DEEPER LIFE HIGH SCHOOL

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THIRD TERM: E-LEARNING NOTES

SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

CLASS: SS2
SCHEME OF WORK
WEEK TOPIC

THEME 12: RELIGIOUS REFORM

1. Religious reforms: (a) Prevalent religious evils at the time of Josiah. 2 Kings 22. (b) Josiah’s
reforms in the North: 2 King 23: 4-14; 21-30 (d) Some areas of religious reforms in Nigeria e.g.
Removal of adulterous priests, spiritist, homosexual, lesbian, pastors. etc.
THEME 13: CONCERN FOR ONE’S NATION
2. Concern for one’s Nation: (a) The captivity and destruction of Jerusalem, 2 Kings 24, 25: 1-17.
(b) Report on the condition of the nation. Neh. 1: 3; (c) The concern of Nehemiah, Ezra, Zerubbabel
for their nation and their response to the state of the nation despite opposition.
Concern for one’s nation: (d) |Reconstruction of the nation in the face of opposition. Ezra 4, 5: 1-
2. 6: 13-22, 4: 1-23 (e) Responsibility to our nation Nigeria: i. Political and economic stability ii.
Spiritual reawakening etc.
THEME 15: FAITH IN GOD
3. Faith in God: The command to worship King Nebuchadnezzer’s image Dan. 3: 1-7. (b) Refusal of
Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego; to worship the kings image (c) Punishment for refusal and
God’s deliverance (d) Effect of their faith and courage on the people – Babylonians - Jews.
4. Faith and power of God: (a) A decree to worship the King: Dan. 6: 1-9; (b) Daniel expresses his
faith in God. Dan. 6: 10-15. (c) Daniel in the Lion’s den Dan. 6: 11-18; (d) The power of God .
Dan. 6: 19-24, (e) Effects of Daniel’s faith: Dan. 6: 19-24,(f) Qualities of Daniel Dan. 1: 3-8; 6: 3-5,
10: 16; 6: 22-23.
THEME 17: TRUE RELIGION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
5. True religion and social justice: (a) True Religion: It is not merely attending church services and
programmes and contributing to the Church. Amos 5: 21-23, 25; 4: 4-5, It demands purity of heart,
honest desires and justice. Amos 5: 4; 14-15;25 (b) Social vices of the time of Amos. Amos 2: 6-8;
4: 1-2; 5: 7-13, (c) Opposition against Amos by Amaziah, priest of the royal sanctuary. Amos 7: 10-
17; (d) Divine judgment of evil doers Amos 4: 2-3; 6-10 (e) Risks often faced by those who carry
out divine messages (f) The need to remain steadfast
6. Divine Love: (a) God asked Hosea to marry Gomer a harlot and raise children by her. To illustrate
Israel harlotry (b) The unfaithfulness of Israel to God and His continuous love for her Hosea 2:3 (c)
Israel superficial response to God’s love Hosea 6: 1-11;
7. MID TERM BREAK

8. Divine Love: (d) God demand steadfast love and knowledge of Him Hosea 6:6; Positive response
to God’s love requires penitence Hosea 6: 1-4; (f) God promises restoration to those who return to
Him in repentance. Hosea 14
9. Revision
10. Examination
WEEK 1

SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

CLASS: SS2

DATE: ………………………………..

TOPIC: RELIGIOUS REFORMS

CONTENT: 1. Prevalent religious evils of the time of Josiah: 2 kings 22

2. Josiah’s reforms in Judah: 2 kings 23:4-14; 21-30

3. Religious reforms in the north (2kings 23:15-20)

4. Some area of religious reforms in Nigeria e.g. removal of adulterous priests,
spiritist, homosexual, lesbian pastors etc.

Sub-Topic 1: PREVALENT RELIGIOUS EVILS OF THE TIME OF JOSIAH. 2Kgs. 22

Josiah was the son of Amon and his mother was Jedidah. He was the grandson of king Manasseh of Judah
who was notorious for his introduction of many other religious beliefs and doctrine into the Jewish
Orthodox mode of worship. Manasseh was succeeded by his son Amon who walked in the way of his
fathers by serving idols.

After the death of king Amon, his eight year old son, Josiah was crowned king and he reigned for thirty
one years. At the time of King Josiah, the pagan practices which his grandfather Manasseh introduced
continued in Judah.

These pagan practices in line with pagan worship prevalent at the time include: prostitution in the house
of God; child sacrifice in accordance with the religious practices. This was done in Tophet in Judah; the
use of medium and wizard (witches and wizards); shrines and idolatrous priests were introduced in every
city of Judah.

King Josiah, having shown interest in the ways of God, decided to purge Judah of idolatry. In his
eighteenth year of reign (at the age of twenty six years) he embarked on the repair of the temple in order
to focus on the true worship of God. It was during this period of repair and renovation that the book of the
law was found by the high priest, Hilkiah who later sent it to the king through Shaphan, the king’s
secretary who came to know the contribution for the work so far from Hilkiah. When the content of the
book was read to the king, by Shaphan, it became clear to him that the people had transgressed the law
and deviated greatly from the principles and ideals of the worship of God. He was so disturbed that he
tore his clothes as a sign of repentance. He therefore became concerned and committed to reforming the
religious life of the people.
EVALUATION:
1. Why did King Josiah send Shaphan to the temple?
2. How was the book of the law discovered during Josiah’s reign?
3. Describe the king’s reaction when the contents of the law were read to him by his secretary
Shaphan.

Sub-Topic 2: JOSIAH’S REFORMS IN JUDAH. 2 KINGS 23: 4-14; 21-30

King Josiah saw his kingdom in a pathetic state of spiritual mess and decay and made up his mind to
bring his kingdom and his people back to the true worship of God. He started the reform in Judah by
eradicating idolatrous practices in the temple. All the foreign gods and their idols were destroyed and the
altars dedicated to Baal, Asherah, the sun god and all their accessories for worship were taken away from
the temple and burnt outside Jerusalem, at Kidron: all the idolatrous priests, priestesses and cult
prostitutes were removed from the temple with their houses burnt. All idolatrous priests in the cities of
Judah were deposed, the high places and foreign god in this area were defile and destroyed; child sacrifice
was abolished and Tophet, a place in the valley of the sons Hinnon where the people were practising child
sacrifice to the god Molech was defiled and destroyed, the use of medium (divination or soothsaying) and
wizards were abolished with their satanic practitioners. King Josiah purged Judah of idolatry, restored the
feast of Passover and rehabilitated the temple of Jerusalem.

EVALUATION:
1. What role did the book of the law play in Josiah’s reforms?
2. What nature of reforms can be carried out today in our society in terms of religion?
3. Give two main factors that motivated Josiah’s reform.

Sub-Topic 3: RELIGIOUS REFORMS IN THE NORTH. 2KINGS 23:15-20

King Josiah did not restrict his religious reform to Judah but extended it to the Northern kingdom. He
destroyed all the idols and shrines (high places) built by Jeroboam the first king of the Northern kingdom
at Bethel and Samaria; and burnt all foreign gods there; he slaughtered all the idolatrous priests officiating
in those places. With the eradication of idolatrous practices in Judah, Jerusalem became again the only
legitimate place of worship.

The reform brought about spiritual revival as children of Israel rededicated to the service of God. The
Passover was again celebrated nationally by all the people in Jerusalem immediately after the reform as
the last celebration was at the time of the Judges.

EVALUATION:

1. What was the significance of Josiah’s reforms?

2. What religious reforms did king Josiah execute during his tenure?

Sub-Topic 4: SOME AREAS OF RELIGIOUS REFORM IN NIGERIA

 Reform means make better by removing of vices and imperfections. It also means removal of faults and
abuses, furthermore, it means to correct or amend or rectify a bad or ugly situation or condition. Religious
reforms therefore, is to correct or rectifying a decaying or worsening conditions in the religious lives of a
people with the purpose of bringing and ensuring a practical righteous living.
There is no gainsaying the fact that Nigeria as a nation today is characterised by spiritual vices and
idolatry that were evident in Judah and Northern kingdom during the reign of Josiah that warranted
reformation.

