleviate human suffering. Herbs are used to make modern medicine.
2. Some people still believe that there are some illnesses that cannot be treated in hospitals
hence turn to herbalists.
3. Some people also believe that medicine people who practice magic have the power to
change their fate e.g. they are consulted to influence political fortunes, legal matters and
enhance academic performance.
State five Functions of diviners
 Are people who reveal secret information from the past or the future.
 They get their power through inheritance or divine calling.
 They use divination objects, common sense and insight.
 They Unveil mysteries by interpreting the information received from the spirits.
 Help the society to solve issues that are difficult for them to understand.
 The do the work of counselors, judges, advisers, comforters, assurers during crises.
 They also play the role of priests, seers and fortune tellers.
 Diviners are still consulted in Kenya today particularly during moments of crises.
 They, however, face many challenges:
 Divination is condemned in the Bible (Deuteronomy 18:10-11)
 Science and technology have further diminished their importance since many mysteries
can be explained through science and technology.
Highlight the occasions when diviners were consulted in Traditional African
communities.
a. Before going to war/raids.
b. During marriage ceremonies.
c. When property is lot.
d. When death occurs frequently.
e. When there was disaster/calamity.
f. Before initiation takes place.
g. When sickness occurs frequently.
h. During pregnancy/naming.
i. When there is a serious disagreement.
j. When one is barren.
State seven functions of rainmakers and their relevance today
1. They perform rituals to cause rain.
2. Have the ability to stop destructive rain.
3. They predict weather conditions by studying the skies and behavior of plants and animals.
4. They preside over religious functions.
5. They advise the community on both religious and social issues.
6. They give blessings to the members of the community.
7. They mediate between people and God.
Relevance today
1. Rainmakers are often engaged during public gatherings and other big events to delay the
rain until the event is over.
2. Christianity has eroded people’s believe in rainmakers.
3. Christians believe that only God is able to resolve a difficult situation.
4. Meteorological departments now give information on the weather and seasonal changes.
Give seven functions of traditional Priests
 Perform religious duties. They either inherit the position or receive a divine call.
 Offer sacrifices and offerings and preside over rituals and prayers.
 Take care of religious places i.e. shrines.
 They act as judges, advisers and experts in traditional rituals and rules.
 They pour libation, offer prayers of petition, repentance and thanksgiving to God.
 They intercede for human beings before God, the spirits and the ancestors.
 They are made to be in charge of royal graves.
 They install kings and chiefs.
 They symbolize God’s presence in the African society.
 They act as guardians of community knowledge, taboos, religion and oral history.
 Sometimes they perform rainmaking ceremonies and conduct fertility festivals.
 They drive away witches, appease spirits, reverse curses and protect people from danger
and harm.
Relevance today
1. Their roles has been diminished by several influences e.g. Christianity and formal
education.
2. African priests no longer play major religious roles in the community. Their duties have
been replaced by those of religious leaders i.e. bishops, pastors and priests in Christian
churches.
3. Traditional priests are sometimes invited for national public functions to offer prayers.
Discuss the functions and relevance of Prophets and seers
 Prophets are also referred to as seers.
 A prophet is a person who can foretell the future by revealing visions, dreams or
messages from God.
 They foretell invasions i.e. war, drought or epidemics.
 They communicate God’s message to the community and predict the will of God.
 Prophets often play the role of political leaders, diviners, ritual leaders, mediums and
legal and moral advisers to the community.
 They perform religious duties which were beyond priests and medicine people.
 They receive messages from the ancestors and the spirits through dreams and spirit
possession.
 They carry out cleansing rituals.
 They advise people on religious matters.
 They pray to God on behalf of the people.
 They act as judges and preside over disputes.
 They are guardians of the community’s customs and traditions.
 They act as the spokesmen of their communities.
Give the occasions when seers were consulted in Traditional African society.
a) When misfortunes e.g. death often struck.
b) Outbreak of calamities e.g. drought.
c) During marriage ceremonies.
d) During cleansing rituals.
e) When going for a raiding expedition.
f) Before initiation rites.
g) During early pregnancy if any problems.
h) In case of a serious disagreement.
Relevance today
1. People still consult prophets before making important decisions.
2. Today people prophesy in churches or Christian fellowships through the inspiration of the
Holy Spirit.
3. Many people take their religious leaders as prophets because they act as the conscience of
the society to tell the people what God expects from them.
(g) Elders
They are senior members of the community.
Mention seven functions of traditional elders
 In charge of families, villages and clans.
 Are people who are morally upright
 They settle disputes in the community.
