CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PAPER 2 - 2023 ANSWERS

Question 1
(a) Describe the incident in which an angel visited the shepherds on the night Jesus was
born. (Luke 2:8-20) (7 marks)
●​ The setting: Shepherds were in the fields at night, tending their sheep.
●​ The appearance of the angel: A bright light appeared, and an angel of the Lord stood
before them, causing great fear.
●​ The message of the angel: The angel told them not to be afraid and announced the good
news of the birth of the Savior, Christ the Lord, in Bethlehem.
●​ The sign: The sign given to them was that they would find the baby wrapped in swaddling
cloths and lying in a manger.
●​ The heavenly host: Suddenly, a multitude of the heavenly host appeared, praising God
and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!"
●​ The shepherds' response: The shepherds decided to go to Bethlehem to see this thing
that had happened.
●​ Finding Jesus: They found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger, just as the
angel had told them.
●​ Sharing the news: The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had
heard and seen, and they spread the word about what had been told them concerning the
child.
(b) Identify five ways in which the birth of Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies. (8
marks)
●​ Possible Prophecies and Fulfillment:
○​ Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14): Matthew 1:18-25 describes Jesus' birth to Mary, a
virgin.
○​ Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2): Matthew 2:1-6 recounts Jesus being born in
Bethlehem of Judea.
○​ Descendant of David (Isaiah 11:1-2, Jeremiah 23:5): The genealogies in Matthew 1
and Luke 3 trace Jesus' lineage back to David.
○​ Called the Son of God (Psalm 2:7): The angel's announcement (Luke 1:35) and
God's voice at Jesus' baptism and transfiguration affirm his divine sonship.
○​ A light to the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:6): Simeon's prophecy in Luke 2:32 speaks of
Jesus as a light to the Gentiles.
○​ Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53): While this prophecy primarily relates to his death, his
humble birth in a manger foreshadows his life of humility and eventual sacrifice.
○​ Bringing peace (Isaiah 9:6-7): The angels' song at his birth proclaimed "peace on
earth."
(c) State five lessons Christians learn from the visit of the shepherds to the infant Jesus.
(5 marks)
●​ Possible Lessons:
○​ God reveals himself to the humble: The shepherds were ordinary working people,
yet they were among the first to receive the good news.
○​ Obedience to God's word: The shepherds immediately acted upon the angel's
message and went to find Jesus.
○​ The importance of witness: After seeing Jesus, the shepherds shared the news with
others.
○​ Joy and praise in response to God's work: The shepherds glorified and praised God
 for what they had seen and heard.
○​ God's love is for all: The good news of Jesus' birth was announced to these simple
shepherds, signifying that salvation is for everyone.
Question 2
(a) Describe the healing of the paralytic at Capernaum. (Mark 2:1-12) (7 marks)
●​ Jesus returns to Capernaum, and the news spreads that he is at home.
●​ A large crowd gathers, so that there is no more room, even around the door, and Jesus is
preaching the word to them.
●​ Four men come, bringing to him a paralytic.
●​ Unable to get through the crowd, they make an opening in the roof above Jesus, and
when they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.
●​ Seeing their faith, Jesus says to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."
●​ Some of the teachers of the law question in their hearts why Jesus speaks like this,
claiming blasphemy as only God can forgive sins.
●​ Knowing their thoughts, Jesus asks them, "Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your
sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'?"
●​ To prove his authority to forgive sins, Jesus tells the paralytic, "I tell you, get up, take your
mat and go home."
●​ Immediately, the man gets up, takes his mat, and walks out in front of everyone.
●​ The people are all amazed and praise God, saying, "We have never seen anything like
this!"
(b) Give four reasons why Jesus performed miracles. (8 marks)
●​ Possible Reasons:
○​ To demonstrate his power and authority: Miracles showed Jesus' power over
sickness, nature, and even death, confirming his divine nature.