In Nigeria today, these vices among others stare us in the face. Adulterous Priests abound in the society;
Spirits has overtaken our streets, worship centres; the prevalence of witchcraft; idolatrous practices under
the cover of Christianity; human sacrifices in some areas in Nigeria for kings burial, for politics and many
more; homosexual and lesbian pastors so-called; emphasis on financial prosperity at the expense of
morality and honesty; indecent and provocative dressing tolerated by religious groups and leaders etc.

These, among other problem are possible areas of religious reform in Nigeria which beg to be addressed
squarely by concerned civil and religious authorities and individuals.

EVALUATION:
1. Mention the similarities between the religious situation during Josiah’s time and in Nigeria today.
2. State ways by which Christians can maintain the purity of their religion.

GENERAL EVALUATION:

Objective Test:

1. The High priest in the temple who discovered the book of law was_______ (a) Amon (b) Shaphan
(c) Hilkiah (c) Jedidiah
2. How old was Josiah when he began to rule? (a) 8 years (b) 9 years (c) 10 years (d) 12 years
3. Reading the contents of the Law book and discovering the extent of Judah’s transgression, Josiah
immediate reaction was to: (a) summon all the people (b) declare a day of mourning (c) proclaim a
fast (d) tear his clothes.
4. Which of these was not an aspect of king’s Josiah’s reform? (a) Destruction of houses of cult
prostitutes. (b) Demotion of priests of foreign gods. (c) Restoration of the Passover festival (d)
change of the days of worship
5. King Josiah was regarded as a defender of Jewish religion because_______ (a) he brought down
Jeroboam’s altar from Bethel to Jerusalem (b) houses which were dedicated to the sun god were re-
dedicated to the Lord. (c) he reformed the corrupt religious practices of his predecessors.

ESSAY QUESTIONS

1. Describe at least three immoral practices which came with idol worship in Judah.
2. Discuss the measures taken by King Josiah in the reform he carried out.
3. Discuss at least three religious problems found in Judah and present day Nigeria.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT:
 1. Discuss the lessons you learnt from Josiah’s reform.

WEEKEND ACTIVITY:

1. Write on Josiah’s reform in Judah.

REFERENCE TEXTS:

1. Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools (SS1, 2 & 3)
New Edition by Martins 1. Amaechi
2. Melrose Christian Religious studies for senior sch. 2 by L.O. Udokporo et al.
3. Round up Christian Religious Knowledge by A.E. Izuchukwu et al.

WEEK 2

SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

CLASS: SS2

DATE: ………………………………..

TOPIC: CONCERN FOR ONE’S NATION.

CONTENT:
1. The Captivity and destruction of Jerusalem 2 Kings 24, 25:1-17.
2. Report on the conditions of the Nation. Neh. 1:3
3. The concern of Nehemiah, Ezra, Zerubbabel for their nation and their
response to the state of the nation despite opposition. Neh. 1: 1-11; 2:9-20;
Ezra 1:5-11; 7:1-10.
4. Reconstruction of the Nation in the face of opposition. – Ezra 4; 5:1-2, 6:13-22,
4:1-23.
Sub-Topic 1: THE CAPTIVITY AND DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM. 2 KINGS 24, 25:1-17

Judah slide back into apostasy after the death of Josiah. The kings who succeeded him could not maintain
his religious reforms as a result of their moral and personal weakness. Consequently, the nation began to
experience turbulent and unpleasant situations due to their rebellion against God which eventually led to
the captivity and destruction of Jerusalem as a fulfilment of God’s word against their apostasy.

Josiah was killed by Pharaoh Neco of Egypt in a battle at Megiddo. Consequently, Judah became a vassal
of Egypt. Jehoahaz who succeeded his father Josiah as king at the age of twenty-three reigned for three
months before he was deposed by Pharaoh Neco, and in his place made Jehoiakim (Jehoahaz brother) a
vassal king over Judah.

Egypt was later defeated by Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar and Judah was therefore made a vassal of
Babylon. Jehoiakim was encouraged by Egypt to revolt against Babylon contrary to the advice of Prophet
Jeremiah who saw Babylon as an instrument of God’s corrective punishment for Judah. Jehoiakim died
during the struggle and his eighteen years son, Jehoachin succeeded him on the throne.

In 598 BC, Nebuchadnezzar invade Judah and carried Jehoachin captive with his household, his mighty
men of valour, the craftsmen, palace staff and body guards and some prophets, including prophet Ezekiel.
All the precious vessels of gold in Jerusalem temple were plundered and carried to Babylon by
Nebuchadnezzar to the house of his god. This was the first exile or first deportation. Nebuchadnezzar
then appointed Jehoachin’s uncle, Mattaniah, King (whose name was changed to Zedekiah). He was
twenty-one years old when he was appointed King by Nebuchadnezzar. However, it was not long before
Zedekiah, just like Jehoiakim, revolted against Nebuchadnezzar. Zedekiah’s rebellion made Babylon
invade Judah for the second time under Nebuchadnezzar, the Chaldeans laid siege to the city of Jerusalem
for almost three years, and this lasted from the tenth month of the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign to his
eleventh year. It brought severe hardship and famine in Judah.

During the Babylonian siege on Judah, King Zedekiah tried to escape but was caught by the Chaldean’s
army in the plains of Jericho. His two sons were killed in his presence and his two eyes plucked out. He
was bound with fetters and taken to Babylon where he died. Nebuchadnezzar ordered his army to destroy
the walls of Jerusalem and burn down the temple and the city. More Jewish captives were deported to
Babylon while Gedaliah was made governor over the remnant in Judah, consisting of the aged, the
wretched and the poor. These predicaments were allowed by God as punishment for the people of Judah
and their leaders for their sins. This was the final destruction of Jerusalem and deportation of exiles to
Babylon in 586 BC. It is known as the second deportation or second exile.

EVALUATION:

1. Discuss Jehoiakim’s revolt and its consequences on the kingdom of Judah.

2. Discuss Zedekiah rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar and it’s after mates.
3. Narrate the series of factors that led to the final disintegration of Israel as a nation.

Sub-Topic 2: REPORT ON THE CONDITIONS OF THE NATION NEHEMIAH 1:3

In the month of Chisler, after the exile, Nehemiah, one of the prominent and patriotic Jews in exile in the
palace and a cup bearer to Artaxerxes received the news of the pathetic state of Judah from Hanani one of
the Jews that came from Judah to Shushan. Hanani reported to Nehemiah that the survivors who escaped
exile were in great trouble and shame; the wall of Jerusalem was broken down; and the gates were
destroyed by fire.

On hearing this, Nehemiah became sad. He sat down, wept, mourned and fasted for days. After
confessing the sin of the people of Judah which he was part of, he prayed to God to grant him favour
before the king. The following day, the king, Artaxerxes observed Nehemiah’s countenance to be
gloomy and moody and asked him what the matter was. Nehemiah took the opportunity to request for
permission to go to Jerusalem and help the Jews rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. The king granted his
request and also gave him letters to governors of the provinces beyond the river, instructing them to allow
Nehemiah pass through their territories. The king also gave another letter to Asaph, the keeper of the
king’s forest, to provide Nehemiah with timber he needed for the gates, walls and the house in which he
would stay. Having obtained the king’s permission, authority and support, Nehemiah set off for Jerusalem
for the work.

Sub-Topic 3: THE CONCERN OF NEHEMIAH, EZRA AND ZERUBBABEL FOR THEIR

NATION AND THEIR RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF THE NATION DESPITE
OPPOSITION. NEH 1:1-11, 2:9-20, EZRA 1:5-11; 7:1-10

Having obtained king Artaxerxes permission to go back to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the temple of
the Lord, Nehemiah left Shushan for the city and got there after three days. On reaching Jerusalem, he
stirred up public support; he inspired and assessed the extent of damage and the work to embark on. He
did the inspection at night with the few men he selected to avoid interference and distraction at the early
stage. After the inspection, and planning, he gathered the Jewish leaders – the priests, nobles and officials
and employed them to join in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem informing them how God had given him
favour before the king of Persia. In response, the people pledged their unalloyed support and cooperation
to ensure that the work was done.

