CRE NOTES

FOR JUNIOR SECONDARY (JSS)

GRADE 8

CREATION
Origin of sin and its consequences (Gen: 3-11)
Introduction

Man and woman fell from the Garden of Eden. This experience is explained in
genesis chapter 3 verse 4; chapter 6 verse 9 and chapter 11. In these verses, the
Bible is teaching about sin, which made Adam and Eve fall.

Sin is defined as iniquity, and guilt. It is to miss a mark, to transgress. Sin is a

rebellion or an offence against God. Sin originated with the disobedience of
Adam and Eve. They had been commanded not to eat of the fruits of the tree of
knowledge of good and evil – the tree in the middle of the Garden of Eden. But
Adam and Eve ate the fruit after being deceived by the serpent.

Man had the power to resist temptation but instead he yielded. Genesis Chapter
3 verse 6 states that man wanted to be wise and thought how wonderful it would
be to become wise…” hence sin arises from the lack of knowledge of God, from
the denial of trust of God.

The consequences of sin

After sinning, we the human race and sinners:

1) Replaced friendship with God with fear of God.

2) Lost innocence. What had been innocent and good became shameful. Adam
and Eve became ashamed of their nakedness, something they had never felt
before they sinned against God.

3) Lost good relationship with God. The good relationship between God and man
was betrayed. Human beings – were alienated from God. “The Lord God sent him
out of the Garden of Eden…”

4) Damaged the perfect relationship between man and woman. The Lord said to
the woman “You will have desire for your husband, yet you will be subject to
him”.

5) Pain became part of human experience. “I will greatly multiply your pain in
child bearing”.

6) Man began toiling and struggling to meet his needs… “You will have to work
hard and sweat to make the soil produce anything”

7) The home of man, and the earth itself was placed under a curse. “Cursed is
the ground because of you.”

Enmity between man and wild animals emerged.

9) Man began to die. Death sentence is passed upon all men. “You will return to
the ground… you are dust”

10) Man began to hate. Man developed murderous feelings in his heart, for
example Cain killed Abel, his younger brother.

11) Man changed and became prone to sin.

12) Life span of man was reduced (see Gen. 6:3) “I will not allow people to live
forever, they will live no longer than 120 years”

13) Man’s language was confused by God after the flood (read Gen.11: 7)

14) Sin led to embarrassment, mistrust, suffering, pain, pride, arrogance and
death.

Summary

Disobedience of God by Adam and Eve brought serious sin consequences to

human beings. Sin brings sadness and suffering to man every today.

Activity

In groups of two or three, discuss the origin and consequences of sin.

CONCEPT OF EVIL
Introduction

In this lesson, we shall discuss the concept of evil as told by the traditional
African religion and the biblical writings. We shall study similarities and
differences of evil from the two religions.

What is evil?
In the traditional African society, evil was an offence against God, spirits and
ancestors. It was also viewed as an offence against another person or
community. Evil was also a misfortune that can befall an individual or a
community.

What are the causes of evil?

Many of the traditional African societies do not associate God with evil. God is
not the creator of evil. Some communities believe that evil is an external power
that exists on its own. Thus in the traditional African society, evil was understood
or explained as something mysterious that was caused by several people and
things. These were:

a) Evil spirits

b) Ancestral spirits – due to disobedience to them

c) Some animals like the chameleon are sources of evil. The Akamba believed
that chameleons brought evil. Other communities believed that if an owl cries
near one’s homestead, it is a sign of evil.

d) People with mystical powers for example magic, sorcery, and witchcraft are
evils

e) If a member of a community breaks a taboo by disobedience, this action may

bring evil spirits.

f) The spirits of the dead; cause evil; if they are not remembered or respected.
Evil spirits cause harm and violence.

Consequences of evil in traditional African society

These were many and ranged from (a) Barrenness (b) Drought (c) Epidemics (d)
Madness (e) Sickness (f) Death (g) Drowning (h) Burning in a house (i) War (j)
Physically and mentally handicapped children (l) Rebellious children

Values needed to overcome temptations

Skills needed to overcome temptations

Recognize Your Tendency to Sin

James 1:14 explains that we are tempted when we become enticed by our own
natural desires. The first step toward overcoming temptation is to recognize the
human tendency to be seduced by our own fleshly cravings.

