The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Christian Religious Studies (CRS) syllabus provides a comprehensive outline of the topics that candidates need to study to adequately prepare for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The syllabus is designed to ensure candidates have a good understanding of Christian theology, the history of the Christian religion, biblical concepts, and Christian moral teachings. Below is a detailed breakdown of the syllabus.

SECTION A: Old Testament Studies

1. Creation, Fall, and its Consequences

• Topics:
• The creation stories (Genesis 1 & 2).
• The fall of man (Genesis 3).
• Consequences of disobedience (Genesis 3:1-19).
• Objectives:
• Understand the biblical account of creation.
• Identify the consequences of sin on humanity.
• Explain the importance of obedience in a Christian’s life.

2. Covenant Promises

• Topics:
• The call of Abraham (Genesis 12:1-9, 15:1-6).
• God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:1-21).
• Objectives:
• Understand God’s covenant with Abraham.
• Discuss the concept of faith as shown by Abraham.

3. Leadership and Judges

• Topics:
• The leadership of Moses and the Ten Commandments (Exodus 3, 12:1-14).
• The role of judges in Israel: Gideon, Deborah, and Samson (Judges 6:11-16, 13:1-5, 16:4-31).
• Objectives:
• Understand the significance of the leadership of Moses.
• Discuss the function and impact of judges on the Israelites.

4. The Kingship of Israel

• Topics:
• The reign of Saul and David (1 Samuel 9:1-27, 10:1-27, 11:12-15).
• David’s kingship and covenant with God (2 Samuel 7).
• Objectives:
• Explain the importance of kingship in Israel.
• Understand David’s covenant with God and his role as a leader.

5. Prophetic Ministry in Israel

• Topics:
• The call and ministry of prophets: Elijah, Elisha, and Amos (1 Kings 17:1-16, 18:20-40; Amos 5:14-15).
• Objectives:
• Understand the role of prophets in Israel.
• Explain the significance of prophetic messages for moral and religious guidance.

SECTION B: New Testament Studies

1. The Birth and Early Life of Jesus

• Topics:
• The annunciation and birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-38; 2:1-20).
• The early life of Jesus: presentation in the temple, and childhood (Luke 2:21-52).
• Objectives:
• Understand the circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus.
• Discuss the significance of Jesus’ early life in Christian teachings.

2. The Ministry of Jesus

• Topics:
• The baptism of Jesus and its significance (Matthew 3:13-17).
• The temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11).
• Jesus’ teachings on love, forgiveness, and the kingdom of God (Luke 15:11-32, Matthew 5-7).
• Objectives:
• Understand the teachings of Jesus and their importance for Christian living.
• Explain the significance of love, forgiveness, and the kingdom of God in the life of a Christian.

3. Miracles of Jesus

• Topics:
• Healing miracles (Mark 5:21-34, Luke 18:35-43).
• Nature miracles: calming of the storm, feeding of the five thousand (Mark 4:35-41, John 6:1-14).
• Objectives:
• Discuss the significance of Jesus’ miracles in his ministry.
• Explain how miracles demonstrate the divine power of Jesus.

4. The Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus

• Topics:
• The last supper, betrayal, and crucifixion (Matthew 26:17-30, 27:1-66).
• The resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24:1-12).
• Objectives:
• Understand the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
• Explain the meaning of salvation and its implications for Christians.

SECTION C: Themes from Selected Epistles

1. Paul’s Letters: Faith and Works

• Topics:
• Justification by faith in Romans (Romans 3:21-31).
• Christian living and the role of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-17).
• Objectives:
• Understand Paul’s teaching on faith and works.
• Discuss the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian.

2. Love in the Epistles

• Topics:
• Love as the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:8-10).
• Love in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 13).
• Objectives:
• Explain Paul’s teaching on love as the basis of Christian life.
• Discuss the importance of love in the Christian community.

SECTION D: Christian Moral Teachings

1. Christian Attitudes Toward Ethics

• Topics:
• Christian teachings on love, honesty, and justice (Matthew 5:43-48; Exodus 20:15-17).
• Christian view on forgiveness and reconciliation (Matthew 18:21-35).
• Objectives:
• Explain the ethical standards expected of Christians.
• Discuss the importance of love, honesty, and forgiveness in Christian moral teachings.

2. Christian Responses to Social Issues

• Topics:
• Christian teaching on wealth and poverty (Luke 16:19-31; Matthew 19:16-26).
• Christian perspective on marriage, divorce, and family (Matthew 19:3-12, 1 Corinthians 7).
• Objectives:
• Understand the Christian approach to wealth and poverty.
• Discuss the biblical perspective on marriage, divorce, and family life.