As the rebuilding work commenced, the enemies of the Jews Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the
Ammonite and Geshem the Arab opposed Nehemiah and the work. They used different kinds of tricks
and tactics to undermine and sabotage the effort of the Jews in the rebuilding project. Nevertheless,
Nehemiah was not overwhelmed. He remained courageous, bold, determined and eventually completed
the project.

Apart from Nehemiah, other concerned Jews had taken the challenge and responsibility of rebuilding
Jerusalem. Zerubbabel and Ezra had made similar attempts. As soon as Babylon came under Persian
Empire the kings of Persia, Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem, by divine
providence, in fulfilment of the prophecy of Jeremiah. In line with this decree, the Jewish exiles (about
fifty thousand Jews) led by Zerubbabel and Sheshbazzar returned to Judah.

At this time, the Jews in Judah were confronted with many problems such as:

1. Lack of a place of worship because the temple had been destroyed by the Babylonians.
2. An adulteration of Yahweh worship which was one of the negative effects of the exile on the
Jews.
3. Insecurity, as the walls of Jerusalem and its gates had been destroyed.

However, God used patriotic and concerned Jews like Ezra, Nehemiah, Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Prophets
Haggai and Zechariah, to address these issues facing the Jews.

EVALUATION:
1. What lessons can be learnt about God’s nature through the conquest of Jerusalem.
2. How did the decree of Cyrus help in bringing the prophecy of Jeremiah concerning the returning
of the exiles to fulfilment?
Sub-Topic 4: RECONSTRUCTION OF THE NATION IN THE FACE OF OPPOSITION. EZRA
4, 5:1-2, 6:13-22, NEH. 4:1-23

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah have different account of the opposition to the efforts of Nehemiah,
Zerubbabel and Ezra to rebuilding Jerusalem after its destruction and ruins. However, both books point to
the discouragement and frustration the builders faced from the enemies to hinder the completion of the
works they started. In Ezra, the Samaritans and some half Jews who were Israel’s enemies heard that the
returned groups were building a temple to the Lord, they asked for permission to participate in the
scheme. The request of the band of evil agitators was turned down by Zerubbabel on behalf of the chiefs
of Israel. He told them publicly that they had no legitimate right to partner with the Jews in building the
temple. These adversaries, the opposition group then resorted to the use of professional petition writers
and cheap blackmail to sustain their evil and wicked plot to stop the temple work. In one of the petitions
sent to king Artaxerxes by Bislam, Mithredath, Tabeel and the rest of their accomplice, they convinced
the king who went through records and confirmed the allegation that Jerusalem had been a flash point for
political agitation and civil unrest; if the Jews were allowed to finish rebuilding the walls and foundation
of the city of Jerusalem, they would not pay tribute, custom or toll and that would affect the royal
revenue. As a result, the king issued a decree and stopped the work on the temple in Jerusalem
temporarily.

The work of the building of the Temple resumed after the prophecy of Haggai and Zachariah, the son of
Iddo who prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the Lord. Again the
enemies of the Jews (Tattenai the governor and Shetharbozenai) intended to stop the work by writing to
the King, Darius. King Darius after checking the records, confirmed that a decree was issued by King
Cyrus for the rebuilding of a Temple to the God of the Jews. Then he gave the Jews permission to resume
the work which was eventually completed and dedicated with pomp and pageantry by the Jews.

In the book of Nehemiah the Jews were threatened by an opposition group led by Sanballat who in the
presence of his people and the Samaritans ridiculed the Jews by describing them as feeble-minded who
engaged themselves in an impossible task. Tobiah the Ammonite said that the wall the Jews are
rebuilding was so fragile that if a fox would go on it, it would crumble. Nehemiah, instead of engaging
his enemies in verbal battle, prayed to God to judge them for ridiculing, despising and taunting His
people. As the work progressed, the enemies, among whom are: Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the
Ammonites and the Ashdodites got angry and planned secretly to attack the Jews at work to create
confusion and disorganize them. When Nehemiah knew of the plot, he prayed to God and mounted
protective guards with swords, spears and bows against their enemies day and night.

God frustrated the evil plans of the enemies and the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt eventually under the
divine inspiration and concerned leadership of Nehemiah.

EVALUATION:
1. Narrate how Nehemiah, Zerubbabel and Ezra contributed to the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem.
2. What two lessons could be learnt from the three men’s concern for their nation?
3. Mention three qualities of a patriotic leader as seen from the life of Nehemiah.
Sub-Topic 5: RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR NATION; NIGERIA

Responsibility implies the call of citizen to civic duty. This is apart from the rights, and duties of citizens
in their respective communities and societies.

It is the systematic and orderly way of doing things, necessary for unity, progress and peaceful
coexistence among people in the society. Ensuring that the lives and properties of citizens are protected;
policies initiative by the three levels of government (the executive, the legislature and the judiciary) are
implemented and executed accordingly, while anarchy, oppression and civil disobedience are prevented.

1. To ensure the presence of peace, progress and economic development and advancement in the
nation, every citizen, politicians and political office holders should not abuse their civic
responsibility to the nation.
2. Every authority on the earth and the responsibility attached to it belong to God hence we should
respect and honour the authority set over us. We are to be law abiding no matter who and what we
are.
3. As Nigerian citizens, we have the responsibility of paying taxes, rates, levies, electricity, water
and other utility bills promptly.
4. Anyone holding top public office of authority should use the position to be agent of positive
economic and social development of the country.
5. He should participate in public enlightenment campaigns toward eradicating social ills like
cultism, examination malpractices and illiteracy, the spread of communicable diseases, drug
addition, homosexuality etc.
6. He should avoid gossip and rumour mongering.
7. He should not vandalize government property.
8. He should refrain from nepotism, favouritism, tribalism, and being religious fanatics.
9. He should not use his position of authority to compromise state security and anti-social
behaviours.
10. He should champion the inculcation of good work ethics and morals as vehicles of re-awakening
the mind.
11. He should join to salvage the situation wherever there is crisis in the nation.

EVALUATION:
1. Explain what you understand by responsibility.
2. Give at least four responsibilities of a citizen to his/her nation.

GENERAL EVALUATION:
1. Which of these kings had his name changed by Nebuchadnezzar? (a) Jehoiakim (b) Mattaniah (c)
Gedaliah (d) Jehoachin
2. The Persian king who decreed that all Jews could go to their land was (a) Nebuchadnezzar (b)
Artaxerxes (c) Darius (d) Cyrus
3. Which of these kings of Judah died one month before his nation was invaded by Nebuchadnezzar? (a)
Zedekiah (b) Mattaniah (c) Jehoiakim (d) Jehoachin
4. Which of the following people opposed the rebuild of the temple by Nehemiah (a) Zerubbabel (b)
King Cyrus (c) King Artaxerxes (d) Sanballat
5. The last thing Zedekiah saw before he was blinded was the (a) feasting of the children of Israel (b) the
city of Jerusalem (c) slaughter of all his own children (d) the destruction of the walls of Jerusalem.
ESSAY QUESTIONS:
1. How did Ezra contribute to solving the problem of the returned exiles?
2. Give the highlights of the dedication of the rebuilt temple.
3. Describe the opposition faced by Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah in rebuilding the temple and the
walls of Jerusalem.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT:
Study and summarize the opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem in both books of Ezra and Nehemiah.
WEEKEND ACTIVITY:
Compare the attitudes of Ezra and Nehemiah to the state of their nation Judah and to most Nigerians to
their country today.
REFERENCE TEXTS:
1. Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools (SS1, 2 & 3) New
Edition by Martins 1. Amaechi
2. Melrose Christian Religious Studies for Senior Sch. 2 by L.O. Udokporo et al.
3. Round up Christian Religious Knowledge by A.E. Izuchukwu et al.