The temptation to sin is a given, so don’t be surprised by it. Expect to be

tempted daily, and be prepared for it. The apostle Peter reminds us to stay on
the lookout:

Be alert and of sober mind.

Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to
devour. (1 Peter 5:8, NIV)

Flee From Temptation

But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from
what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from
becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he
will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.

When you come face to face with temptation, look for the way out—the way of
escape—that God has promised. Then skedaddle. Flee. Run as fast as you can.

Resist Temptation with the Word of Truth

Hebrews 4:12 says that God’s Word is living, active, and powerful. Did you know
you can carry a weapon that will make your thoughts obey Jesus Christ?

According to Ephesians 6:17, one of our weapons is the Word of God:

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary,
they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and
every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take
captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4–5, NIV)

Jesus overcame the devil’s temptations in the wilderness with the Word of God. If
it worked for him, it will work for us. And because Jesus was fully human, he is
able to identify with our struggles and give us the exact help we need for
overcoming temptation.

While it can be helpful to read God’s Word when you’re being tempted,
sometimes that’s not practical. Even better is to practice reading the Bible daily
so that eventually you have so much of it on the inside, you are ready whenever
temptation strikes.

If you are reading the Bible regularly, you will have the full counsel of God at
your disposal. You will start to have the mind of Christ. When temptation comes
knocking on your door, all you’ll have to do is draw your weapon, aim, and fire.

Refocus Your Mind and Heart with Praise

How often have you been tempted to sin when your whole heart was fully
concentrated on worshiping the Lord? I’m guessing your answer is never.

Praising God takes our focus off of self and puts it on God. You may not be strong
enough to resist temptation on your own, but as you focus on God, he will inhabit
your praises. He will give you the strength to resist and walk away from the
temptation.

Psalm 147 might be a good place to start:

Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and
fitting to praise him! (Psalm 147:1, NIV)

Repent Quickly When You Fail

In several places, the Bible tells us the best way to resist and overcome
temptation is to flee from it (1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 Timothy
6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22). Even still, we fall from time to time. When we fail to flee
temptation, eventually we will give in and fall.

Having a more realistic view—knowing that at times you will fail—should help
you to repent quickly when you do. Failing is not the end of the world, but it is
dangerous to persist in your sin.

Going back to the book of James, verse 1:15 explains that sin “when it is full-
grown, gives birth to death.” Continuing or persisting in sin leads to spiritual
death, and often even physical death. That is why it’s best to repent quickly
when you know you’ve fallen into sin

Others include:

1. Keep yourself busy

2. Avoid comparison as it triggers temptations

3. Avoid watching negative films, movies etc.

4. Keep your mind focused and positive

5. Seek help where needed be

God’s plan of salvation

After the fall of man, God took steps to heal the damaged situation and
relationship between Him and Adam and Eve.

GOD:

1. Provided clothing of skin to Adam and Eve.

2. Looked for Adam and Eve since they were hiding from His presence.

3. Provided Adam and Eve with the knowledge to find different foods.

4. Declared enmity between man and the snake.

5. Hinted at the ultimate victory of man when He said that the seed of the
woman would crush the snake or serpent’s head. The serpent would attack the
heel of man and woman.

All through the Old Testament, and the New Testament, we see God’s plan of
salvation being manifested. For instance, GOD chose and separated Abraham
from other communities. The children of

Israel led by Moses (were delivered) from Egypt,. God sent prophets to teach and
warn the Israelites of the dangers of sin. Finally God sent his only son Jesus Christ
to die on the cross to save human kind.

SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TRADITIONAL AFRICAN VIEW

OF EVIL AND BIBLICAL CONCEPT OF SIN

Similarities

Both the Biblical and traditional African view or agree that

1) God is supreme. God is neither the creator nor author of evil

2) Sin comes from the disobedience of God by human beings

3) Evil and misfortune are God’s curse to man (Biblical) while the traditional
African society sees evil as curses by ancestors, and elders. Both curses lead to
misfortunes.

