JAMB Christian Religious Studies Syllabus
This is the JAMB UTME syllabus for Christian Religious Studies, covering 52 topics. Each topic lists what you are expected to study and the objectives — what you should be able to do — based on the official JAMB syllabus.
General Objectives
The Christian Religious Studies syllabus is designed to enable candidates to:
- acquire the knowledge and understanding of the tenets of the Christian faith as contained in the Bible
- interpret biblical teachings and themes
- apply biblical teachings and tenets to life in society
- evaluate the level of application of biblical teachings and tenets to life in society
Detailed Christian Religious Studies Syllabus
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The Sovereignty of God
Contents
- God as Creator and Controller of the Universe (Gen. 1 and 2; Amos 9:5-6; Is. 45:5-12; Ps. 19:1-6)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- define the term 'sovereignty'
- analyse God's process of creation
- interpret the sequence of creation
- identify man's role in advancing God's purpose in creation
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The Covenant
Contents
- The flood and God's covenant with Noah (Gen. 6:1-22; 7:1-24; 9:1-17)
- God's covenant with Abraham (Gen. 11:31-32; 12:1-9; 17:1-21; 21:1-13; 25:19-26)
- God's covenant with Israel (Ex. 19; 20; 24:1-11; Deut. 28:1-19)
- The New Covenant (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:25-28)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- explain the concept of covenant
- examine the importance and implication of the covenants
- distinguish between God's covenants with Noah, Abraham and Israel
- distinguish between the old and the new covenants
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Leadership Qualities
Contents
- Joseph (Gen. 37:1-28; 41:1-57; 45:1-15)
- Moses (Ex. 1; 2; 3; 4:1-17; 5; 12; Num. 13:1-20; 14:1-19)
- Joshua (Num. 13:21-33; 27:15-23; Josh. 1:1-15; 6; 7; 24:1-31)
- Judges: Deborah (Judges 4:1-24), Gideon (Judges 6:11-40), Samson (Judges 13:1-7, 21-25; 16:4-31)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- examine the circumstances that gave rise to the leadership of Joseph, Moses, Joshua and the Judges
- identify the major talents of these leaders
- assess God's role in the works of these leaders
- analyse the achievements of these leaders
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Divine Providence, Guidance and Protection
Contents
- Guidance and Protection (Gen. 24:1-61; 28:10-22; 46:1-7; Ex. 13:17-22; 14:1-4, 10-31)
- Provision (Gen. 21:14-18; 22:1-14; Ex. 16:1-21; 17:1-7; Num. 20:1-13; 1 Kings 17:1-16)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- identify the different ways by which God guided and protected the people of Israel
- specify how God provided for His people
- identify the different occasions when God provided for Israel
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Parental Responsibility
Contents
- Eli and Samuel (1 Sam. 2:11-36; 3:2-18; 4:10-22; 8:1-5)
- David (2 Sam. 13; 15:1-29; 18; 19:1-8)
- Asa (1 Kings 15:9-15; 22:41-44; Deut. 6:4-9; Prov. 4:1-10; 13:1, 24; 22:6; 23:13-14; 31:10-31)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- determine the extent to which Eli, Samuel and David were responsible for the shortcomings of their children
- describe how Asa pleased God
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Obedience and Disobedience
Contents
- Obedience and Rewards: Abraham (Gen. 22:1-19), Hebrew Midwives (Ex. 1:8-22), David (1 Sam. 30:1-20)
- Disobedience and Consequences: Adam (Gen. 2:15-25; 3), Collection of Manna (Ex. 16:22-30), The Golden Calf (Ex. 32), Moses (Num. 20:7-12; Deut. 34:1-6), Saul (1 Sam. 10:1-16; 15:1-25; 16:14-23; 31:1-13)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- determine why Abraham, the Hebrew midwives and David obeyed God
- identify the rewards for obedience
- compare the disobedience of Adam, the people of Israel, Moses and Saul
- indicate the reasons for their disobedience
- identify the consequences of disobedience
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A Man After God's Own Heart
Contents
- The early life of David (1 Sam. 16:1-13; 17; 18:17-30; 22:1-5; 24:1-23; 2 Sam. 2:1-7; 3:1-39)
- David's submission to the will of God (1 Sam. 26:1-25; 2 Sam. 12:15-25)
- David's repentance and forgiveness (2 Sam. 11; 12:1-15; Ps. 51:1-30)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- identify David's childhood experiences
- specify how David submitted to the will of God
- examine the situations that led to David's sin and repentance
- identify why God forgave David
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Decision-Making
Contents
- Reliance on a medium (1 Sam. 28:3-25)
- The wisdom of Solomon (1 Kings 3:3-28; 4:29-34; 5:1-12; 8:1-53)