WEEK 3
SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

CLASS: SS2

DATE: ………………………………..

TOPIC: FAITH IN GOD

CONTENT:
1. The command to worship king Nebuchadnezzar’s image. Daniel 3:1-7
2. Refusal of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to worship the king’s image.
3. Punishment for refusal and God’s deliverance.
4. Effect of their faith and courage on the people – Babylonians and Jews.
Sub-Topic 1: THE COMMAND TO WORSHIP KING NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S IMAGE
Faith is the bedrock and foundation on which the Christian religion is built. Faith is an absolute trust in
God and His power in spite of unfavourable situations. It is man’s personal conviction and trust in God
arising from a direct personal relationship with God.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were young Hebrew men who had faith and confidence in God even
while they were in captivity in Babylon. They dedicated themselves to the worship of God and a strict
observance of God’s ordinances and statutes. Their virtues, qualities and their excellence in the special
school of the Chaldeans earned them appointment as officials in the Babylonian kingdom. It happened
that the king (Nebuchadnezzar) made a golden image which he set up in the plain of Dura in the province
of Babylon. He invited all the principal officers of the province for the dedication ceremony. He ordered
the people regardless of language or nationality to fall down and worship the image as soon as they heard
the sounds of musical instruments played. He had clearly stated the punishment for flouting the order
which was that, the offender would be thrown into a burning fiery furnace. All the people in his domain
complied with the provision of the king’s decree by worshipping the image.
EVALUATION:
1. What do you think informed the command to worship the golden image by Nebuchadnezzar?
2. Assuming you are in the three Hebrew children’s (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) shoe, what will
be your response to the king’s command?
3. a. Explain how the faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego was tested in Babylon.
b. Give four examples of cultural practises which are contrary to the Christian faith in your society.
(SSCE JUNE 2007)
Sub-Topic 2: REFUSAL OF SHADRACH, MESHACH AND ABEDNEGO TO WORSHIP THE
KING’S IMAGE. DANIEL 3:8-18
The people in king Nebuchadnezzar’s domain complied with the king’s order accordingly except
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (the three Hebrew young men). The Chaldeans went to the king and
reminded him of the content of his decree regarding worship of the image. Then they maliciously reported
to the king that certain Jews, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who were officers appointed over the
affairs of Babylon neither obeyed the king, nor served his god, nor worshipped the image set up by him.
On hearing these reports, Nebuchadnezzar angrily ordered that the three Hebrew faithful servants of God
be summoned before him to find out whether the allegation was true. On finding out from them that the
allegations were true, he proposed to give them “soft landing” if they would comply and worship the
image. But Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego openly refused to worship the image or serve the king’s
god. They pointed out to the king without reservation that their God whom they serve would deliver them
from the burning fiery furnace and from him the king.
EVALUATION:
1. Give an account of the dedication ceremony of the golden image, pointing out the highlight of
Nebuchadnezzar’s address to the people.
2. Explain the encounter between Nebuchadnezzar and the three faithful servants of God, concerning the
report against them before the king.
Sub-Topic 3: PUNISHMENT FOR REFUSAL AND GOD’S DELIVERANCE. DANIEL 3:19-28
The response of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego greatly angered the king and the expression on his
face changed against them. He ordered the fiery furnace to be heated seven times more than its normal
heat. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were then bound by mighty men of the king’s army and cast into
the overheated burning fiery furnace. The furnace was so hot that the flames killed those men who cast
the three Hebrew young men into the furnace.
The king together with everybody was surprised when they saw four men walking in the midst of the fire
unhurt. Nebuchadnezzar immediately asked his counsellors, “Do we not cast three men bound into the
fire?... “But I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the
appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods”Dan.3:24,25. He came near the burning fiery furnace
and called “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come forth, come out
here”. When they came out, the officers of the province and the king inspected them and discovered that
the fire had no single effect on them. The expression of boldness, courage a nd faith by these three
Hebrew young men demonstrated to king Nebuchadnezzar, picture of God by saying, “Blessed be the
God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who had sent His Angel and delivered His servants who
trusted in Him and set at naught the king’s command and yielded their bodies rather than serve and
worship any god except their own God”. (Daniel 3:28)
EVALUATION:
1. Trace the circumstances that led to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego being thrown into the heated
fiery furnace.
2. How did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego prove their faith in God in the land of Babylon?
3. a) Explain how the faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were tested in Babylon.
(b) Give four examples of cultural practices which are contrary to the Christian faith in your society.
Sub-Topic 4: EFFECTS OF THEIR FAITH AND COURAGE ON THE PEOPLE –
BABYLONIANS AND JEWS. (DANIEL 3:29)
Having recognised the supremacy and power of God through the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach,
Meshach and Abednego, Nebuchadnezzar therefore promulgated a new decree which made it unlawful
for any person, nation or language to speak against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
Anybody who did so would be destroyed with his household. He declared, “There is no other god who is
able to deliver in this way, as the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego”. He then promoted
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
EVALUATION:
1. Discuss the effects of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s faith on the Babylonians, the Jews and king
Nebuchadnezzar.
GENERAL EVALUATION:
Objective Test:
1. How many people did king Nebuchadnezzar see in the fiery furnace?
a. two b. three c. four d. five
2. By the order of king Nebuchadnezzar, the furnace was heated ____ times more than its normal heat.
a. two b. five c. seven d. nine
3. For refusing to bow to the golden image, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were _______
a. stoned to death b. thrown into the fire c. executed publicly d. deported back to Jerusalem
4. Who reported the three Jews to king Nebuchadnezzar?
a. the Persians b. the Jews c. the Chaldeans d. the Arabs.
5. The faith and courage of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego made king Nebuchadnezzar issue an order
that ______
a. all the Jews must be killed b. unbelievers must be thrown into the fiery furnace c. the enemies
of the three Hebrew men should be demoted d. anyone who spoke against God should be destroyed
ESSAY QUESTIONS:
1. Discuss how Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego demonstrated their faith and trust in God.
2. One with God is majority. Explain this statement using the story of the three Hebrew men.
3. What three lessons can you draw from the three Hebrew men’s faith and courage in God?
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT:
Find out cultural practices that are contrary to the Christian faith in your society.

REFERENCE TEXTS:

1. Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Sec. Schools (SS1, 2 & 3) New Edition by
Martins 1. Amaechi
2. Melrose Christian Religious Studies for Senior Sch. 2 by L.O. Udokporo et al.
3. Round up Christian Religious Knowledge by A.E. Izuchukwu et al.

WEEK 4
SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

CLASS: SS2

DATE:… ……..

TOPIC: FAITH AND POWER OF GOD

CONTENT:
1. A decree to worship the king. (Daniel 6:1-9)
2. Daniel expresses his faith in God. (Daniel 6: 10-15)
3. Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6:11-18)
4. The power of God manifested. (Daniel 6: 19-24)
5. Effects of Daniel’s faith (Daniel 6:19-24)
6. Qualities of Daniel. (Daniel 1:3-8; 6:3-5; 10:16; 6:22-23)

Sub-Topic 1: A DECREE TO WORSHIP THE KING. (DANIEL 6:1-9)

Daniel was one of the Jewish captives taken to Babylon. While in Babylon, his faithfulness, honesty and
peculiar divine endowment made him to progress in that foreign land.
King Darius had divided his kingdom into one hundred and twenty provinces for administrative
convenience. Each of these provinces was headed by a Satrap (i.e. a governor). He further appointed three
presidents to oversee these Satraps. Daniel happened to be one of the three presidents. He distinguished
himself and became popular in the kingdom and the most favoured of the three presidents because he was
filled with an excellent spirit. The king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. This move by the
king attracted jealousy and hatred against Daniel from the other presidents and Satraps hence they sought
ways of bringing him into disrepute before the king, so as to bring his downfall. When they could not find
grounds to bring about his fall, they decided to use his religion to establish an offence against him before
the king because they knew well that Daniel loved God and served Him continually.
The conspirators (the other two presidents and the officers in the land) went to the king, persuading him
to establish a law which would cause an offence to pray to any other god or man other than the king, for a
period of thirty days. The penalty for such offence was to cast the person into the den of lions. They
further requested the king to make the law, not subject to change, in accordance with the law of the
Medes and Persians.
Daniel disregarded the law and prayed in his house three times a day, as was his practice, giving thanks to
the Almighty God.
EVALUATION:
1. Daniel’s excellent ministry attracted both honour and jealousy for him. Discuss

Sub-Topic 2: DANIEL EXPRESSES HIS FAITH IN GOD. DANIEL 6:10-15

After learning that the document had been signed by the king, Daniel went to his house where he had
windows in his upper chamber opened towards Jerusalem and prayed to God three times every day. The
men who wanted to implicate him came and found Daniel praying to his God and immediately reported
him to the king. They further reminded the king that his law concerning worship was not subject to
change, implying that the punishment must be strictly inflicted on Daniel.
EVALUATION:
1. What was Daniel’s reaction on discovering that the document on worship had been signed by the king?