4) The result of sin and evil is human sufferings

5) Sin and evil lead to man being separated from God

6) God is the guardian of law and order

7) Human beings have the ability to overcome evil

Differences

1) Biblical account emphasizes personal nature of sin while in the African

concept; sin is more social and communal

2) Biblical account attributes evil to disobedience while African concept

attributes evil not only to disobediences but other external forces.

3) Biblical accounts offer a message of hope to overcome evil while African

concept doesn’t offer a solution to sin and evil.

4) Traditional African concept all forms of suffering as a result of sin while in the
Bible suffering is not always a result of sin.

Questions

1) Explain the differences between the two creation stories

2) State the traditional African view of creation

3) Explain how human beings continue with the work of creation

4) What is the origin of sin and evil according to traditional African society?

5) Give three consequences of sin as stated in Genesis

6) State the consequences of evil according to African traditional societies

7) Trace God’s plan of salvation of human kind

Compare biblical and traditional African understanding of evil and sin.

9) What does the command “Subdue the earth” in Genesis 1 verse 28 mean?
 THE BIBLE
CALL OF ABRAHAM

BACKGROUND TO THE CALL OF ABRAHAM (Genesis 11:24-32, 12)

Introduction

The background to the call of Abraham is found in the first book of the bible. This
is Genesis which is a Greek word meaning “Beginning”. The relationship between
Adam and God was good but after Adam disobeyed GOD, their relationship
changed because of sin by Eve and Adam. After sometime, God repaired this
relationship by calling Abraham and offering salvation.

Background

-Abraham lived with his father Terah at a place called Ur. Abraham’s father lived
among people who worshiped many gods. One of the god’s whom people of Ur
worshipped was the moon. This worship of many gods is referred to as
polytheism.
-The family of Terah moved from Ur to Haran. While at Haran, God called
Abraham at 75 years old. He was told to…. “Leave your country, your relatives
and your father’s home and go to a land that I am going to show you”. Abraham
obeyed God’s call. He left Haran for a land that was unknown to him. He took his
property his wife Sarah and his nephew lot. At the time of the call of Abraham, he
was known as Abram and his wife Sarai. God changed their names to Abraham
and Sarah. Abraham means Father of many nations while Sarah means mother of
nations.

-On arrival in Canaan, he travelled and came to a place called Schechem. God
appeared to him once more. Abraham built an altar for the lord at this place.
Altars are places of worship. They were regarded as holy and were
manifestations of God’s presence. An altar was made of stones.

-After sometime, he separated with his nephew Lot due to their servants having
strife over water for their livestock. Abraham left Canaan due to feminine. He
went to Egypt.

Activity

1. Where did Lot settle?

2. Read GENESIS, chapter 11 (24 – 32) and chapter 12 (1 – 9)

FAITH AND GOD’S PROMISES TO ABRAHAM (HEBREWS 11: 1 – 6)

THE MEANING OF FAITH

-Faith is a strong belief, a complete trust or confidence in someone or something.

It is also a firm belief, which is not based on any scientific or logical proof. Faith in
God is an attitude of complete trust in God.

It is not based on concrete or tangible objects. Faith is manifested in the ways of

life of a believer.

-Abraham is an example of someone who had faith in God. He showed his faith in
action in several ways.

HOW ABRAHAM DEMONSTRATED HIS FAITH IN GOD

1. Although Abraham was old, he left Haran to go to a strange unknown land of

Canaan.

2. After he settled in Canaan, Abraham was assured by God of his protection and
was given other promises such as he will get a son, and Abraham believed God.
Sarah gave birth to a son when she was

90 years old and Abraham was around 120 years old. This was as the lord had
promised Abraham.
3. The son was named Isaac that means “laughter” – because Sarah had laughed
when she was told that she would have a child in her old age. The child Isaac
was circumcised when he was eight (8) days old.