- Unwise policies of Solomon and Rehoboam (1 Kings 9:15-23; 11:1-40; 12:1-20)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- identify the source of Solomon's wisdom
- compare the different ways used by Saul and Solomon in making decisions
- analyse the decisions made by Saul, Solomon and Rehoboam
- assess the consequences of Solomon and Rehoboam's unwise decisions
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Greed and Its Effects
Contents
- Ahab (1 Kings 21:1-29; 22:1-40; 2 Kings 9:30-37)
- Gehazi (2 Kings 5:1-27; Josh. 7)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- deduce the meaning of greed
- distinguish between Ahab and Gehazi's greed
- analyse the consequences of Ahab and Gehazi's greed
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The Supremacy of God
Contents
- Religious tension and the power of God on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 16:29-34; 17:1-7; 18; 19:1-18)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- assess the religious situation in Israel at the time of Elijah and Ahab
- identify the characters involved in the contest on Mount Carmel
- differentiate between God's power and that of Baal
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Religious Reforms in Judah
Contents
- Cleansing of the Temple (2 Kings 22)
- Renewal of the Covenant (2 Kings 23:1-30)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- analyse Josiah's religious reforms
- determine the reasons for the renewal of the covenant
- assess the significance of the reforms
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Concern for Judah
Contents
- The fall of Jerusalem (2 Kings 24; 25:1-17)
- Condition of Judah (Neh. 1:1-11; Ezra 1:1-11)
- Response to the state of Judah (Neh. 2; 4:1-23; Ezra 3; 4; 5; 6; 7)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- identify the reasons for the fall of Jerusalem
- examine the condition of Judah during the exile
- analyse the people's response to the call of Nehemiah and Ezra to rebuild Jerusalem
- distinguish between Nehemiah and Ezra's responses to the opposition of their enemies
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Faith, Courage and Protection
Contents
- Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Dan. 1; 3:1-30; 6:1-28)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- analyse the stories of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Daniel
- determine the occasions in which the four men demonstrated faith
- analyse the effects of the faith of the four men on the Babylonians
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God's Message to Nineveh
Contents
- Jonah and his message (Jonah 1; 2; 3; 4)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- analyse the story of Jonah's call
- describe the consequences of Jonah's disobedience
- assess the effect of Jonah's message on the Ninevites
- emulate the example of the Ninevites
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Social Justice, True Religion and Divine Love
Contents
- Social justice and true religion (Amos 2:6-8; 4; 5:1-25; 6:1-14; 7:10-17; 8:4-14; James 1:19-27)
- Divine love and human response (Hosea 1; 2; 3; 4; 6:1-11; 14)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- determine what true religion is
- identify the ills that led to the call for social justice in Amos' time
- examine the condition in Israel during Hosea's time
- analyse Hosea's portrayal of divine love and human response
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Holiness and Divine Call
Contents
- The calls of Isaiah, Ezekiel and Jeremiah (Isaiah 6:1-13; Ezek. 2; 3:1-11; Jer. 1:4-10)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- distinguish the calls of Isaiah, Ezekiel and Jeremiah
- compare the assignments given to these prophets
- determine the need for God's people to be holy
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Punishment and Hope
Contents
- Punishment and restoration (Jer. 3:11-18; 32:26-35; Ezek. 18; 37:1-14; Isaiah 61)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- describe the situations that led to the punishment of Israel
- identify the conditions for hope
- determine the benefits of restoration
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The Birth and Early Life of Jesus
Contents
- John, the forerunner of Jesus (Lk. 1:5-25, 57-66; 3:1-20; 7:18-35; Mk. 1:1-8; 6:14-29; Mt. 3:1-12; 11:2-19; Jn. 1:6-8, 19-37; 3:22-36)
- The birth and boyhood of Jesus (Mt. 1:18-25; 2; Lk. 1:26-45; 2)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- compare the stories of the births of John and Jesus
- assess the importance of John as the forerunner of Jesus
- describe the boyhood of Jesus
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The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus
Contents
- The baptism and temptation of Jesus (Mt. 3:13-17; 4:1-11; Mk. 1:9-13; Lk. 3:21-22; 4:1-13)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- determine the meaning and purpose of the baptism of Jesus