 They are custodians of the community property and decide how it would be shared.
 They are custodians of the traditional values, customs and history of the people.
 They offer guidance and counseling to the members of the community.
 Elders console the community in times of distress i.e. war, famine and other calamities.
 They are consulted by the individuals before making families decisions.
 They stipulate the rules and regulations to be followed for the maintenance of law and
order.
 They lead the community during important functions such as the rites of passage and
religious ceremonies
State seven conditions to be fulfilled in order for one to be made an elder in traditional
African culture
a) Had to be married.
b) Should have undergone initiation rites.
c) Had to be a member of the community.
d) Had to be knowledgeable on societal matters.
e) Should have children.
f) Had to be mature and of specific age.
g) Had to be supported by other community leaders.
h) Should have wealth.
Explain the Relevance traditional elders today
1. Elders today help in settling disputes which are too culturally defined for the courts e.g.
family rows and land disputes.
2. Elders have been called by the Kenyan government to help solve land disputes and
ethnic clashes.
3. Elders still carry out rites of passage i.e. initiation.
4. Elders are useful in maintaining the African culture through oral narratives, songs,
poetry, proverbs and riddles.
5. Elders provide useful information to researchers in History and Anthropology.
6. They give general guidance to individuals, family and the community as a whole.
State seven Factors that have undermined the status of elders in African communities
today
1. New government structures where administrative officials have taken over the roles of
elders in law maintenance.
2. Most of the judicial duties have been taken over by the law courts.
3. Education has brought new values/ ideas and the authority of the elders is no longer
regarded with high esteem or is even questioned.
4. People have migrated to new areas where they do not respect local leaders.
5. The influence from other religions (Christianity and Islam) with their leadership
structures; with their adherents respecting their religious leaders more than the
community leaders.
6. Urbanization has undermined the role of the elders as it becomes difficult for elders to
operate as the people come from different backgrounds.
 7. Stern norms/ values which promote individualism.
8. Schooling where children spend most of their time with teachers depriving them the time
to be with elders
9. Permissiveness in the society has eroded the respect of elders.
10. Economic factors where the worth of a person is judged by the wealth/ property one
possesses.
11. Political power/ decision making has shifted from the elders to politicians/ political
leaders to whom people look upon for leadership.
Explain six Factors that have influenced negatively the role of the religious specialist
1. The influence of Christianity; it associates the practices of these leaders with magic and
witchcraft. Christian leaders are also given prominence over the traditional leaders.
2. The new government structures and political systems have taken over the roles of
traditional leaders.
3. Formal education is used as a tool in choosing leaders as opposed to age, wisdom and
experience used in traditional African communities.
4. Through migration, people from different cultures mix up and may not recognize local
leaders.
5. Science and technology provides solutions to problems related to weather conditions and
medical treatments. This disregards the work of rainmakers and herbalists.
6. Increased poverty makes some people engage in work of specialists without the necessary
skills in their effort to earn a living.
Discus various African moral values
Moral values are acts/deeds that are acceptable or good in the society and they are;
1. Hospitality
 This refers to generosity and kindness to guests and strangers in homes.
 Africans welcomed visitors at any time. They were treated to plenty of food, drink and
entertainment.
 Today there is a tendency towards individualism especially in the case of those living in
urban centers.
2. Honesty
 Means being truthful.
 It was taught to children as they grow up to ensure they become dependable people who
always tell the truth.
3. Courtesy
 Refers to politeness and good manners.
 In A.T.S there were rules that guided the behavior of individuals towards others based on
age, gender and status of a person.
4. Tolerance and Perseverance
 Tolerance means to endure somebody/something without complaining.
 Perseverance is a steady effort to achieve a goal without giving up.
 People in A.T.S valued these qualities as they aided one to go through hardships
courageously.
 These values were reinforced during initiation
5. Loyalty
 Being true and faithful in supporting somebody or a particular cause.
 Children are taught values of the community which they are expected to keep and protect.
 They are taught not to betray the family and friends and always stick together.
6. Chastity
 This is having good sexual morals.
 Unmarried people were expected to keep their chastity or virginity until marriage while
adultery was forbidden for the married.
7. Respect
 Polite behavior to oneself and others where one recognizes other’s rights and status.
 Children are taught to recognize the status of their parents, elders and leaders.
8. Responsibility
 Caring attitude towards others that leads one to help them.
 Africans helped one another.
9. Love
 A strong feeling of affection towards somebody or something which was expressed in
actions in A.T.S.