4. Abraham was told by God to circumcise all males in his household including
himself. He obeyed.

5. When Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac to God, he was ready to do
so.

6. Abraham believed that God would fulfill all the promises he had given to him

7. Abraham demonstrated his faith by building altars

GOD’S PROMISES TO ABRAHAM (GENESIS 12:2-3, 15:1-21, 21, 17:1-

8, 17:15-18)

A promise is giving an assurance of something to someone. The promises God

gave to Abraham were that:

1. God told him he would give him a land. His descendants would be given the
land of Canaan to dwell in

2. His name would be made famous

3. His descendants will be many. Abraham would be made a great nation.

4. God would protect him

5. He was promised a son of their own

6. God would bless him

7. God would bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him

8. Abraham was promised that he would die in peace and in an old age

9. His descendants would be strangers in a foreign land but afterwards would

come out with great possessions.

THE RELEVANCE OF THE PROMISES MADE BY GOD TO ABRAHAM TO

CHRISTIANS TODAY (Gen. 12: 2 – 3, 15: 1 – 21, 21:1 – 7, 17: 15 – 18)

God called Abraham from idol worship in the same way God continues to call
people to serve him.

1) Through Abraham, God had a plan to restore the relationship between man
and God

2) Christians receive the promises of blessings from God through Abraham (Gods
promises to Abraham fulfilled through Christians)

3) As Abraham left his own people, Christians should leave their sinful lives and
put their whole trust in God.

4) Abraham is seen as the descendant not only of the Israelites but also of
Christians
5) Christians have faith that God fulfils promises to them as he did to Abraham

6) Christians are assured of God’s protection

7) Through God’s dealing with Abraham, God shows that he values a personal
relationship with human kind.

Through Jesus Christ Christians enter into an everlasting covenant with God. Just
like Abraham entered into a covenant with God.

9) The promise to Abraham of Canaan Promised Land is to Christians the hope

for new land – heaven

10) God continues to make promises to those who believe him

11) Abraham is the ancestor (Father) of all believers)

COVENANT
Definition

A covenant is a solemn agreement between two persons or two groups of

people. An agreement is between two separated parties. It’s a pact, a treaty.
When it is a covenant, it conveys a union or partnership.

Characteristics / components of a covenant

There are components or features that must be in a covenant. A covenant must

have a ceremony, sign, witnesses, promises/vows/oaths, obligations /
consequences, and participants. A covenant establishes a sacrificial bond
between the parties involved. There are obligations or rules by which the parties
must abide by, adhere to and observe in order to keep the covenant. A covenant
is an agreement and if it is broken, there are consequences for breaking it. In the
Bible, there are many covenants.

Examples of covenants in the Bible

1. Adamic covenant – Agreement between God and Adam

2. Noahlic Covenant – God’s covenant with Noah where God promised to

preserve life of man and not to destroy it with water. The sign of the covenant is
the rainbow. In Gen 9 verse 3, GOD told Noah, “Everything that lives and moves
will be food for you…Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you
everything. Verse 4 says, “But you must not eat meat that has its lifeblood still in
it”

3. Abrahamic covenant – Gods covenant with Abraham. He promised to fulfill

promises He gave to Abraham.
These promises were:

(1) Increase numbers of descendant of Abraham. He will be father of many

nations, (2) Be GOD of his descendants

(3) Abraham will have a son an heir,

(4) Given land of Canaan and other lands from the river of Egypt to River
Euphrates, and all for heirs of Abraham (Gen. 15: 17 – 18)

(5) Circumcision of all males at 8 days after birth even none Israelites living in
their land (6) Covenant with Isaac

4. Mosaic Covenant – is a covenant between the Israelites and GOD. Moses led
Israel to Mt. Sinai. God promised to be their God. Israelites were given the law
written by GOD in “tablets of stone, with law and commands I have written for….
instruction”. (Read exodus 23).

5. Davidic Covenant – covenant between David and God – God promised him
that his dynasty would rule forever.

6. Messianic Covenant – new covenant between Christians and God through

Jesus Christ.

God’s covenant with Abraham and its importance (Genesis 15:1-19)

The covenant was established after God appeared to Abraham in a vision.

