Christian Religious Studies (CRS) is an important subject that explores biblical teachings, Christian values, and moral instruction. For students preparing for the 2025 WAEC or GCE exams, the CRS syllabus helps develop a solid understanding of scripture and how it applies to daily life and personal growth.
This guide covers the official 2025 syllabus for CRS, exam format, core topics, and valuable tips to help you excel.
Objectives of the CRS Syllabus
The WAEC and GCE CRS syllabus aims to:
- Familiarize students with major themes and teachings in the Bible.
- Encourage moral development through Christian values.
- Foster understanding of God's relationship with humanity.
- Build spiritual insight and character development.
- Prepare students for further theological or religious studies.
WAEC & GCE CRS Exam Format (2025)
Paper 1 – Objective Test
- Content: 50 multiple-choice questions
- Duration: 1 hour
- Marks: 50
Paper 2 – Essay (Theory Paper)
- Content: Answer 4 questions from two major sections (Old & New Testament)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Marks: 100
2025 WAEC & GCE CRS Syllabus Topics
The syllabus is structured around key themes from the Old Testament and New Testament. Below is a breakdown of the major sections:
SECTION A: Themes from the Old Testament
- The Sovereignty of God
- The creation story (Genesis 1–2)
- God’s covenant with Noah and Abraham
- Leadership and obedience (Moses, Exodus)
- God’s Protection and Guidance
- The Passover and Exodus (Exodus 12–14)
- The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)
- God’s care for the Israelites in the wilderness
- God’s Judgment and Mercy
- The sins of Eli’s sons and Samuel’s leadership
- Saul’s disobedience and rejection
- David’s kingship and God’s forgiveness
- Faith and Courage
- Elijah on Mount Carmel
- Daniel in the lions’ den
- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace
SECTION B: Themes from the New Testament
- The Birth and Early Life of Jesus
- Angelic announcements to Mary and Joseph
- The birth of Jesus and visit of the wise men
- Jesus in the temple at age 12
- Jesus’ Ministry
- Baptism and temptation of Jesus
- Miracles (healing, feeding the multitude)
- Parables (Good Samaritan, Prodigal Son)
- Teachings of Jesus
- The Beatitudes (Matthew 5)
- The Lord’s Prayer
- Love for God and neighbors
- The Death and Resurrection of Jesus
- Last Supper, arrest, trial, and crucifixion
- Resurrection and post-resurrection appearances
- The Great Commission
- The Early Church
- Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
- Peter and John’s miracles and trials
- Saul’s conversion and missionary work
Recommended Textbooks
- WAEC Christian Religious Studies Past Questions & Answers
- Christian Religious Knowledge for SSCE – R.A. Coker
- The Holy Bible (preferably RSV or Good News Bible)
- CRS for Senior Secondary Schools – Macmillan or Longman editions
Top Exam Tips for WAEC & GCE CRS 2025
- Master the Bible Passages
Read and understand key scripture references in both the Old and New Testaments. - Practice Past Questions
Familiarize yourself with the types of questions WAEC sets and how they frame biblical stories. - Use Keywords and Themes
Structure your essay answers around themes like “obedience,” “faith,” “God’s love,” and “forgiveness.” - Time Management
Don’t spend too long on a single question. Allocate time to write and revise your essay answers. - Understand, Don’t Cram
Grasp the moral or spiritual lessons behind each passage to answer application-based questions. - Highlight Names and Locations
Remember important names (Moses, Elijah, Paul) and places (Egypt, Bethlehem, Jerusalem).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is CRS a compulsory subject in WAEC?
No, CRS is an elective subject, mostly taken by students in the arts and humanities.
2. Will I be asked to quote Bible verses?
Not necessarily. Understanding the content is more important than quoting exact verses.
3. What Bible version is used for WAEC exams?
WAEC accepts any standard version like RSV, KJV, or GNB. You should use the one recommended by your school or teacher.
4. How do I write a good CRS essay?
Start with an introduction, use clear points and biblical references, and conclude with a moral lesson or relevance.
5. Is CRS scored based on how spiritual I sound?
No. Your answers are assessed based on clarity, accuracy, and understanding of biblical teachings.
Conclusion
WAEC and GCE Christian Religious Studies (CRS) is a subject that not only improves your academic success but also shapes your character and moral understanding. The 2025 syllabus is your guide to structured and effective preparation. Focus on understanding the Bible passages, connecting them to real-life values, and answering exam questions clearly and confidently. With commitment and the right study strategy, you can score excellently in CRS.