- enumerate the temptations of Jesus
- examine the significance of the temptations of Jesus
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Discipleship
Contents
- The call of the first disciples (Mt. 4:18-22; 9:9-13; Mk. 1:16-20; 2:13-17; Lk. 5:1-11, 27-32)
- The demands of discipleship (Mt. 8:19-22; Lk. 9:57-63; 14:25-33)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- identify the first disciples to be called by Jesus
- determine the demands of discipleship
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Miracles
Contents
- Nature miracles: Stilling the storm (Mt. 8:23-27; Mk. 4:35-41; Lk. 8:22-25), Feeding of the five thousand (Mt. 14:13-24; Mk. 6:30-44; Lk. 9:10-17; Jn. 6:1-13), Walking on the sea (Mt. 14:22-26; Mk. 6:45-52; Jn. 6:16-21), Changing water to wine (Jn. 2:1-11)
- Miracles of resuscitation: The raising of Lazarus (Jn. 11:1-45), The raising of Jairus' daughter (Lk. 8:41-42, 49-56; Mk. 5:21-43), The raising of the widow's son at Nain (Lk. 7:11-17)
- Healing miracles: The lepers (Mt. 8:1-4; Mk. 1:40-45; Lk. 5:12-16; 17:11-19), The paralytic at the pool (Jn. 5:1-17), The centurion's servant (Mt. 8:5-13; Lk. 7:1-10), The blind (Jn. 9:1-12; Mk. 10:46-52; Lk. 18:35-43)
- Exorcism: The Gerasene (Gadarene) demoniac (Mt. 8:28-34; Mk. 5:1-20; Lk. 8:26-39), The epileptic boy (Mk. 9:14-29; Lk. 9:37-43a; Mt. 17:14-21)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- classify the different miracles of Jesus
- indicate the occasion of each of the miracles
- examine the significance of each of the miracles
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The Parables
Contents
- Parables of the kingdom: The sower (Mt. 13:1-23; Mk. 4:1-20), The weeds (Mt. 13:24-30, 36-43), The drag-net (Mt. 13:47-50), The wedding garment (Mt. 22:1-14)
- Parables about love of God (Mt. 18:12-14; Lk. 15:1-32)
- Parables about love for one another (Lk. 10:25-37; 16:19-31)
- Parable about wealth: The rich fool (Lk. 12:13-21)
- Parables on prayer (Lk. 18:2-14)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- classify the different parables of Jesus
- identify the occasion of each parable
- interpret the meaning of each parable
- give reasons why Jesus taught in parables
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Sermon on the Mount
Contents
- The Sermon on the Mount (Mt. 5; 6; Lk. 6:17-26)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- analyse the teachings on the Mount
- identify the demands of the Kingdom
- determine the consequences of worldly possessions
- associate the rewards for obedience with the Sermon on the Mount
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Mission of the Disciples
Contents
- The mission of the twelve (Mt. 10:5-15; Mk. 6:7-13; Lk. 9:1-6)
- The mission of the seventy (Lk. 10:1-24)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- distinguish between the mission of the twelve and the seventy
- specify the instructions to the disciples
- assess the outcomes of the missions
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The Great Confession
Contents
- Peter's confession (Mt. 16:13-20; Mk. 8:27-30; Lk. 9:18-22)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- analyse the confession by Peter
- identify the occasion of the Great Confession
- examine the significance of the Great Confession
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The Transfiguration
Contents
- The Transfiguration (Mt. 17:1-13; Mk. 9:2-13; Lk. 9:28-36)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- trace the events leading to the Transfiguration
- determine the significance of the Transfiguration to the disciples
- identify the personalities involved in the Transfiguration account
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The Triumphal Entry and the Cleansing of the Temple
Contents
- The Triumphal Entry and the cleansing of the Temple (Mt. 21:1-17; Mk. 11:1-19; Lk. 19:29-48)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- recount the Triumphal Entry and the cleansing of the Temple
- determine the significance of the Triumphal Entry and the cleansing of the Temple
- examine how the cleansing of the Temple caused hostility towards Jesus
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The Last Supper
Contents
- The Last Supper (Mt. 26:17-30; Mk. 14:10-26; Lk. 22:7-23; Jn. 13:2-38)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- trace the story of the Last Supper
- evaluate the significance of the Last Supper
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The Trials and the Death of Jesus
Contents
- The trials of Jesus before the High Priest (Mt. 26:36-75; Mk. 14:53-72; Lk. 22:66-71), Pilate (Mt. 27:11-26; Mk. 15:1-15; Lk. 23:1-5, 13-25; Jn. 18:28-40; 19:1-16), Herod (Lk. 23:6-12)
- Crucifixion and burial of Jesus (Mt. 27:32-66; Lk. 23:26-56; Mk. 15:16-47; Jn. 19:17-42)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- analyse the different trials of Jesus
