CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
The high level of moral decadence and insurgencies in Nigerian nation is an indication that there is poor religious teaching in secondary school system. Christian religious studies (CRS) as one of the religious subjects taught in secondary school in Nigerian takes a central position in ensuring moral and spiritual well being of individuals in the society.
1. The key roles of CRS in equipping the individuals and ensuring high level of morality is made clear in the objectives of CRS at the senior secondary level which include; to provide more opportunities for Nigerian youths to learn more about god and thereby develop their faith in god; to enable the youths to accept Christ as their savior; to help the youths develop Christian attitude and moral values (such as humility, respect, love, and justice, etc); to instill in the youth the spirit of tolerance, reconciliation, peaceful co existence and non-violence as well as to develop and foster in the youth the spirit of respect for all people and human life.
2.Religion can be defined as the beliefs, attitudes, emotions or behaviours constituting man’s relationship with the power and principles of the universe, especially with a deity or deities. It is also an object of conscientious devotion or scrupulous care.
3 Christian Religious Knowledge is an aspect of religion that is peculiar to the followers of Christ. It was a religion of the Jews, then called Judaism or Yahwehism otherwise called Hebrew.
4 Christian religion is being practiced in Nigeria till today because it is a builder or moulder of attitude and morality. Religion cannot be separated from education that is the reason why religious education is included in the National curriculum of Education right from the primary to the tertiary level of education.
5 Despite the importance of Christian Religious Knowledge to the individual and nation in inculcating moral values and behaviour change, it is worthy to note that the attitude of students in the subject is diminishing and poor.
6 Poor attitude of students toward Christian religion knowledge has revealed in their poor performance in the subject has generated a growing concern from various quarters, parents, teachers, schools and government. One is also worried because if the relative importance of CRS to education excellence and moral development is considered, there is the need for a positive approach toward the study of Christian religious studies if the country is not to be eroded of its moral values.