Sub-Topic 3: DANIEL IN THE LION’S DENS DANIEL 6:11-18

When king Darius heard of Daniel’s violation of his decree on worship, he was greatly worried. He was
reluctant to inflict the harsh punishment of the law on Daniel. He tried to free him but following the
persuasion of the other officers of the land, especially those who hated Daniel, that the law of Medes and
Persians was unchangeable and must be applied accordingly, the king ordered that Daniel be cast into the
den of lions.
However, the king said to Daniel, “May your God whom you serve continually deliver you”. The king
having acted against his wish went back home, fasted and was without sleep due to his unhappiness over
what had happened to Daniel.
EVALUATION:
1. Do you think the king was just by casting Daniel into the den? State your reasons.

Sub-Topic 4: THE POWER OF GOD MANIFESTED. DANIEL 6:19-24

The next day, as early as possible, the king hurried to the den of lions. He wanted to see whether Daniel
was dead or alive. When he came near the den, he cried with a loud voice “Daniel, servant of the Living
God, has your God whom you serve continually been able to deliver you from the lion?” Daniel greeted
the king and informed him that the Lord sent His Angel to close the mouth of the lions because he was
blameless before God and before the king. The king was very happy when he found out that Daniel was
alive, he immediately ordered that he be brought out of the den. When he was brought out, he was found
unhurt. The king being convinced that it was a plot against Daniel, immediately ordered that the accusers
of Daniel be cast into the den of lions with their wives and children. The lions broke their bones into
pieces before they reached the bottom of the den.
The king commended the God of Daniel as the only Living God.
EVALUATION:
1. Explain how God vindicated Daniel before the king and the officers of the land.

Sub-Topic 5: EFFECTS OF DANIEL’S FAITH

Following Daniel’s deliverance by God, king Darius promulgated a decree directing everybody in his
kingdom to worship the God of Daniel as the Living God who rescues, works signs and wonders in
heaven and on earth, whose kingdom shall never be destroyed and whose dominion shall be to the end.
Daniel’s popularity and greatness increased throughout the reign of king Darius and of Cyrus, the Persian
king.
EVALUATION:
1. What are the effects of Daniel’s faith in God during the reign of king Darius?

Sub-Topic 6: QUALITIES OF DANIEL. DANIEL 1:3-8; 6:3-5; 10:16; 6:22-23

The qualities of Daniel cannot be overlooked. The following are some of the qualities seen in Daniel:
i. Daniel was from a royal family.
ii. He was endowed with knowledge and understanding
iii. He was learned and competent in many things
iv. He had an excellent spirit. This was the reason he was able to interpret the king’s dream. (Daniel
5:12, 6:3)
v. He was faithful and no error was found in him. This was his enemies’ testimony about him (Daniel
6:4-5)
vi. He was an upright man and blameless in the things of God.
vii. He had an absolute and unshakable faith and trust in God. (Daniel 6:23)
viii. He was a devout worshipper of God.
ix. He was uncompromising
EVALUATION:
1. State and explain at least four qualities of Daniel.
GENERAL EVALUATION:
Objective Test:
1. Daniel was delivered from the den of lions for all the following reasons except for his ______ a.
holiness b. kindness c. faith in God d. prayerful life
2. It was possible for Daniel to distinguish himself among other officers of king Darius because he
_______ a). co-operated with other presidents b). had an excellent spirit c). had wanted the laws of
Medes and Persians reversed d. disobeyed the king’s decree
3. King Darius did not want to kill Daniel because he ________ a). was afraid of the people’s reaction b).
was afraid of God’s punishment c). thought that it might cause a riot d). loved Daniel and knew that
he was blameless
4. Daniel was cast into the lion’s den because he______ a. insulted the king b. prayed to his God c.
raped the king’s wife d. took part in coup
5. The lions could not hurt Daniel because ______ a. the lions were too young b. an angel stayed with
him c. he trusted in God d. he had some magical powers

ESSAY QUESTIONS:
1. Narrate the circumstances that led to Daniel being thrown into the lion’s den.
2. How did Daniel demonstrate faith and power during king Darius reign?
3. Point out three lessons to be learnt from the story of Daniel’s faith in God.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT:
1. Find out from the Bible another person that was wrongly accused and suffered because of his
faith in and fear of God.
WEEKEND ACTIVITY:
1. What suggestions would you give to present day Christian priest who faces opposition in his
ministry?
PRE READING ASSIGNMENT:
Read Amos Chapters 2, 4 and 5.
REFERENCE TEXTS:

1. Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Sec. Schools (SS1, 2 & 3) New Edition by
Martins 1. Amaechi
2. Melrose Christian Religious Studies for Senior Sch. 2 by L.O. Udokporo et al.
3. Round up Christian Religious Knowledge by A.E. Izuchukwu et al.

WEEK 5

SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

CLASS: SS2

DATE: ……………

TOPIC: TRUE RELIGION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

CONTENT:
1. True religion: it is not merely attending church services and programmes. Amos 5:21-23, 25;
4:5. It demands purity of heart, honest desire and justice.
2. Social vices of the time of Amos. Amos 2:6-8; 4:1-2; 5:7-13
3. Opposition against Amos by Amaziah, priest of the royal sanctuary. (Amos 7:10-17).
4. Divine judgment of evil doers (Amos 4:2-3, 6-10).
5. Risks often faced by those who carry out divine messages.
 6. The need to remain steadfast.

Sub- Topic 1: TRUE RELIGION

True religion is the combination of our worshipping God and the practice of righteousness at all time. It is
the combination of the ceremonial aspect of our faith with the moral requirements. The ceremonial aspect
involves our regular attendance to church services on Sundays or holy days, and payment of tithes,
offerings and church dues or levies. The moral aspect of our faith is the practicing of righteousness in
human relationship through the works of kindness, love, hospitality, honesty, justice, forgiveness etc.

Amos was the earliest eighth century prophet. Before his call to prophetic work, he was a shepherd and
dresser of sycamore tree. He was a native of Tekoa in Judea but prophesied in the northern kingdom
during the reigns of Jeroboam and the time of Uzziah in Judea. During this period, there was an economic
boom in the northern kingdom (Israel) which resulted in increased disparity between the rich and the
poor. Oppression of the poor by the rich became rampant and social evil increased in the society. This
social evil co-existed with religious insincerity.

Amos observed that Jewish religion was highly established on the ceremonial side, and totally lacking on
the spiritual and moral aspect. The religion was characterized with hypocrisy, idolatry and empty
formalism. The people assembled regularly for worship; made costly offerings and had magnificent
places of worship, yet social evils still prevailed. This according to prophet Amos showed that the people
were not practicing true religion. Some of the religious practices unacceptable to God outlined in Amos
that displeased God include the following:

1. Festivals and merry making that lacked true, interpersonal communication and a real
communication with God.
2. Holding of sacred services that were shallow and hypocritical.
3. The people followed religious double standards- they worshipped idols at Bethel and Gilgal.
4. Pollution of the land by the people’s moral corruption- they were going to Bethel and Gilgal not to
worship but to engage in all forms of evil practices such as cultism, prostitution, drunkenness and
unnecessary fines which affected only the poor.
5. Little regard for holy periods.

