Topic 1: Introduction to Christian Religious Education (CRE)

1. Definition and Meaning of CRE

Christian Religious Education (CRE) is the study of God’s self-revelation to human beings, His relationship with mankind, and the response of humans to God through faith, moral living, and obedience. In the Kenyan educational curriculum, CRE forms an integral part of value-based learning, guiding students in spiritual, social, and moral development.

2. Importance of Studying CRE in Secondary Schools

Students study CRE for several significant reasons:

1. Moral and Spiritual Growth: It equips learners with Christian values such as honesty, love, tolerance, humility, and hard work.
2. Understanding God: It helps students comprehend who God is, His purpose for humanity, and His continuous involvement in human history.
3. Decision Making: It provides ethical guidelines and critical thinking tools to help learners navigate modern social challenges (e.g., peer pressure, drug abuse, corruption).
4. Promoting National Unity: CRE teaches values like peace, justice, and love for one's neighbor, bridging ethnic and cultural divides.
5. Career Preparation: It lays a strong foundation for careers in counseling, theology, education, social work, and leadership.

3. The Bible as the Word of God

The word Bible is derived from the Greek word ta biblia, meaning "the books." It is a library of 66 sacred books written by various human authors inspired by the Holy Spirit over a span of approximately 1,500 years.

Classification of the Bible

The Bible is divided into two major divisions:

A. The Old Testament (39 Books)

1. The Pentateuch / Law (5 Books): Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.
2. Historical Books (12 Books): Joshua to Esther (detailing the history of Israel).
3. Poetic / Wisdom Books (5 Books): Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon.
4. Prophetic Books (17 Books):
   • Major Prophets (5): Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel.
   • Minor Prophets (12): Hosea to Malachi.

B. The New Testament (27 Books)

1. The Gospels (4 Books): Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (chronicling the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ).
2. Historical Book (1 Book): Acts of the Apostles (detailing the early church and mission work).
3. The Epistles / Letters (21 Books):
   • Pauline Epistles (13): Romans to Philemon.
   • General / Catholic Epistles (8): Hebrews to Revelation.
4. Prophetic Book (1 Book): Revelation (Apocalypse).

4. Translation of the Bible

The Bible was originally written in three ancient languages:

• Hebrew: Most of the Old Testament.
• Aramaic: Small portions of Daniel and Ezra.
• Greek: The entire New Testament and parts of the Old Testament (Septuagint).

Major Milestones in Bible Translation

• The Septuagint: Translation of the Old Testament from Hebrew into Greek around the 3rd to 2nd century BC.
• The Vulgate: St. Jerome's translation of the Bible into Latin in the 4th century AD.
• John Wycliffe (1382): Translated the Bible from Latin into English.
• William Tyndale (1525): Translated the New Testament directly from Greek into English (printed).
• King James Version (KJV - 1611): Commissioned by King James I of England, becoming one of the most widely used English translations.

Modern Translations Used in Kenya

• Revised Standard Version (RSV)
• Good News Bible (Today's English Version)
• New International Version (NIV)
• Biblica / Swahili Union Version (Biblia Takatifu)