 Love is equated with protection, loyalty, co-operation, generosity and hospitality which
were important in T.A.S
10. Co-operation
 This is working together for a common purpose.
 In T.A.S people worked together in all circumstances which made work and life easier for
them.
 In T.A.S, people co-operated to accomplish tasks for the good of all.
11. Integrity
 It is the quality of having strong moral values.
 People of integrity do not give up on their beliefs and values even in the face of intense
pressure.
 People of integrity are respected and will often be given positions of leadership.
12. Unity solidarity
 This is to join together.
 Africans united in all aspects
Mention the Measures taken to discourage pregnancy before marriage in traditional
African society
1. Education about sex was given to the youth to enable them lead a responsible life.
2. Virginity was highly valued, thus premarital sexual behaviour abolished.
3. The youth were guided and counseled on the consequences of irresponsible sexual
behaviour.
4. Girls who became pregnant before marriage were dishonoured and severely punished.
5. There were rules and regulations stipulated on sexual relationships.
6. The whole community was concerned with morality.
7. Boys and girls were taught to respect each other and their own bodies.
8. Parents closely watched their daughters" movement.
9. Young men who impregnated a girl during marriage were reprimanded or defamed.
10. Young people were supervised during special occasions e.g. dancing.
Give seven reasons why cleansing rituals were performed in traditional African society
1. They were performed to forgive wrong doers of their sins.
2. To protect individuals against impending punishment.
3. To accept back a member who had broken a taboo to continue with the normal activities
of the society.
4. To appease the ancestral spirits.
5. To maintain good relationship/cohesion in the community.
6. To prepare the dead for new life.
7. To send away evil spirits.
8. As a rite of passage, changing from one stage to another.
9. To protect one against calamities.
10. To approach the spirits so that they do not cause misfortune.
State seven reasons why taboos were important in traditional African communities.
1. They helped to maintain the member's dignity.
2. They guided people on moral behavior.
3. They outlined kinship ties.
4. They maintained respect to God.
5. They created harmony and peace in the society.
6. They guided on acceptable eating habits.
7. They maintained law and order.
Explain the causes of suffering in traditional African society.
1. Breaking a taboo;
2. A curse from elders due to disobedience.
3. Failure to respect sacred places.
4. Breaking agreements.
5. Breaking social rules and regulations.
6. Disobeying ancestral spirits.
7. Because of witchcraft.
Give reasons why disputes over land rear in African traditional society
1. There were explicable guidelines on the use of the land.
2. Every member was allocated land.
3. Elders disciplined those who grabbed land.
4. Cursed befell those who acquired it unjustly.
5. It was property of the clan.
6. There was enough land assigned to everybody.
7. Elders allocated the land freely.
State eight roles of a grandparents in traditional African culture.
1) Guided and counseled family members.
2) Was a role model.
3) Was a source of valuable knowledge?
4) Was a link between the living and the dead
5) Was consulted on matters affecting the family.
6) Was a custodian of the morals.
7) Controlled family resources.
8) Prescribed punishment for evil doers.
9) Officiated in some family rituals.
10) Was a family decision maker.
11) Provided entertainment through story telling.
Discuss the concept of continuity and change in the African understanding of various
issues
 An African community consisted of the living, dead and the unborn.
 Each community had common characteristics such as common ancestors, unique
language, a particular geographical area, a culture and distinct social, economic and
political structure.
 Today, the understanding of community has changed due to such factors as; education,
urbanization, migration, natural consciousness and religion.
 Urbanization has brought together people of different background.
 Formal education has promoted new loyalties based on new social status and academic
and professional qualifications.
 New political systems and forms of Government have changed the traditional African
community.
 Old age and the aged
 In A.T.C, old people were well taken care of and highly respected.
 They did light duties e.g. looking after young children while others worked.
 They were members of the council of elders who settled disputes and were consulted for
advice.
 The elders were custodians of community values, customs and religious beliefs.
 Today due to urbanization, many elderly people are left alone in the rural areas with no-
one to take care of them.
 Sometimes they end up in homes for the aged or begging on the streets.
 Old people are important because they have wealth of knowledge to share. We should
take care of them.
Land
 Was special and highly valued.
 It was a source of food for the people and their animals and herbs for medicine.
 Land was believed to be God given.
 Land was communal.
 There were land allocations to each family for farming. The men were the guardians of
the land.
 Land was not sold and there were no landless people.
Explain the changes that have occurred in land ownership in Kenya today
1) Land is owned individually through title deeds.
2) Clan members living together own patches of land.
3) Land can be used as a security for loans unlike before.