- describe the crucifixion and burial of Jesus
- deduce the lessons of the death of Jesus
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Resurrection, Appearances and Ascension of Jesus
Contents
- The resurrection, appearances and ascension of Jesus (Mt. 28:1-20; Mk. 16:1-20; Lk. 24:1-53; Jn. 20:1-31; Acts 1:1-11)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- trace the stories of the resurrection, appearances and ascension of Jesus
- compare the personalities involved in the stories
- analyse the relevance of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus
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Jesus' Teachings About Himself
Contents
- The Bread of Life and the Living Water (Jn. 4:7-15; 6:25-58)
- The Light of the World (Jn. 1:4-8; 3:19-21; 8:12; 9:1-5; 12:35-36; 1 Jn. 1:5-7)
- The Door, the Lamb and the Good Shepherd (Jn. 1:29-34; 10:1-18)
- The True Vine (Jn. 15:1-11)
- The Resurrection (Jn. 11:25)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- analyse the different teachings of Jesus about Himself
- deduce the reasons for Jesus' teachings about Himself
- interpret the meanings of the symbols used by Jesus about Himself
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Love
Contents
- God's love for man (Jn. 3:16-18)
- Love for one another (Jn. 13:34-35; 15:12-13; 1 Jn. 4:7-21)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- describe God's love for man
- specify the ways they can love one another
- evaluate the significance of love
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Fellowship in the Early Church
Contents
- Communal living (Acts 1:15-26; 2:41-47; 4:32-37)
- Problems of communal living and solutions (Acts 5:1-11; 6:1-6)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- identify the reasons for communal living in the Early Church
- identify the problems of communal living and their solutions
- examine how communal living helped the growth of the Early Church
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The Holy Spirit and the Mission of the Church
Contents
- The Pentecost (Acts 1:8; 2:1-41)
- The mission of the Church (Acts 8:4-40)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- trace the story of the Pentecost
- examine the significance of the Pentecost experience
- analyse the mission of the Church
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Opposition to the Gospel Message
Contents
- The arrest and imprisonment of Peter and John (Acts 3; 4:1-22; 5:17-42; 12:1-24)
- The martyrdom of Stephen (Acts 6:8-15; 7)
- Persecution by Saul (Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-2; Gal. 1:11-17)
- Persecution of Paul (Acts 16:11-40; 19:23-41; 21:27-36; 2 Cor. 11:23-33)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- trace the story of the arrest and imprisonment of Peter and John
- trace the events that led to the martyrdom of Stephen
- describe the role of Saul in the persecution of the Church
- evaluate the importance of persecution to the growth of the Church
- account for the persecution of Paul
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Mission to the Gentiles
Contents
- Conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-30; 22:4-21; 26:9-18)
- Conversion of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48)
- The commissioning and mission of Paul (Acts 13; 14:1-20)
- The Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-35; Gal. 2:1-21)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- compare the conversions of Saul and Cornelius
- analyse the commissioning and mission of Paul
- examine the main decisions at the Council of Jerusalem
- identify the personalities involved at the Council of Jerusalem
- examine the relevance of the main decisions at the Council of Jerusalem
- assess Paul's role in the mission to the Gentiles
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Justification by Faith
Contents
- Justification by faith (Rom. 3:21-24; 5:1-11; 10:1-13)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- interpret the phrase 'justification by faith'
- identify the basic conditions for justification
- determine the fruits of justification
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The Law and Grace
Contents
- The Law and Grace (Rom. 4:13-25; 5:18-21; Gal. 3:10-14; 3:19-29)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- examine the purpose and significance of the law and grace
- identify the place of the Law among the Jews
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New Life in Christ
Contents
- New Life in Christ (Rom. 6:1-4, 12-14; 12; Col. 3:1-17; Gal. 5:16-26; 2 Cor. 5:16-19; 1 Thess. 4:1-8)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- describe the characteristics of the old life
- analyse the new life in Christ
- identify the conditions of the new life