○​ To authenticate his message and ministry: The miracles served as signs that
validated his claims about being the Messiah and bringing God's Kingdom.
○​ To show compassion and love: Many miracles were performed out of Jesus' deep
care and concern for suffering individuals.
○​ To reveal the nature of God's Kingdom: The healings and restoration symbolized
the wholeness and restoration that God's Kingdom brings.
○​ To provoke faith: Witnessing miracles often led people to believe in Jesus.
(c) State five ways in which Christians can demonstrate their faith today. (5 marks)
●​ Possible Ways:
○​ Prayer: Regularly communicating with God.
○​ Studying the Bible: Learning and applying God's Word.
○​ Fellowship: Connecting with other believers for support and encouragement.
○​ Service: Showing love for others through acts of kindness and practical help.
○​ Witnessing: Sharing their faith with those who do not yet believe.
○​ Obedience to God's commands: Living according to Christian principles.
○​ Trust in God: Relying on God in all circumstances.
Question 3
(a) Describe the parable of the lost son. (Luke 15:11-32) (8 marks)
●​ A father had two sons.
●​ The younger son asked his father for his share of the inheritance.
●​ The father agreed and divided his property between them.
●​ The younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, where he
squandered his wealth in wild living.
 ●​ When he had spent everything, a severe famine struck that country, and he began to be in
need.
●​ He went and hired himself out to a resident of that country, who sent him into his fields to
feed pigs.
●​ He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him
anything.
●​ When he came to his senses, he said, "How many of my father's hired servants have
more than enough bread, but here I am dying of hunger! I will get up and go to my father,
and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer
worthy to be called your son. Treat me like one of your hired servants.'"
●​ So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw
him and was filled with compassion. He ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.
●​ The son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no
longer worthy to be called your son."
●​ But the father said to his servants, "Quickly, bring out the best robe and put it on him, and
put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and
let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is
found.' And they began to celebrate."
●​ Now the older son was in the field, and as he came near the house, he heard music and
dancing.
●​ He called one of the servants and asked what these things meant.
●​ And he said to him, "Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf,
because he has received him back safe and sound."
●​ But the older son was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him,
but he answered his father, "Look, these many years I have served you, and I never
disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate
with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with
prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!"
●​ And he said to him, "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was
fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead and is alive again; he was
lost and is found."
(b) Identify six values that a Christian can learn about from the parable of the lost son. (6
marks)
●​ Possible Values:
○​ Repentance: The younger son's decision to return home demonstrates true
repentance.
○​ Forgiveness: The father's unconditional welcome and embrace of his son exemplify
God's forgiveness.
○​ God's love and compassion: The father's actions reveal God's boundless love and
compassion for sinners.
○​ Reconciliation: The parable highlights the possibility of restoring broken
relationships.
○​ Justice: The older son's reaction raises questions about fairness and justice.
○​ Grace: The father's undeserved favor towards the younger son illustrates the
concept of grace.
○​ Celebration of return: The father's joy at the younger son's return shows the
importance of celebrating repentance and restoration.
(c) Identify six instructions that Jesus gave to the seventy-two apostles before he sent
them on a mission. (6 marks)
●​ While the question says 72 apostles, it refers to the 72 disciples sent out in Luke 10:1-12
(not apostles).
●​ Possible Instructions:
○​ "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the
Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." (Luke 10:2)
○​ "Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves." (Luke 10:3)
○​ "Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals, and greet no one on the road."
(Luke 10:4)
○​ "Whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house!'" (Luke 10:5)
○​ "Remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer
deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house." (Luke 10:7)
○​ "Heal the sick in it and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'"
(Luke 10:9)
○​ "But whatever town you enter and they do not receive you, go into its streets and
say, 'Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet
know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.'"(Luke 10:10-11)
Question 4
(a) State the teaching of Jesus on the role of the Holy Spirit. (6 marks)
●​ Key Points:
○​ The Comforter/Helper: Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would come as a Comforter
or Helper (John 14:16, 26).