During the visitation of God, Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah 90 years. He
was promised a son. Abraham wanted assurance from God. God told him to bring
him the following items for sacrifice.

Items for sacrifice

Three (3) years olds: heifer, goat, ram and a dove and a pigeon.

Abraham then cut these animals into two halves and placed them opposite each
other.

The birds were not split.

After it was dark, smoking fire and a flaming torch suddenly appeared and
passed between the pieces of animals.

Towards evening, Abraham fell into a deep sleep. While he slept the Lord
appeared to him and told him that:

His descendants will be strangers in a foreign land and be slaves for 400 years.
But they will come out of this land with a lot of wealth and God will punish the
nation that will enslave Israelites.

He, Abraham will live up to a ripe age, and die in peace. Then the Lord made a
covenant with Abraham and promised to give him and his descendants the land
of Canaan. God himself passed through the sacrifices and bound himself to keep
the promises.
IMPORTANCE OF THE COVENANT BETWEEN GOD AND ABRAHAM (GEN.
15: 1- 19)

God bound himself in a personal relationship with a human being

As God passed through the meat, he showed Abraham he would always protect
him. This passed on to the descendants of Abraham

This covenant between God and Abraham begins a lasting relationship between
God and all the nations of the earth.

Throughout this covenant God was initiating his plan of salvation for human
kind

The promises made to Abraham were fulfilled in New Testament blood of the
lamb – death of Jesus Christ

It emphasized the importance of faith followed by obedience that Abraham

shared.

COVENANTS IN MODERN LIFE AND THEIR IMPORTANCE

Modern covenants are

(a) Marriage

(b) Baptism

(c) Oath of loyalty and

(d) Ordination of clergy

Marriage ceremony:

In marriage, the bride, bridegroom and their families come together. When the
two families come together a relationship is developed. They make an
agreement and both sides are seriously involved in the ceremony, whether the
marriage is civil or religious. During the marriage ceremony the couple makes
vows/promises to each other, before a priest/ pastor and the congregation. Two
officials witness these agreements. Rings are exchanged as a sign of a lasting
relationship. A certificate is given in some cases as a testimony (sign) of this
agreement. There is eating and drinking.

Baptism:

In a Christian baptism, a covenant is entered into between the believer and God.
The believer makes vows before God. The priest and the whole congregation
witness this agreement. In some churches, a card is issued to the person who
has been baptized as a sign of Christian membership. The baptized can now take
the Holy Communion, which is a Christian Ceremony. But when an infant is
baptized, parents take the vows on behalf of the child.

Loyalty /oath:
Leaders in public service for example the president, ministers, Members of
Parliament, and Governors are sworn in before they take over their new
responsibilities. They swear (take an oath) and promise to carry out their duties
firmly and without fear or favor.

Ordination of the clergy:

Church leaders, nuns and priests take oaths and make vows to God and to the
congregation in a ceremony attended by worshippers.

The importance of modern day covenants

• They bind different groups

• They act as a security

• They strengthen relationships

• They unite people together

• They create loyalty

• They create peace, harmony and bring a sense of permanence

THE TESTING OF ABRAHAM’S FAITH (GEN. 22: 1 – 18)

God tested Abraham’s faith by asking him to go and sacrifice his only son Isaac.
This was the son he loved so much. He was to travel to Mount Moniah. On
reaching Mt. Moriah, he built an altar, and arranged wood on it. He tied up his
son Isaac and placed him on the altar on top of the wood. He lifted a knife to kill
him. “But the Angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven. Abraham!
Abraham! Do not lay a hand on the boy…Do not do anything to him. Now I know
you that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your
only son” (v 11-12). Abraham had obedient reverence for God became he did not
keep back his only son from God. God provided a ram for sacrifice. He named the
mountain “the Lord provided” God was pleased with Abraham and promised him
blessings, many descendants’ victory, and protection.

Activity

Read Genesis 12:1 – 9, 15:1 – 6, 17:23 – 24, 21:1 – 7, 22:1-19

IMPORTANCE OF FAITH IN CHRISTIAN LIFE TODAY

1. A Christian today is acceptable to God through his faith in God through Jesus
Christ. Without faith it is impossible to please God.

