JUPEB Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Syllabus 2026/2027 & Textbooks

By Syllabus2026 February 7, 2026 Blog, JUPEB Syllabus 2026 0 Comments

The JUPEB Christian Religious Studies (CRS) syllabus 2026 (typically coded CRS001-004) focuses on four main areas: Old Testament history (Israel/Judah), New Testament studies (Synoptic Gospels), History of Christianity in West Africa, and religion and society. It covers biblical composition, the rise of the monarchy, the life of Jesus, and the church’s role in modern society.

The JUPEB Christian Religious Studies (CRS) syllabus covers Old Testament studies (history/monarchy), New Testament studies (the Gospels), History of Christianity in West Africa, and Religion and Society. It prepares students for university admission into courses like Law, political science, public administration, mass communication, and theatre arts.

JUPEB CRS Syllabus Structure

First Semester
- CRS 001: Old Testament Studies (History and Religion of Israel): Covers Old Testament literature, documentary hypotheses, the monarchy in Israel (Saul, David, Solomon), and the divided kingdom.
- CRS 002: New Testament Studies (The Gospels): Covers the study of the Gospels.
Second Semester
- CRS 003: History of Christianity in West Africa: Covers the development of Christianity in Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone.
- CRS 004: Religion and Society: Focuses on the relationship between religion and society, including modern challenges.

Relevant Courses of Study

A pass in JUPEB CRS allows students to pursue various courses in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, including:

Law
Political Science
Public Administration
Mass Communication
Theatre Arts
Theology/Religious Studies
Sociology/Social Work.

JUPEB Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Syllabus 2026/2027 & Textbooks

JUPEB First Semester Courses for CRS

COURSE CODE	COURSE TITLE	CREDIT LOAD
CRS001	Old Testament Studies: History & Religion of Israel and Judah	3 Units
CRS002	NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES: THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS	3 Units

JUPEB FIRST SEMESTER CRS SYLLABUS

	JUPEB CRS SYLLABUS
	TOPICS	OBJECTIVES
	FIRST SEMESTER
SN	CRS001: OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES: HISTORY & RELIGION ON JUDAH
1	FORMATION & COMPOSITION OF THE OLD TESTAMENT	i. Inspiration a) Explain the term “inspiration” as it applies to the composition of the Old Testament. b) Discuss the theories of inspiration ii. Cannonization a) Discuss the meaning of the term “canon” b) Explain the different applications of canon with reference to the Ol.d Testament. c) Discuss the criteria for the Old Testament canonization iii. Genre of Literature a) Explain the term “genre” b) List out the different types of the literature in the Old Testament.
2	MOSAIC AUTHORSHIP OF THE PENTATAUCH: AN OVERVIEW	i. Proofs of mosaic authorship a) Discuss the arguments for mosaic authorship b) Identify instances that support mosaic authorship ii. Arguments against mosaic authorship a) Discuss the arguments against mosaic authorship b) Mention instances against mosaic authorship iii. The documentary hypothesis a) Examine the nature of the documentary hypothesis b) Define J, E, D, P documents. c) Discuss the characteristics of each document
3	THE RISE OF MONARCHY IN ISRAEL	i. Historical settings for the establishment of the monarchy (1 Sam, 1-7) a) Identify the factors that gave rise to the monarchy b) Discuss roles of Eli and Samuel in the institutions of monarchy in Israel ii. The establishment of the monarchy a) Discuss the factors that led to the request for a long b) Describe how Saul was first anointed as the first king iii. Saul’s reign and failures a) Highlight the successes of the reign of King Saul b) Examine the factors that caused the fall of King Saul iv. David’s Reign over Israel (1 Sam 16; 2 Sam 24) a) Discuss how David Rose to the throne b) Identify King David’s contribution to the development of Israel c) Mention the weaknesses of King David v. The reign of King Solomon a) Highlight Solomon’s ascension to the throne b) Appraise his reign and state his contribution to Israel c) Explain the folly of King Solomon
