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JUPEB essay questions on Christian Religious study 2020.
Course: CRS
View multi-choice questions here
CRS 001.
1. Mention seven and discuss four immediate and remote factors that led to the division of the kingdom of Israel.
2. Discuss the period of exile and its benefits to the Israelites.
CRS 002
3. Assess the socio-political background of Israel during the birth of Jesus Christ.
4. (a) Trace the internal and traditional evidences of authorship of the Gospel of Matthew.
(b) Examine seven characteristics of Matthew’s gospel.
CRS 003
5. Appraise the attempt of the Portuguese at planting Christianity in West Africa and list eight reasons why the attempt failed.
6. Explain five ways early missionaries influenced the people of Calabar.
CRS 004
7. Discuss five causes of religious conflict and mention five effects on social security in Nigeria.
8. (a) Name the seven dimensions of Christian religion.
(b) Explain four out of the seven dimensions listed with copious examples.
ANSWERS to 2022 jupeb questions- section B
✓1 remote and immediate causes of the division of the kingdom of Israel
The division of the Kingdom of Israel into the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah) after Solomon’s reign had both remote (long-term) and immediate (short-term) causes. Here's how they are distinguished:
Remote Causes (Long-term factors)
1. Tribal Rivalries:
There was long-standing tension between the northern tribes (especially Ephraim) and the tribe of Judah in the south.
2. Unequal Development:
The southern part (Judah) enjoyed more royal attention and development under David and Solomon, while the north felt neglected and underrepresented.
3. Forced Labor and Heavy Taxation:
Solomon imposed heavy taxes and forced labor, especially on the northern tribes, to support his large-scale building projects like the temple and palace.
4. Religious Tensions:
Solomon's promotion of idol worship due to his foreign wives angered many Israelites who remained loyal to Yahweh, leading to discontent.
5. Solomon’s Autocratic Rule:
His reign became increasingly centralized and authoritarian, limiting the voice of the northern tribes in governance.
Immediate Causes (Triggering events)
1. Rehoboam’s Harsh Response:
When Solomon died, his son Rehoboam succeeded him. The northern tribes, led by Jeroboam, requested that he reduce the burdens placed by Solomon.
2. Rehoboam’s Rejection of the Wise Counsel:
Rehoboam ignored the advice of the elders to ease the people's burdens and instead followed the harsh advice of his younger peers, saying he would make their yoke heavier.
(Jeroboam ambition for power, the prophecy of Ahijah, God's will as foretold by prophet Ahija, Tribal disunity)
✓2. The Period of Exile and Its Benefits
The Babylonian exile (586–538 BC) was a time of hardship but also spiritual renewal for the Israelites.
Benefits:
1. Spiritual revival: Strengthened belief in one God and rejection of idolatry.
2. Scripture preservation: Much of the Hebrew Bible was compiled or edited during this time.
3. Synagogue system: Worship shifted from temple to synagogue, emphasizing scripture and prayer.
4. Stronger identity: Jews developed a resilient cultural and religious identity.
5. Covenant renewal: Reflection led to a deeper understanding of God's promises and judgment.
6. Diaspora roots: Jews spread across regions, laying a foundation for Judaism beyond Palestine.
7. Hope for the Messiah: Expectation for a deliverer grew stronger.
( Learning of new language like Aramaic, the official language of the Persians)
✓3. Socio-Political Background of Israel at Jesus’ Birth
Roman Rule: Israel was a Roman province; Herod the Great was a client king.
Oppression: High taxation and military presence caused widespread resentment.
Religious Divisions: Pharisees (law-focused), Sadducees (temple elite), Zealots (rebels), and Essenes (withdrawn sect).
Messianic Expectation: Jews awaited a liberating Messiah to restore Israel.
Hellenism: Greek culture and language dominated public life.
Pax Romana: Roman peace allowed safer travel, aiding later Christian mission.
✓4. Gospel of Matthew: Authorship and Characteristics
(a) Authorship Evidences:
Internal: Deep knowledge of Jewish customs and scriptures (e.g., references to the Law, use of Hebrew terms).