- examine the benefits of the new life
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Christians as Joint Heirs with Christ
Contents
- Christians as joint heirs with Christ (Gal. 3:23-29; 4:1-7)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- describe how Christians are joint heirs with Christ
- indicate the benefits of being joint heirs with Christ
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Humility
Contents
- Humility (Phil. 2:1-11; 1 Pet. 5:5-11)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- determine the meaning of humility
- identify the requirements of humility
- identify the rewards of humility
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Forgiveness
Contents
- Forgiveness (Philemon; 2 Cor. 2:5-11)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- analyse Paul's teaching on forgiveness
- assess the benefits of forgiveness
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Spiritual Gifts
Contents
- Spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12; Rom. 12:3-18; 1 Cor. 14)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- identify the different spiritual gifts
- analyse the benefits of spiritual gifts to the individual and the church
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Christian Giving
Contents
- Christian giving (Phil. 4:14-20; 2 Cor. 8:1-5; 9; Matt. 6:2-4)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- interpret the concept of Christian giving
- relate the teachings of Paul on Christian giving
- identify the importance of Christian giving
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Civic Responsibility
Contents
- Civic responsibility (Rom. 13; 1 Tim. 2:1-4)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- identify the need for obedience to authority
- specify the requirements of good citizenship
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Dignity of Labour
Contents
- Dignity of labour (2 Thess. 3:6-15; Col. 3:23-25)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- interpret the concept of dignity of labour
- analyse the benefits of labour
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The Second Coming of Christ
Contents
- The signs of the Coming of Christ (1 Thess. 4:13-18; 2 Thess. 2:1-12)
- Preparation for His coming (1 Thess. 5:1-11; 2 Pet. 3:1-13)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- identify the signs of the Second Coming of Christ
- specify the preparations for His coming
- indicate what will happen during His Second Coming
- examine the importance of His coming
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Impartiality
Contents
- Impartiality (James 2:1-13; Acts 10:34-35; Matt. 7:1-5)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- interpret the concept of impartiality
- identify causes of partiality
- examine the consequences of partiality
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Effective Prayer
Contents
- Effective prayer (James 1:2-8; 4:1-3; 5:13-18; Matt. 6:5-13)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- identify the requirements of effective prayer
- distinguish between effective and ineffective prayer
- identify the importance of prayer
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Christian Living in the Community
Contents
- Interpersonal relationships among Christians (1 Pet. 5:1-4; Rom. 12:3-21; Heb. 13:1-21)
- Christians living among non-Christians (1 Pet. 2:3-25; Rom. 15:1-2)
- Christian attitude to persecution (1 Pet. 1:5-9; 4:1-19; 3:13-22)
- Relationship in the Christian family (Eph. 6:1-9; Col. 3:18-21; 1 Pet. 3:1-7)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- determine interpersonal relationships among Christians
- analyse Christian living among non-Christians
- relate Christian attitude to persecution
- determine the relationship in the Christian family
- examine the importance of maintaining good relationships
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Corruption
Contents
- Corruption (1 Tim. 6:6-11; 2 Tim. 3:8; 2 Pet. 1:4-11; James 5:1-6)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- define the term corruption
- identify the causes of corruption
- determine the effects and consequences of corruption
- identify ways of curbing corruption
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Sexual Immorality
Contents
- Prostitution (1 Cor. 6:16-20; Prov. 7:10-27; 23:27-28)
- Adultery and Fornication (Heb. 13:4; Eph. 5:3-10; Matt. 5:28-32; Deut. 22:22; Lev. 20:10)
- Homosexuality (Rom. 1:24-32; Lev. 18:21-30; 20:13)
Objectives — candidates should be able to:
- identify what constitute sexual immorality
- determine the causes of sexual immorality
- examine the effects and consequences of sexual immorality
- identify ways of curbing sexual immorality
Recommended Texts
- Adetunji, P.G. et al (2000). ExamFocus Christian Religious Knowledge for WASSCE and SSCE. Ibadan: University Press Plc.