DEMANDS OF TRUE RELIGION. (Amos 5:14-15, 24)

True religion demands purity of heart, honest, desires and justice, humility and fair play. It is not
characterized by regular worship and offerings. This was what Amos meant by declaring that God
demanded justice and righteousness from his people and sacrifice (Amos 5:21-24). The kind of worship
God demanded from the Israelites according to Amos includes:

1. Seeking God with passion so that they will live.(Amos 5: 4)

2. Doing everything good and with honest report while shunning evil (Amos 5:14)
3. Justice, fair play and being seen to be constantly doing what is right (Amos 5:15, 24)
4. Righteousness should be allowed to reign in the lives of the people(Amos 5: 24)
5. Repentance and returning to God for forgiveness.
 6. It is necessary to note here, that God does not condemn regular worship, sacrifices- tithe and
offerings etc, rather Amos meant that religious activities that are not followed by righteousness are
meaningless.

EVALUATION:
1. Give the characteristics of true religion.
2. Describe any three practices which Amos condemned in the religious life of Israel and three things
he recommended in their place.

Sub-Topic 2: SOCIAL VICES OF THE TIMES OF AMOS (AMOS 2:6-8; 4:1-2; 5:7-13)

The society of Amos’ time was characterized by and enmeshed in official injustice, corruption, greed and
false worship. Their social vices were so excessive and unbearable that God had to send Amos to warn
them of the disastrous consequence of their actions if they failed to repent: in condemning the social vices
of his time, Amos said that God is not only one-time and universal God, but also a just and righteous one,
who demands justice and righteousness from his people.
He then exposed and condemned the social vices of the day which among others include:

1. Bribery and corruption which was the order of the day: The judges perverted justice by collecting
bribes from the rich. The poor were denied justice as the judges could easily be bought over, even with
a pair of shoes (Amos 2:6-8; 5:10).
2. Dishonesty of the merchants (they use false measures): in most cases, they sold refuse as wheat to
the poor (Amos 8:4-6).
3. Greed and drunkenness: the women of Samaria were making excessive demands on their husbands
who in turn robbed and crushed the poor to meet their wives’ demands. Those women were overfed
and Amos described them as cows of Bashan, who must consequently be taken captive to Harmon in
Assyria.
4. Selfish luxury of the rich: the wealthy became abundantly prosperous and lived in affluence,
dwelling in expensive buildings (stone houses) and using costly beds made of ivory at the cost of the
poor in the society (Amos 6:4-6).
5. Licentiousness: indiscriminate sex pervaded the society. A son and father went in to the same maiden
(Amos 2:7)
1. EVALUATION:
1. a) Outline Amos’ vision of ripe fruits. b) State three practices Amos condemned.

2. Discuss three social vices that prevailed at the time of Amos.

3. Do social vices of Amos’ time still exist today in our country?

Sub-Topic 3: OPPOSITION AGAINST AMOS BY AMAZIAH, PRIEST OF THE ROYAL

SANCTUARY. (AMOS 7:10-17)
Amos’ prophecy against the sanctuaries, especially the destruction of Bethel, the exile of the whole
people of Israel including king Jeroboam II, and members of his family, did not go down well with
Amaziah, the priest of Bethel. Amaziah saw Amos’ prophesy as conspiracy and treason to overthrow the
government of king Jeroboam. He therefore reported the prophet to the king. He also ordered Amos to go
back to his country, the southern kingdom (Judah) and prophesy there, to earn a living and stop
prophesying any longer at Bethel because it was the king’s sanctuary and court.
Responding, Amos politely told Amaziah that he was neither a prophet nor a prophet’s son but God called
him out of his former occupation as a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees to go and prophesy to the
people of the northern kingdom (Israel). He was God’s mouth-piece hence a prophet of God (Amos 7:10-
14).
He further prophesied about the impending exile, during which their wives would be harlots in the city
and their sons and daughters would fall by the sword.
EVALUATION:
1. a) Give an account of Amos’ encounter with Amaziah, the priest. b) Indicate any three practices in
your society that need to be condemned. (SSCE June 2015, Q4 a/b)
2. What is your impression on how Amos responded to the opposition to Amaziah?

Sub-Topic 4: DIVINE JUDGEMENT OF EVIL DOERS (AMOS 4:2-3; 4:6-10; 5:14-20; 7:16-17;
8:9-10)
God tried to make the people of Israel to return to him by visiting them with drought, famine and
pestilence, yet, they remained unrepentant and continued with the prevalent social and religious vices.
Amos therefore prophesied and outlined the impending divine judgment.
1. The sanctuaries would be destroyed.
2. The people of Israel would suffer captivity through Assyria. The rampaging enemy forces would
be so vicious and heartless.
3. Natural disasters in form of famine, drought, crop failure and plagues such as wind and sand
storms, lice, locust invasion, natural calamities etc.
4. The upper class of the society would be the first to go into exile and would lead the columns of
refugees (Amos 6: 6-7).
5. Lack of safety as one who ran to the house for safety, leaning his hand on the wall would be bitten
by snake (Amos 5:19).
6. Amaziah would be taken to a defiled land where he would cease to perform his priestly duty, and
would die in land of captivity.
7. Amaziah’s wife would be left alone as a widow. She would end up being a prostitute for a living.
8. The so called day of the Lord, the Jews were hoping for would be a doom-day and a day of
darkness.

EVALUATION:
3. What lessons can we learn from the punishment lined up against Israel?
Sub-Topic 5: RISKS OFTEN FACED BY THOSE WHO CARRY OUT DIVINE MESSAGES (1
PETER 3:17, 4:12-19, ACTS 9:10-16; 20:22-24, 1 KINGS 19:1-3)
Risks mean exposing oneself to danger or something harmful. The carriers of divine messages are not
immune from risks. By the virtue of the messages they carry, they can be called men of God, servants of
God, evangelists, pastors, preachers, apostles, prophets etc.

These messengers stand the risk of being molested, physically abused, harassed, intimidated or even
murdered in the course of spreading the divine message of salvation especially to a predominantly pagan
society.

They run the risk of being rejected, falsely accused and assaulted. There are examples of such messengers
in the bible who suffered such fate e.g. Elijah at the hand of Ahab and Jezebel his wife; Amos accused of
treason by Amaziah who reported him to king Jeroboam.

Jesus Christ is a perfect example. He suffered more than one can think of. He was brutalized, persecuted
and finally crucified on the cross (a shameful death) because of the divine message of salvation he
brought to the dying world. Having known that his disciples (followers) would suffer the same fate of
suffering persecution, he forewarned and encouraged them to be of good cheers.

The main reason why the messengers of God and human defender face threats to their safety and lives is
because people hate the truth. Pride also makes people refuse to listen to the truth that will set them free.
They prefer to hear what will favour them hence they oppose and persecute those who speak the truth to
them.
EVALUATION:
1. State and explain three risks the carriers of divine message face in doing their given tasks.
2. What do you think are the reasons why preachers of the gospels are being persecuted?

Sub-Topic: 6. THE NEED TO REMAIN STEADFAST

Steadfastness is demanded from everyone that believes in God (Jesus) and propagates the goodness of
salvation for mankind. Christians (including men of God, evangelists, preachers, pastors, prophets,
apostles etc.) are encouraged to endure persecution and suffering and to see them as test of their faith.
Jesus made it clear that those who will lead a godly life, standing on the truth must suffer persecution.
Persecution is temporary; and it is something that strengthens the believers’ hope in the glory he will
share with Christ at the end. Christians should therefore entrust their souls into the hands of God and
remain steadfast in faith as they deliver God’s messages.
i. Steadfastness in the faith has and will continue to lead to the extension and spread of the gospel to the
Gentiles.
ii. Steadfastness makes it easy for a believer to carry out his mission without hesitation.
iii. Steadfastness attracts God’s presence to remain with believers.
iv. Christians who are steadfast in the faith bring glory and honour to God while those who advocate for
social justice bring glory to their nation.