○​ Teacher: The Holy Spirit would teach the disciples all things and bring to their
remembrance all that Jesus had said to them (John 14:26).
○​ Witness to Jesus: The Holy Spirit would testify about Jesus (John 15:26).
○​ Convictor of sin: The Holy Spirit would convict the world concerning sin,
righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).
○​ Guide into all truth: The Holy Spirit would guide the disciples into all truth (John
16:13).
○​ Glorifier of Jesus: The Holy Spirit would glorify Jesus (John 16:14).
○​ Indwelling presence: The Holy Spirit would dwell in believers (John 14:17).
○​ Power for witness: Believers would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon
them to be witnesses (Acts 1:8).
(b) Outline the teachings of Saint Paul on the unity of believers as expressed in the image
of the body of Christ. (8 marks)
●​ Key Points (Mainly from 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12):
○​ One body, many members: Just as a body has many parts, so the church is one
body with many members (1 Corinthians 12:12).
○​ Diversity of gifts: Each member has different gifts and talents given by the same
Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Romans 12:6-8).
○​ Interdependence: The members are interdependent and need each other (1
Corinthians 12:14-26).
○​ Equality and honor: No member is more important than another, and all deserve
honor (1 Corinthians 12:22-26).
○​ Unity in Christ: Believers are united to Christ and to one another (Romans 12:5, 1
Corinthians 12:13).
○​ Functioning together: Members are to use their gifts to serve one another and build
up the body (Romans 12:4-8, Ephesians 4:16).
 ○​ Love as the bond: Love is essential for the unity and proper functioning of the body
(Colossians 3:14).
(c) You are a member of a group in your class that has been tasked to find out the roles
performed by different members of the church. You are to present on the role played by
women in the church. Highlight six issues that your presentation would cover. (6 marks)
●​ Possible Issues:
○​ Ministry of Jesus towards women: How Jesus treated women with respect and
included them in his ministry.
○​ Women in the Old Testament: Examples of women in leadership or significant roles
(e.g., Deborah, Esther).
○​ Women in the New Testament: Roles of women in the early church (e.g., Mary
Magdalene, Priscilla, Phoebe).
○​ Spiritual gifts of women: Emphasizing that women, like men, receive diverse
spiritual gifts for ministry.
○​ Women in church leadership: Examining various perspectives on women serving as
pastors, elders, or deacons.
○​ Women in various ministries: Highlighting the involvement of women in teaching,
evangelism, worship, care, and service within the church.
○​ Challenges faced by women in ministry: Addressing issues like cultural barriers,
discrimination, or limited opportunities.
Question 5
(a) State the similarities between the traditional African and Christian view on human
sexuality. (6 marks)
●​ Possible Similarities:
○​ Sexuality within marriage: Both views generally recognize marriage as the
appropriate context for sexual activity.
○​ Procreation: Both value procreation as an important purpose of sexuality and
marriage.
○​ Importance of family: Both emphasize the importance of family and see sexuality as
contributing to its continuity.
○​ Moral codes: Both have moral codes regulating sexual behavior, though the
specifics may differ.
○​ Community involvement: Both recognize that sexuality and marriage are not purely
individual matters but have social and communal implications.
○​ Celebration of fertility/rites of passage: Both may have rituals or ceremonies
connected to fertility and transitions in life related to sexuality.
(b) Give seven reasons why Christians advocate for a monogamous marriage. (7 marks)
●​ Possible Reasons:
○​ Biblical precedent: The creation account in Genesis portrays one man and one
woman (Genesis 2:24).
○​ Jesus' teaching: Jesus affirmed the creation account and emphasized the
permanence of marriage between one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4-6).
○​ Paul's teaching: Paul's letters to the churches often assume and support
monogamous relationships.
○​ Faithfulness and commitment: Monogamy promotes faithfulness, trust, and deep
commitment between partners.
○​ Stability for children: Monogamy provides a stable and secure environment for
raising children.