2. A Christian can only serve God if he has faith in him. Faith enables a Christian
to serve God

3. Faith enables a Christian to accomplish what appears to be impossible

4. Through faith, Christians are able to trust God to fulfill his promises to them

5. Faith is the foundation of the Christians salvation

6. Faith in God gives a Christian the power to overcome all temptations.

8. Christians should expect to have their faith tested just like Abraham was.

9. Faith enables Christians to patiently wait on God’s promises

10. Christians through faith in God help the poor, make right decisions and are
able to understand and know God better.

JEWISH AND AFRICAN PRACTICES OF CIRCUMCISION

IMPORTANCE OF CIRCUMCISION TO ABRAHAM AND HIS DESCENDANTS

(GEN. 17: 1 – 16)

The rite of circumcision was started by Abraham and has been practiced by the
Jews up to the present times.

In the Old Testament, it was important because:

(i) Through circumcision: God assured Abraham that he would fulfill His promises
to him.

(ii) Circumcision was a sign that Abraham and his descendants had entered into
a covenant with God. It was an outward sign of inner faith.

(iii) Circumcision was a mark of identity for the Jews

(iv) It was a sign of obedience to God

(v) It was an acceptance of God as the only true God and their willingness to
remain faithful to him

In the New Testament

(vi) Circumcision doesn’t qualify one to be a child of God. One is accepted as a

Christian without circumcision as long as they have faith in God.

(vii) A true descendant of Abraham is the Christian who truly believes in God and
lives according to His will regardless of colour, race or creed.

CIRCUMCISION IN AFRICAN COMMUNITIES

Circumcision is one of the rites of passage among the African people. It marks
the transition from one stage to another. Many ethnic communities in Kenya still
practice the rite of circumcision. During circumcision ceremonies, prayers are
offered to God for the well-being of the initiates (those who are being
circumcised) and the prosperity of the whole community. Initiates learn secrets of
their community and society. They are taught myths, origin, religious beliefs, and
sex education. In some communities, initiates are given new names or
ornaments to signify their new status.

JEWISH AND AFRICAN PRACTICES OF CIRCUMCISION

Similarities

In both Jewish and African communities, circumcision:

(a) Is a mark of identity

(b) Provided a sense of belonging

(c) Was observed as a religious experience

(d) was compulsory

(e) Was a tradition passed from one generation to another

(f) Is a time for shedding blood

(g) Was a time for offering prayers to God for the well-being of the initiates

(h) Was a time for giving gifts

(i) Was a ceremony for initiation

(j) Was a time for giving the initiates names

(k) Took place in sacred places.

Differences

In Jewish community,

i. Circumcision was a rite for boys while in African society it was for both boys
and girls. But it was for boys in a few communities.

ii. Boys were circumcised when aged 8 days while in the African society; it was
between 15 to 25 years old.

iii. Circumcision was for boy’s organ while in African societies several forms of
initiation were done, for example, removal of teeth, and body piercing among
others.

iv. Circumcision was a command from God while for the African communities it
was in obedience to customary law where ancestors were invoked to protect the
initiates.

Among the African societies

v. Circumcision was a rite of passage from childhood to adulthood while for the
Jews it was not.

vi. The initiates were given specialized education while the Jews were not.

vii. The initiates were grouped into age groups, and were secluded from the
community while among the Jews it was not so.

viii. The rite of circumcision according to seasons while the Jews once a child is
born, they are circumcised on the 8th day.
ix. After circumcision, the initiates were allowed to marry, enter a warrior group,
own property but for the Jews the initiate was still a child.

Questions

1.Explain why Abraham is referred to as the father of faith

2. Give five actions from the life of Abraham that shows his faith to God

3. List some of the promises God gave to Abraham

4. Compare and contrast the Jewish and traditional African practice of

circumcision

5. What is the importance of faith to Christians?

6. State the elements of a covenant

7. Give examples of covenants in the bible and the modern society

8. Discuss the circumstances that led God to enter into a covenant relationship
with Abraham.