4	THE DIVIDED KINGDOMS & THE EXILES	i. Factors that led to the division of the kingdom (2 Kg 11-15) a) Explain the factors that led to the division of the kingdom b) Examine the characteristics of the two kingdoms ii. The Exiles: An Overview (2 Kg. 16 – 25) a) Mention the causes and effects of the exiles
5	THE RISE OF PROPHECY IN ISRAEL	i. Early manifestation of prophecy in Israel a) Identify the roles of the pre-canonical prophets in the development of Israel b) Examine the characteristics of prophecies and the role of the prophets ii. The major and minor prophets: Themes from Isaiah, Amos and Hosea a) Distinguish between the major and minor prophets b) Examine prophet Isaiah’s message on holiness and discuss it’s relevance to nation building c) Explain Hosea’s message on love and it’s implications for Israel (Hos. 1-3)
	CRS002: NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES: THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS
6	HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE NEW TESTAMENT	i. An overview of the socio-political background a) Trace the development of the nation of Israel under the Roman Empire ii. Religious background a) Identify the religious groups and institutions
7	THE SYNOPSIS, MATERIALS & CANONIZATION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT	i. The synopsis and the materials a) Identify factors that delayed the writing of the Gospels b) Examine the factors that prompted the writing of the Gospels c) Highlight the sources of the materials of the Gospel writers ii. Canonization of the New Testament a) Define the term “canonization” b) Discuss the process of canonization of the New Testament
8	THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS & THE SYNOPTIC PROBLEM	i. The synoptic Gospel a) Define the term “synoptic” b) Mention the synoptic Gospels ii. The synoptic problem a) Identify the similarities and dis-similarities of the synoptic Gospels b) Appraise the proposed solutions to the synoptic problems
9	MODERN CRITICISM OF THE GOSPEL	i. Various criticisms of the Gospel a) Discuss each of the modern criticisms of the Gospel b) Evaluate the effects of each criticism on the Gospels
10	LITERATURE & THEOLOGY OF THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS	i. Literature and Theology of Matthew a) Discuss the authorship, purpose, date and destination of Saint Matthew’s Gospel b) Highlight the theological emphasis of the Gospel c) Examine the characteristics of Saint Matthew’s Gospel ii. Literature and Theology of Mark a) Discuss the authorship, purpose, date and destination of Saint Mark’s Gospel b) Highlight the theological emphasis of the Gospel c) Examine the characteristics of Saint Mark’s Gospel iii. Literature and Theology of Luke a) Discuss the authorship, purpose, date and destination of Saint Luke’s Gospel b) Highlight the theological emphasis of the Gospel c) Examine the characteristics of Saint Luke’s Gospel
11	THE RISE OF PROPHECY IN ISRAEL	i. Early manifestation of Prophecy in Israel a) Identify the roles of the pre-canonical prophets in the development of Israel b) Examine the characteristics of prophecies and the role of the prophets ii. The major and minor prophets: Themes from Israel, Amos and Hosea a) Distinguish between the major and minor prophets b) Examine prophet Isaiah’s message on holiness and discuss it’s relevance to nation building c) Explain Hosea’s message on love and it’s implications for Israel (Hos. 1-3) d) Explain the message of Amos on justice and discuss it’s relevance to nation’s building (Amos 1 – 5)

