CRS 001 – OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES
Question 1: God’s relationship with Israel is symbolically depicted in Hosea’s family life. Discuss. (15 Marks)
The Book of Hosea uses the prophet’s family life as a powerful symbol of God’s relationship with Israel. Hosea was commanded by God to marry Gomer, a woman who would be unfaithful to him. Gomer’s infidelity represents Israel’s unfaithfulness to God through idolatry and covenant-breaking. Despite her betrayal, Hosea is asked to take her back, symbolising God’s enduring love and willingness to forgive Israel. The names of Hosea’s children also carry messages:
Jezreel (a sign of impending judgment), Lo-Ruhamah (meaning “no mercy”), and Lo-Ammi (meaning “not my people”). These names reflect God’s judgment on Israel’s sin, but the narrative eventually points towards restoration and hope, showing that God’s love is steadfast and His covenantal bond with Israel cannot be completely severed despite their unfaithfulness. Thus, Hosea’s family becomes a living parable of God’s relationship with His people: a relationship marked by both judgment and mercy.
CRS 002 – NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES
Question 3: Highlight the similarities and dissimilarities between the Synoptics and St John’s Gospel. (15 Marks)
The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and St. John’s Gospel both narrate the life and teachings of Jesus, yet they differ in style, content, and emphasis.
Similarities include the central focus on Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, His miracles, death, and resurrection. Both the Synoptics and John record key events like the feeding of the five thousand and Jesus walking on water.
Dissimilarities are more pronounced. The Synoptics focus on Jesus’ Galilean ministry, parables, and exorcisms, while John emphasizes Jesus’ Judean ministry, discourses, and signs. In John, Jesus openly declares His divine identity (e.g., “I am” statements) whereas in the Synoptics, He often keeps His identity secret, known as the Messianic Secret. The Synoptics use short sayings and parables, but John uses long discourses and philosophical language, especially on topics like eternal life and the Holy Spirit. Moreover, John’s Gospel places the cleansing of the Temple at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, while the Synoptics place it near the end. Overall, while they share the same core message, their differences reflect unique theological emphases.
CRS 003 – HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN WEST AFRICA
Question 5: Explain why Sierra Leone may be described as the cradle of Christianity in West Africa. (15 Marks)
Sierra Leone is often called the cradle of Christianity in West Africa because it was a key starting point for missionary activities in the region. After the abolition of the slave trade, the British established Freetown as a settlement for freed slaves. These settlers, known as the “Nova Scotians” and later the “Recaptives,” included many who had been exposed to Christianity. European missionaries, particularly the Church Missionary Society (CMS), made Freetown their base for outreach to the interior. The Fourah Bay College, founded in 1827, became the first western-style university in West Africa, training local clergy and teachers who spread Christianity further. The translation of the Bible into local languages and the development of Christian schools in Sierra Leone helped lay the foundation for Christianity across the region. Thus, the combination of a Christian settler community, missionary headquarters, and educational efforts made Sierra Leone a strategic launching pad for Christianity in West Africa.
CRS 004 – RELIGION AND SOCIETY
Question 8(a): Define cultism and trace its historical background in Nigeria. (5 Marks)
Cultism refers to secret societies or groups that engage in ritual practices, often with the aim of exerting influence or power, especially within institutions like universities. In Nigeria, cultism in modern times is traced to the formation of the Pyrates Confraternity in 1952 by Wole Soyinka and others at the University College, Ibadan. Initially formed as a social club to fight elitism and colonial practices, it gradually gave way to violent and criminal activities as more groups emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, often fighting for control and engaging in activities like extortion, intimidation, and even murder.
(b): Highlight five ways of curbing it. (10 Marks)
- Strict Enforcement of Laws: Implementing and enforcing laws that ban cult activities and punish offenders can deter membership.
- Public Education: Educating students and the wider public about the dangers of cultism can reduce its appeal.
- Campus Security: Strengthening security on campuses and ensuring quick response to threats can disrupt cult operations.
- Student Counseling: Providing counseling services can help students resist peer pressure to join cults.
- Community and Religious Support: Collaboration with community leaders and religious bodies can create alternative positive support networks for young people.