EVALUATION:
1. Why is steadfastness demanded from every Christian?
2. Discuss at least, three benefits of steadfastness.

GENERAL EVALUATION:
Objective Test:
1. According to Amos, the people of Israel were guilty of (a) fornication (b) dishonesty (c) greed (d)
disobedience.
2. The main theme of Amos prophesy to Israel was justice and (a) love (b) forgiveness (c)
righteousness (d) mercy.
3. Amos called the Samaritan women “cows of Bashan” because (a) they offered a lot of cows as
burnt offering to the lord (b) they were fat (c) they ate cows bought from Bashan (d) they
encouraged their husbands to oppress the poor.
4. Amos described true religion as (a) fasting and praying (b) being just and righteous (c) engaging
in sacrifices and burnt offerings (d) engaging in holy feast and assemblies.
5. Amos condemned the people of Israel for all the following except (a) trampling on the heads of
the poor (b) selling the righteousness for silver. (c) upholding the rights of the afflicted (d)
drinking in the house of their God the wine of those who had been fined
6. The message of Amos was mainly about (a) the love of God (b) religious sacrifice (c) social
justice (d) the holiness of God
7. Amos declared that God hated solemn feasts, songs and sacrifices because the people of Israel were
(a) despicable and untruthful (b) luxurious and arrogant (c) unjust and unrighteous (d) unforgiving and
unrepentant.
8. God spoke through Amos that he would punish Israel for the following sins except that they (a) sold
the righteous for silver (b) sold the needy for a pair of shoes (c) trampled the head of the poor into the
dust (d) pursued their brothers with the sword.
9. According to Amos’ prophecy, the “day of the Lord” to the Israelites would be a day of (a) victory of
enemies (b) happiness (c) doom (d) national triumph.
10. Amos’ message can aptly be described as (a) justice and righteousness (b) doom for the spiritually
bankrupt. (c) Observance of all religious practices (d) obedience to law as true religion.
ESSAY QUESTIONS:
1. What were the religious evils in the Northern kingdom that Amos prophesied against?
2. Describe any three practices which Amos condemned in the religious life of Israel and indicate
three things he recommended in their place.
3. Compare the moral and religious atrocities committed during the days of Amos and the ones
committed today in Nigeria.
4. “I am neither prophet nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore
trees….” Give an account of the event which led to this statement. What else did the speaker say
on this occasion?
5. (a) Describe the circumstances which brought Amos face to face with Amaziah, the priest of
Bethel.

(b) Give two reasons why those who oppose God should be condemned.

6. (a) Describe the social life of Israel during the time of Amos.
 (b) Mention four vices condemned by Amos which are still rampant in your society.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT:
1. List five social vices in Nigeria that is similar to that of Amos’ time.
2. The people of Israel had the opportunity to prevent further divine punishment but failed to use it.
Discuss.
PRE- READING ASSIGNMENT:
1. Read about opposition against Amos by Amaziah, priest of the royal sanctuary (Amos 7:10-
17, Hosea1, 2, 3, 6:1-11, 14:1-14 on divine love.
WEEKEND ACTIVITY:
1. Identify ways in which Christians can contribute to the eradication of social and religious vices in
our society
2. Discuss Hosea’s marital experience and how it shows God’s love for Israel.
3. Identify three ways a Christian can respond to God’s love today.

REFERENCE TEXTS: REFERENCE TEXTS:

1. Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Sec. Schools (SS1, 2 & 3) New Edition by
Martins 1. Amaechi
2. Melrose Christian Religious Studies for Senior Sch. 2 by L.O. Udokporo et al.
3. Round up Christian Religious Knowledge by A.E. Izuchukwu et al.

WEEK 6

SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

CLASS: SS2

DATE: ………………………………..

TOPIC: DIVINE LOVE

CONTENT:
1. God asked Hosea to marry Gomer a harlot and raise children by her, to illustrate Israel
harlotry (Hosea 1).
2. The unfaithfulness of Israel to God and his continuous love for her. Hosea 2-3.
3. Israel superficial response to God’s love. Hosea 6:1-11

Sub-Topic 1: GOD ASKED HOSEA TO MARRY GOMER, A HARLOT AND RAISE

CHILDREN BY HER (HOSEA 1)

Hosea is referred to as the “prophet of love” because his messages centred on God’s love for the children
of Israel in spite of their unfaithfulness. His marital experience served as a practical example to his
message of love. His message was against immorality, political and religious corruption. He encouraged
the people to repent and turn back to God. His period of prophecy spread through the reigns of king
Uzziah, Jothan and Ahaz in the southern kingdom and Jeroboam in the northern kingdom.
Unlike Amos, he was a native of Israel (i.e. Northern kingdom), and he delivered his message there. At
the time of his prophetic ministry, northern kingdom was witnessing a period of political instability and
religious syncretism. At this point, God instructed Hosea the son of Beeri to marry a harlot, Gomer, the
daughter of Diblaim, and have children of harlotry through her.

Hosea obeyed God’s order and eventually had three children with Gomer- two sons and one daughter.
These children were given symbolic names that expressed God’s anger at the people of Israel who had
forsaken their God to play harlotry with other gods.

The name of the first son was Jezreel which meant that God would punish the house of Jehu for the
“blood of Jezreel”. This refers to the innocent blood which the wicked Jehu shed at the valley of Jezreel
during his revolution.

The second child – the daughter’s name was Lo-ruhamah or ‘Not pitied’ or ‘No mercy’. This signified
that God would no longer have pity upon the house of Israel.

The third child – the son’s name was Lo-anmi or “Not my people” this means that God would no longer
regard Israel as his people as they had forsaken him. God later promised His love to Israel by saying that
He would multiply them greatly like the sea sand that could not be numbered. Also He would forgive and
restore the whole nation of Israel- the Northern kingdom and Judah (southern kingdom) after the
corrective punishment. Both kingdoms would be united under one leader.

EVALUATION:
1. a) Mention the names of Hosea’s three children.
b) Explain the meaning of each of the names.(WASSCE June 2005 Q4a/b)
2. In what three ways are names significant in your society?

Sub-Topic 2: UNFAITHFULNESS OF ISRAEL TO GOD AND HIS CONTINUOUS LOVE FOR

HER (HOSEA 2-3)

Hosea had provided and cared for his Wife Gomer. Yet, after giving birth to her three children, she left
Hosea and ran after her worthless lover she had hoped to benefit more from. Gomer became unfaithful;
due to Hosea’s persistent love for her, he continued to plead with her to come back because he knew that
she was not going to benefit from those other men but to suffer. Gomer refused to come back. He sent her
children to plead with her but she ignored them as well. In spite of Gomer’s unfaithfulness, Hosea still
persisted in his love for her. At last, not knowing what else to do, Hosea divorced her. Nevertheless, he
reclaimed her back to himself eventually.

The marital experience of Hosea was synonymous with God’s relationship with the Israelites. God, as the
husband, had demonstrated a lot of love to the Israelites right from the time he set them free from Egypt
with a lot of signs and wonders to the period of Hosea’s ministry; God had also established covenant with
them, but Israel had never been faithful in keeping the lord’s commandments. They indulged in sin of
idolatry- running after other gods like Hosea’s wife Gomer who ran to other men.

As Hosea divorced Gomer for refusing to come back to him after many pleadings, so God had sent many
prophets to appeal to the Israelites to turn from their evil ways and return to God but all appeals were in
vain. God had no option but to divorce Israel. Nevertheless, God’s love for Israel still persisted in spite of
their unfaithfulness. God still hoped and expected they would repent and come back to him. He pleaded
with them severally to forsake Baal and worship Him. Hosea pointed out that the priests and prophets
who refused to rebuke Israel for their unfaithfulness would equally be punished.