 ○​ Equality in relationship: Monogamy fosters equality and mutual respect between
husband and wife.
○​ Prevention of jealousy and conflict: Monogamy helps avoid the potential for
jealousy, rivalry, and conflict that can arise in polygamous relationships.
(c) Many people in modern society have opted for celibacy. Identify seven reasons why
many people are opting to remain celibate. (7 marks)
* Career focus: Dedication to career goals and the desire to avoid the perceived
distractions of marriage and family.
* Financial constraints: Economic challenges and the inability to afford the costs
associated with marriage and raising a family.
* Freedom and independence: Valuing personal freedom and independence and not
wanting to be tied down by marital responsibilities.
* Negative experiences: Witnessing or experiencing unhappy marriages or relationship
failures, leading to a reluctance to marry.
* Desire for personal growth: Focusing on personal development, education, or spiritual
pursuits that they feel are better achieved without marriage.
* Disappointment in finding a partner: Difficulty in finding a suitable or compatible
partner.
* Religious reasons: Some individuals choose celibacy for religious devotion or as part
of a specific religious calling (e.g., priests, monks, nuns).
* Changing societal norms: Shifting cultural attitudes towards marriage and family, with
greater acceptance of singlehood.

Question 6

(a) Identify seven areas of cooperation between the Church and the State in Kenya
today. (7 marks)
●​ Education: Churches often run schools and colleges, contributing to the education
sector.
●​ Healthcare: Churches are involved in establishing and managing hospitals and clinics,
providing healthcare services.
●​ Charity and social welfare: Churches engage in charitable activities, assisting the poor,
orphans, and vulnerable members of society.
●​ Moral guidance: Churches provide moral and ethical guidance to individuals and
society, promoting positive values.
●​ Peacebuilding and reconciliation: Churches play a role in mediating conflicts and
promoting peace and reconciliation.
●​ Advocacy for justice: Churches may speak out on social issues, advocating for justice
and human rights.
●​ National events: Churches participate in national events, such as prayers for the nation
or offering chaplaincy services.
●​ Development projects: Churches may partner with the state in community development
projects.

(b) The introduction of mobile phones has brought positive and negative changes
in the lives of people in society. Identify seven negative effects of the use of mobile
phones to families in Kenya today. (7 marks)
* Possible Negative Effects:
* Reduced face-to-face interaction: Mobile phones can lead to less direct
communication and quality time spent together as a family.
* Distraction and divided attention: Phones can distract family members from each
other, even during meals or family activities.
* Privacy concerns: Excessive phone use and social media can raise privacy issues
within families.
* Increased conflict: Disputes can arise over phone usage, especially among parents
and children.
* Cyberbullying and online dangers: Children and teenagers may be exposed to
cyberbullying, inappropriate content, or online predators.
* Financial strain: The cost of phones, data, and airtime can put a financial burden on
families.
* Addiction and dependence: Excessive phone use can lead to addiction, affecting
family responsibilities and relationships.
* Erosion of family values: A decline in traditional family values due to exposure to
diverse and sometimes conflicting ideas online.

(c) Explain six reasons why a Christian should donate blood. (6 marks)

* Possible Reasons:
* Love for neighbor: Donating blood is an act of love and compassion, helping to save
the lives of others in need.
* Following Jesus' example: Jesus sacrificed his own blood for humanity, and
Christians are called to follow his example of self-sacrifice.
* Helping the sick and injured: Blood transfusions are essential for treating accident
victims, surgery patients, and people with certain medical conditions.
* Sense of community: Donating blood promotes a sense of community and shared
responsibility for one another.
* Stewardship of the body: Caring for one's own health and using one's body to help
others can be seen as good stewardship.
* Obedience to God's call to serve: Christians are called to serve others, and donating
blood is a tangible way to do so.
* Expression of faith: Donating blood can be an expression of Christian faith and values
in action.