4) One can buy land and live anywhere/ land has been commercialized.
5) Land disputes are settled by adjudicators’ and not traditional elders.
6) The government owns large patches of land e.g. game parks, forest reserves etc.
7) Land less / homeless people are no longer cared for/ emergence of smatters.
8) Communal land has been sold and people live in urban areas/ invest.
9) Emergence of land grabbers / corruption.
10) Women can inherit and own land.
Discuss the changes that have taken place in the property ownership in TAC.
 Women/children can now own property.
 Wealth is no longer determined by the number of children/wives.
 Introduction of money economy has reduced the value attached on land.
 Role of leaders in sharing out property has been eroded.
 Land is now owned individually upon issuance of land title deed.
 People write will so they can decide who to inherit their property.
 Property can be owned outside one’s ancestral land.
 Land can be sold/auctioned/sold to any willing buyer.
Mention the changes that have taken place in the Traditional African understanding of
widows.
(i) There are many cases of widows today due to increased cases of road accidents and
diseases e.g. H.I.V and Aids.
(ii) Most of the widows suffer because of the breakdown in kinship system.
(iii) Nowadays the inheritance of widows is discouraged due to the fear of H.I.V and Aids,
fights between co-wives etc.
(iv) The responsibility of caring for the widows has shifted to the government and other
organization.
(v) Some widows nowadays have resorted to prostitution in order to meet their basic
needs and those of her children due to helplessness.
(vi) The church has encouraged young women to re-marry and continue with life unlike in
the Traditional African Societies where wife inheritance was compulsory.
(vii) The church is also addressing the plight of widows and orphans through sensitization
on H.I.V and Aids.
(viii) Some widows have opted to live in singlehood due to their economic independence as
opposed to the Traditional African belief that every woman should be married.
Explain the factors that determine the mode of dressing in TAS,
o The regional climate.
o Age i.e./young/old
o Sex/gender/male/female
o Social status
o Occupation
o Occasion —
o Marital status.
 In TAC clothes were made from animal skin, bark, feathers, reeds/and sisal.
 Every community had a way of dressing, depending on the climate in their region and
their way of life.
 Age, gender, status would always determine the type of clothing one wore.
 Ornaments i.e. bangles, necklaces, anklets and ear plugs/ rings were part of the traditional
dress.
 The Maasai, Turkana and Giriama have to raid for livestock to maintain their traditional
dress.
 Today dress undergoes a lot of change because fashion changes with peoples tastes.
 Today we have a national costume whose design is base on traditional costumes.
Dowry or bride price
 This is a gift of property that a groom gives to the bride’s family.
 Bride price was given in terms of cattle, goats, sheep, and honey and food stuff.
 Today, the concept of bride price has been commercialized.
 Sometimes conflicts arise between parents and those intending to marry.
 Dowry should be used appropriately to cement relationship.
Medicine
 Medicine was provided by medicine people who diagnosed and treated sicknesses.
 Their medicine was in the form of herbs, minerals, powder and seeds and also spiritual.
 Today, people take the sick to hospitals for proper diagnosis and treatment by qualified
medical doctors.
 Christians also offer prayers for the quick recovery of the sick.
Leisure
 This is free time for one to enjoy/ spend.
 In T.A.C. leisure was integrated in the daily life of the community.
 People would work and have leisure at the same time e.g. singing while digging.
 They had leisure in form of festivals and rites which involved singing, eating, drinking
and dancing.
 Some leisure activities were free of charge and mostly communal.
 Some leisure activities were specific to certain gender age group.
 Today leisure is separated from work.
 People engage in various activities e.g. listening to the radio, watching television, reading
magazines or visiting friends.
 Some leisure acts today are very expensive.
 Some people misuse their leisure time abusing drugs or engaging in sexual immorality.
 Some people help the needy visit the sick, do voluntary community and church work
during their leisure time.
State the efforts that the Kenyan government is making to conserve African cultural
heritage.
a. Ministry of education has in cooperated topics of African culture in Oral literature, and
CRE.
b. Promoting traditional music/drama/dance.
c. Creation of the Ministry of culture and social services.
d. Mass media programs of African culture design and traditions.
e. Promotion of traditional art and craft/exhibitions.
f. Teaching of vernacular in lower primary school.
g. Keeping records in archives and museums.
h. Promoting customary laws in the constitution i.e Marriage and inheritance.
i. Recognition and licensing traditional specialists like midwives, healers by ministry of
health.
j. Gazzetting cultural shrines e.g. Mukwre wa Nyagathanga.