The bottom line in Hosea messages is the willingness and readiness of God to accept his people back if
they genuinely repented.

EVALUATION:
1. How does the story of Hosea and Gomer portray the nature of God?
2. What lessons can we learn from the story of Hosea and Gomer?

Sub-Topic 3: ISRAEL’S SUPERFICIAL RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE (Hosea 6:1-11)

Israel’s response to God’s love was a typical example of man’s negative response to God’s love and call.
The people of Israel immediate response were not genuine. They worshipped God with their lips but
hearts were far from him. They thought that to affect a superficial return to God would be enough to
alleviate their suffering. They care with much sacrifice and burnt offerings in order to please God but
their hearts were far away from him.

They did not return with repentant heart, rather, they returned because they were suffering. Their concern
was just to be free from God’s chastisement. They did not care to know where and how they offended
God so as to repent and forsake that very sin. The cause of their broken relationship with God was lack of
love and knowledge of God hence Hosea declared that God desired steadfast love and knowledge of God
rather than burnt offerings.
EVALUATION:
1. How did the people of Israel respond to God’s love and call to repentance.
2. Compare Israel’s response to our response of God’s love to us.
GENERAL EVALUATION:
Objective Test:
1. Gomer’s second child was named (a) Jezreel (b) Jezebel (c) not my people (d) not pitied
2. Hosea’s wife, Gomer was a (a) seamstress (b) prophetess (c) princess (d) harlot
3. Israel’s response to God’s love according to Hosea, was (a) a brief repentance (b) lowly repentance (c)
non-chalant repentance (d) a sincere repentance
4. Hosea divorced his wife because (a) she was unfaithful (b) she refused to come back (c) she came from
a heathen nation (d) she was a harlot.
5. Hosea came to his vocation as a prophet through (a) frequent calls from God (b) personal love for the
vocation (c) a message he received in a dream (d) Israel’s insistence that he should prophesy.

ESSAY QUESTIONS:

1. What lessons can we learn from the story of Hosea and Gomer?
2. According to Hosea, what should be the nature of Israel’s true response to God’s love?
3. Illustrate God’s nature of love with the story of Hosea and Gomer.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT:

1. Outline the various ways some Nigerians respond to God’s love today.

PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT:

Read Hosea 6:1-11, 14

WEEKEND ACTIVITY:

1. What are the significance of Hosea marriage to Gomer. Mention three.

REFERENCE TEXTS:

1. Round up Christian Religious Knowledge by A.E Izuchukwu et al.

2. Melrose Christian Religious Studies for Senior Secondary School 2 by L.O.Udokporo et al.
3. Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for Senior Secondary Schools by Martins .I. Amaechi.

WEEK 7: MID TERM BREAK

WEEK 8

SUBJECT: CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

CLASS: SS 2

DATE: ………………………………..

TOPIC: DIVINE LOVE

CONTENT:
1. God demands steadfast love and knowledge of him (Hosea 6:6)
2. Positive response to God’s love requires penitent (Hosea 6: 1-4)
3. God promises restoration to those who return to him in repentance.
(Hosea 14).

Sub-Topic 1: GOD DEMANDS STEADFAST LOVE AND KNOWLEDGE OF HIM (HOSEA 6:6)
Hosea appealed to the people of Israel to genuinely return to their God for they had stumbled and failed
because of their sins and iniquities. He advised them to manifest genuine repentance, confess their sins
and accept only those things that are good in the sight of God. He also advised them to show mercy to the
needy; and to desist from idolatry. He warned them to stop their political alliance with the Assyrians as
that would not bring solution to their political crisis.
These, according to prophet Hosea were the only things that would deliver and save them from divine
judgment and not their numerous offerings and sacrifices without corresponding righteousness and
holiness.

EVALUATION:
1. What were the things Hosea advised the people of Israel to do as means of true repentance?

Sub-Topic 2: POSITIVE RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE REQUIRES PENITENT (HOSEA 6: 1-4)

God’s love for Israel was a steadfast and persisting love. This was demonstrated with Hosea’s marital
experience. God was like Israel’s husband. As a husband is normally jealous seeing his wife run after
other men, so was God not happy that Israel forsook Him for other gods. In His effort to see persuade
Israel to return back to Him, He sent prophets to them, warning them to desist from their evil ways and
come back to God. As a husband would naturally divorce an unfaithful and wayward wife, God
threatened to divorce Israel by allowing a nation to overwhelm them and carry them away in captivity.

To avert God’s punishment, they pretended to have repented while in their mind, there was no genuine
love for God. However, God still persisted in loving them in spite of their unfaithfulness and was
prepared to take them back to Himself once they showed sign of genuine repentance.

In the same vein, God’s love for man generally, is steadfast and persistent. He protects and provides
abundantly for man to enjoy. But man, on his part has not been faithful to God. Many people profess to
love God but their love is hypocritical and conditional. They only come to God when they have problems
for solution.

Since God does not want anyone to perish, He expects us to respond positively to His love by genuine
repentance with sincerity of heart and confession. As we desist from superficial, negative and selfish
repentance, our relationship will be established based on His love for man.

EVALUATION:
1. Mention ways Christians can respond to God’s love.
2. Discuss the binding force in man’s relationship with God.

Sub-Topic 3: GOD PROMISES RESTORATION TO THOSE WHO RETURN TO HIM IN

REPENTANCE. (HOSEA 14)
God responded to Israel’s superficial and fake repentance by expressing His love for them. He reminded
them that what He required from them was sincere and genuine repentance not mere plea for mercy. Their
rituals and sacrifices were not good enough until they were matched with genuine repentance. Then He
promised to heal them of their unfaithfulness so that they would return to Him and worship Him in
sincerity; He would restore them by making them return to their land after His corrective punishment;
Israel and Judah would be united under a divinely appointed leader who would rule them in the fear and
knowledge of God, unlike their corrupt leaders that had led them astray. This divinely appointed leader
would come from the dynasty of David – a reference to the coming of the Messiah.
God promises restoration to Christians who return to Him in genuine repentance from their sins and
backsliding state. The mercy of God is available to those who acknowledge, confess, and forsake their
sins, and exercise faith in God.

EVALUATION:
1. What were the things God promised to do for the people of Israel after chastising them?
2. Compare Israel’s response to God’s love and call for repentance to our response to God’s love for us.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT:
Objective Test:
1. The main message of Hosea is that God desires ______
A. sacrifice and thanksgiving.
B. love with little sacrifice.
C. sacrifice and worship
D. steadfast love and not sacrifice.
2. According to Hosea, Israel’s response to God’s love was a ______
A. sincere repentance.
B. brief repentance.
C. lousy repentance.
D. pretentious repentance.
3. Hosea divorced his wife because _________
A. she came from a heathen nation.
B. she was a harlot.
C. she gave birth to only three children.
D. she refused to come back.
4. Hosea described Israel’s relation with God as that of a _______
A. repentant wife and her forgiving husband.
B. faithful wife and her over–loving husband.
C. loving wife and her faithful husband.
D. unfaithful wife and a loving husband.
5. Hosea came to his vocation as a prophet through ________
A. Israel’s insistence that he should prophesy.
B. personal love for the vocation.
C. a message he received in a dream.
D. an unpleasant domestic experience.
ESSAY QUESTIONS:
1. State three punishments pronounced on Israel by God through prophet Hosea.
2. How does the story of Hosea and Gomer illustrate God’s love for man?

GENERAL EVALUATION:
1. Discuss briefly the things Hosea advised the people of Israel to do as a means of true repentance.
2. Itemise the social and spiritual problems of Israel.
3. Briefly discuss God’s recommended solution to the problem of Israel.

REFERENCE TEXTS:
1. Round Up Christian Religious Knowledge by A. E. Izuchukwu et al.

2. Melrose Christian Religious Studies for SSS 2 by L. O. Udokporo et al.