- Adeyemo, I. O. et al (1998). Christian Religious Knowledge for Secondary Schools, Books 1-3. Ibadan: Onibonoje.
- Adeyinka, A. A. et al (1991). Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools, Books 1-3. Lagos: Longman.
- Adigwe, H. A. et al (2004). Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools. Onitsha: Africana Publishers.
- Aghaeghuna, E. O. N. (1988). Senior Secondary School Christian Religious Knowledge: Themes from Selected Epistles, Vols 1-3. Awka: Jet Publishers.
- Dopamu, A. et al (1990). Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools, Books 1-3. Lagos: Nelson.
- Ilori, J. A. et al (1980). Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools, Books 1-3. Ibadan: Evans.
- Izuchukwu, A. E. et al (1997). Round-Up for Senior Secondary Certificate Examination Christian Religious Knowledge: A Complete Guide. Lagos: Longman.
- Throckmorton, B. H., Jr. (ed.) (1966). Gospel Parallels: A Synopsis of the First Three Gospels. New York: Thomas Nelson.
- The Bible: Revised Standard Version (1971). Stonehill Green: Bible Society Publishing House.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many topics are in the JAMB Christian Religious Studies syllabus?
- The syllabus contains 52 topics arranged across four sections. Section A (Creation to the Division of the Kingdom) has 8 topics, Section B (Division of the Kingdom to the Return from Exile and the Prophets) has 9 topics, Section C (the four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles) has 19 topics, and Section D (selected Epistles) has 16 topics.
- How is the JAMB CRS syllabus structured?
- It is divided into four thematic sections that follow the biblical narrative chronologically: Section A covers Creation through to the division of the kingdom of Israel; Section B runs from the divided kingdom through the exile and the prophets; Section C draws themes from the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) and the Acts of the Apostles; and Section D covers themes from selected New Testament Epistles.
- What are the aims of the JAMB Christian Religious Studies syllabus?
- The syllabus is designed to test candidates' ability to acquire knowledge and understanding of the tenets of the Christian faith as contained in the Bible, interpret biblical teachings and themes, apply those teachings to life in society, and evaluate the level of their application to society.
- Which Bible version does the JAMB CRS syllabus use?
- The recommended primary text is the Revised Standard Version (RSV) of the Bible. Candidates should study the specific scripture references listed under each topic, as the exam questions are drawn directly from those passages.
- What are the most heavily tested themes in JAMB CRS?
- Recurring themes include covenant, leadership, obedience and disobedience, divine providence, social justice and true religion, the life and teachings of Jesus (miracles, parables, the Sermon on the Mount), the early Church, and Christian ethics from the Epistles such as forgiveness, humility, civic responsibility, corruption, and sexual immorality.
- How is JAMB Christian Religious Studies tested?
- JAMB tests CRS as a multiple-choice, computer-based paper. Questions are objective and require candidates to recall biblical events, interpret the meaning and significance of passages, compare characters or events, and apply scriptural teachings to real-life situations, mirroring the 'candidates should be able to' objectives in the syllabus.
- Does the JAMB CRS syllabus cover both the Old and New Testaments?
- Yes. Sections A and B draw on the Old Testament (Genesis through the prophets), while Sections C and D focus on the New Testament (the Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles). A balanced preparation across all four sections is essential.
- What recommended textbooks support JAMB CRS preparation?
- Beyond the Revised Standard Version Bible, the syllabus lists secondary-school Christian Religious Knowledge texts by authors such as Adetunji, Adeyemo, Adeyinka, Adigwe, Dopamu, and Ilori, plus Throckmorton's Gospel Parallels for studying the Synoptic Gospels side by side.
Source: the official JAMB UTME syllabus (jamb.gov.ng / IBASS). Always confirm details against the official syllabus.