JUPEB Second Semester Courses for CRS

COURSE CODE	COURSE TITLE	CREDIT LOAD
CRS003	HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN WEST AFRICA	3 Units
CRS004	RELIGION AND SOCIETY	3 Units

JUPEB SECOND SEMESTER CRS SYLLABUS

	SECOND SEMESTER
	CRS003: HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN WEST AFRICA
12	AN OVERVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS AT CHRISTIANIZING AFRICA	i. The first attempt: North Africa a) Narrate the early contacts with Christianity b) Discuss the reasons for the eclipse of the church ii. The second attempt: The Portuguese effects a) Discuss the efforts of Prince Henry the Navigator b) Explain reasons for the exploration of Africa c) Identify reasons for failure
13	ESTABLISHING CHRISTIANITY IN SIERRA-LEONE	i. The evangelical revivals in Europe and America a) Discuss the effects of the evangelical renewals in Europe and America on West-Africa b) Highlight the role of anti-slavery movement in founding Sierra Leone ii. The founding of Sierra-Leone and the planting of Christianity a) Enumerate the reasons for the founding of Sierra-Leone b) Narrate the activities of the various mission groups in Sierra-Leone. c) Discribe the Niger expedition and evaluate the activities.
14	THE PLANTING OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE GOLD COAST (GHANA)	i. Missionary efforts in the Gold Coast a) Narrate the missionary activities in Ghana ii. Identify the influence of the various mission bodies
15	THE PLANTING OF CHRISTIANITY IN NIGERIA	i. Missionary activities in Yorubaland a) Narrate the introduction of Christianity in Yorubaland b) Identify it’s influence in Yourubaland ii. Missionary activities in Ibo Land a) Narrate the introduction of Christianity in Ibo Land b) Identify it’s influence in Ibo land iii. Missionary activities in Northern Nigeria a) Narrate the introduction of Christianity in Northern Nigeria b) Identify it’s influence in Northern Nigeria. iv. Missionary activities in Calabar and Bonny areas a) Narrate the introduction of Christianity in Calabar and Bonny areas b) Identify it’s influence in Calabar and Bonny areas
16	THE RISE OF THE AFRICAN INDEPENDENT CHURCHES	i. Clarification and classification of the African independent churches (AICs) a) Clarify the term ‘African independent church’ b) Classify the African independent churches c) Distinguish the AICs from the Mainline and Pentecostal churches d) Identify some of the founders/leaders of the AICS
17	PENTECOSTALISM IN NIGERIA	i. History and development of Pentecostal churches in Nigeria a) Define the term “Pentecostal” b) Identify the distinguishing features of the Pentecostal church c) Mention some of the founders/leaders of the Pentecostal churches in Nigeria
18	PROLIFERATION OF CHURCHES IN NIGERIA	i. Clarification of term and causes of proliferation a) Clarify the term “Proliferation” b) Enumerate the causes of proliferation of churches ii. Impact of proliferation on churches a) Evaluate the impact of proliferation of churches
	CRS004: RELIGION & SOCIETY
19	RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RELIGION & SOCIETY	i. Meaning of religion and society a) Clarify the terms “religion” and “society” ii. Relationship a) Discuss how religion and society relate
20	SOCIOLOGICAL THEORIES OF RELIGION	i. Sociological theories of religion a) List some sociological theories of religion b) Evaluate the effects of each theory on the society
21	MEASURES OF RELIGION	i. Clarification of terms a) Clarify the term ” measure of religiosity” ii. Criteria for measuring religiosity a) Identify the criteria for measuring religiosity
22	FUNCTIONS OF RELIGION	i. General functions a) State specific functions of religion in the society
23	RELIGION, PEACE & CONFLICT RESOLUTION	i. Religion and peace in the society a) Relate how religion can enhance peace in the society ii. Religion and conflict resolution a) Relate how Religion can be used as a tool for conflict resolution
24	RELIGIOUS PERSONALITY & HUMAN VALUES	i. Religious personality a) Definition ii. Human value a) Identify some human values iii. Relating Religious Personality a) State how religious personality can promote human value
25	CHRISTIANITY RESPONSE TO CONTEMPORARY ISSUES	i. Christianity and contemporary issues a) Mention some contemporary issues in the society b) Relate what should be the Christian response to these issues.

JUPEB Christian Religious Studies (CRS) Textbooks
2026/2027

Ajayi, J. F. A. (1965). Christian Mission London: Longmans. STWOR Nigeria 1841-1891.
Ayandele, E. A. (1970). The Missionary Impact in Modern
Nigeria, 1840-1947. London: Frank Cass. 3. Ayegboyin, I. D. (2004). The Synoptics. Ibadan: Daystar.
Baur, J. (2009). 2000 Years of Christianity in Africa. 2nd edition. Nairobi: Paulines.
Barclay, W. (1981) The Gospel of Mark Andrews Press. Edinburgh: Saint
Barclay, W. (1981). The Gospel of Luke. Edinburgh: Saint
Barclay, W. (1981). The Gospel of Matthew. Edinburgh: Saint
Campbell, D. B. J. (1983). The Synoptic Gospels. London: John Murray
Ceresco, A.R. (1992). Introduction to the Old Testament. Mary Knoll: Orbis Books. WWW
Chenimuya, C. C. (2008). Sociology of Religion. Lagos: T-Excel Publishers.
Christiano, K. J. et al, (2001). Sociology of Religion: Contemporary Development. USA: Alta Mira Press.
Douglas, J.D. et al, (Eds.) (1992). New Bible Dictionary. Leicester: IVP.
Dzurgba, A. (2000). The Sociology of Religion. Ibadan: Department of Adult Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
Espisto, J. L. et al. (2006 ). World Religions Today Oxford: OUP.
Folarin, O.G. (2004). Studies in the Old Testament Prophecy 2nd Edition. Bukuru: ACTS.
Jowitt, D. (2010). Christianity: A Concise History: Ibadan: KroM Books Ltd.
Hauer, C. E. & Young, W. A. (1993). An Introduction Bible. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall.
Idahosa, M. C. A. (2004). Brief History of C Lagos: EHJ.
Isichei, E. A. (1995). History of Christianity Africa. London: SPCK
Kalu, O. U. (Ed.) (1978). Nigerian Story. Ibadan: Daystar Press Africa
Oguntoyinbo-Atere, M. I. Ibadan External Studies Programme Series, Dept. of Adult Education, University of Ibadan.
Omoyajowo, J. A. (Ed.) (1995). Makers of the Church in Nigeria,1842-1947. Lagos: CSS.
Oshitelu, G. A. (2002). Expansion of Christianity in West Africa. Abeokuta: Visual Resources Pub.
Falk, P. (1997). The Growth of the Church in Africa. Jos, ACTS.
Uffenheimer, B. (1999). Early Prophecy in Israel. Jerusalem: The Magnum Press.
Walton, R. C. (Ed.) (1976). A Source Book of the Bible for MM Teachers. London: SCM.
The Holy Bible (RSV).

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