Traditional (external evidence): Early Church Fathers like Papias said Matthew (Levi), a tax collector and apostle, wrote it.
(b) Seven Characteristics:
1. Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
2. Emphasis on Jesus as the Jewish Messiah.
3. Structured teaching blocks (e.g., Sermon on the Mount).
4. Frequent use of “Kingdom of Heaven.”
5. Genealogy from Abraham to Jesus.
6. Focus on church and community (e.g.,
7. The Great Commission ends the gospel.
Also (He uses the word "ecclesia for church, use of numeric device in accordance with the Jewish tradition)
✓5. Portuguese Missionary Effort and Reasons for Failure.
The Portuguese arrived in West Africa in the 15th century.
They made effort to spread Christianity in Congo, Gold coast and parts of Senegal, they also moved down to Benin and Warri in present day Nigeria in 1472. This mission was fostered by prince Henry the navigator of Portugal. They arrived in west Africa with three main purposes such as establishment of Christianity, commercial purpose and territorial expansion. They established worship and trade centers and introduced Christianity to the people.
For example, in gold coast now Ghana, about 600 missionaries under the leadership of Don Diogo Azambuja arrived 1482, they settled at Elmina and conducted their first service under a mango tree.
The missionaries also came to Warri, Niger and establishment connections with the Oba with the hope that the obas would declare Christianity on their domain. but the oba and the chiefs embraced it superficially, that is just for their selfish interest.
Eight Reasons for Failure:
1. Slave trade: Commerce, especially slave trade, took priority, meanwhile the missionary were to preach equality among human
2. Unfavorable climate: The African weather condition did not favoured the Portuguese
3. Language barrier : No effort to learn or translate local languages.
4. Unrealistic approach: they were not well trained for evangelism, also they saw the Africans as inferior.
5. Intertribal war : when they arrive, some places were in war with one another, e .g in Benin the oba was in a dispute with Igala
6. Different cultural ideology: the African believes in their ancestors, practice of polygamy while the Portuguese missionary emphasize on monogamy.
7. Tropical diseases like malaria were killing the missionaries.
8. Syncretism: the African embraced and practiced Christianity superficially in order to gain favor like fire arm, after this, they fallback to their traditional Religion. They were not faithful to Christianity.
Also (lack of funds and persecution, stiff opposition by the traditional worshipers, Islamization etc)
✓6. Influence of Early Missionaries in Calabar
1. Western education: Schools like Hope Waddell Training Institute provided formal education.
2. Medical care: Introduced hospitals and trained nurses.
3. Christian faith: Converted locals and ended practices like human sacrifice.
4. Abolition of slavery: Advocated for the end of domestic and transatlantic slavery.
5. Printing press and literature: Spread literacy and Christian materials in local languages.
✓7. Religious Conflict in Nigeria
Five course:
1. Ethnic and religious overlap: Religion often aligns with ethnic identity.
2. Political misuse of religion: Politicians manipulate religion to gain support.
3. Doctrinal extremism: Intolerance from fanatical groups leads to violence.
4. Poverty and unemployment: Disaffected youth are easily radicalized.
5. Poor governance: Weak security responses worsen tensions.
(Also wrong Religious education, non tolerance to other Religions, absence of inter and intra Religious activities)
Five Effects on Social Security:
1. Loss of life and displacement
2. Destruction of property and businesses
3. Reduced investor confidence and economic decline
4. Deepened distrust among citizens
5. It leads crime and sin
8. Dimensions of Christian Religion
(a) Seven Dimensions:
1. Doctrinal
2. Ritual
3. Mythological
4. Experiential
5. Ethical
6. Institutional
7. Material
(b) Explanation of Four:
Doctrinal: Beliefs like the Trinity, creation, and resurrection.
Ritual: Practices such as baptism, communion, and weddings.
Ethical: Moral codes—love, honesty, justice.
Institutional: Structures like churches, denominations, and clergy leadership.