CRS 001: OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES
CRS 002: NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES
CRS 003: HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY OF WEST AFRICA
CRS 004 RELIGION AND SOCIETY
2024 CRS past questions and answers- jupeb
CRS 001: OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES
1. (a) What do you understand by the Documentary Hypothesis?
The Documentary Hypothesis suggests that the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament) was not written by a single author (traditionally Moses), but was instead compiled from multiple written sources. These sources are identified by different writing styles, names for God, and content. The main sources are commonly labeled as J (Yahwist), E (Elohist), D (Deuteronomist), and P (Priestly).
(b) Discuss the arguments for and against the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch.
Arguments for Mosaic authorship include:
- Tradition and the Bible itself often attribute authorship to Moses.
- Moses’ leadership role suggests he would have documented the laws and events. Arguments against:
- The Pentateuch contains accounts of Moses’ death, which he could not have written.
- Differences in style and repetition suggest multiple authors.
- Some anachronisms point to a later date of writing.
2. (a) What do you understand by “Biblical Inspiration”?
Biblical Inspiration means that the writers of the Bible were guided by the Holy Spirit, ensuring that the message they conveyed was God's Word, even though it was expressed in their own words and cultural contexts.
(b) List and discuss FOUR theories of Biblical Inspiration.
- Mechanical Dictation Theory – God dictated the words directly to the writers.
- Verbal Plenary Inspiration – Every word is inspired, but God allowed the writers’ personalities and styles to come through.
- Dynamic Inspiration – God inspired the thoughts, but the writers chose the words.
- Illumination Theory – The Holy Spirit heightened the writers’ spiritual insights without controlling their words.
(c) State the importance of “Biblical Inspiration” to Christians.
Biblical Inspiration assures Christians that the Bible is trustworthy and authoritative for faith and practice. It means believers can rely on Scripture for guidance, teaching, and moral direction.
CRS 002: NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES
3. (a) Assess the historical background of the Maccabean Revolt.
The Maccabean Revolt (167-160 BC) was a Jewish rebellion against the Seleucid Empire’s attempts to impose Hellenistic culture and outlaw Jewish practices. It was sparked by King Antiochus IV Epiphanes’ desecration of the Temple and his ban on Jewish religious customs. Led by mattathias and his five sons. the revolt aimed to restore Jewish worship and political autonomy.
The guerrilla warfare: after the death of mattathias, his son Judas maccabean succeeded his father and led in the revolt. They used guerrilla war tactics such as ambush and hit and-run. Their major weapon was sica dagger. Judas maccabean and his brothers defeated the Seleucid armies and restored the Jewish tradition and customs such as circumcision, keeping of sabbath day, the also cleansed the temple and restored the worship of Yahweh and finally established the Hosmoneans dynasty.
(b) State THREE importance or effects of the Maccabean Revolt.
- It led to the rededication/cleansing of the Temple (celebrated at Hanukkah).
- It established the Hasmonean dynasty, giving Jews political independence for a time.
- It strengthened Jewish identity and resistance to foreign influence.
4. (a) Explain the term “Canonization” in relation to the New Testament.
Canonization refers to the process by which the early Church recognized and affirmed certain books as authoritative Scripture, forming the New Testament.
(b) Critically examine the need for a New Testament Canon.
A canon was needed to:
- Preserve apostolic teaching against heresies.
- Ensure consistency in Christian belief and practice.
- Provide a unified set of writings for worship and instruction.
(c) Appraise the criteria for the canonization of the New Testament books.
Key criteria included:
- Apostolic authorship or connection.
- Widespread use and acceptance by early churches.
- Consistency with established Christian doctrine.
CRS 003: HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY OF WEST AFRICA
5. (a) Give a brief background to Christian evangelism in North Africa.
Christianity spread to North Africa early, possibly through Roman trade routes and settlements. By the 2nd century, it had strong centers like Carthage and Alexandria. North African Christians, like Tertullian and Augustine, were influential in shaping theology.
(b) Examine the strengths and weaknesses of early Christian evangelism in North Africa.
Strengths:
- Strong urban centers for missionary work.
- Intellectual leadership through theologians.
Weaknesses: - Persecution from Roman authorities.
- Cultural tension with local traditions.
- Eventual dominance of Islam reduced Christian influence.
6. (a) Define and describe the proliferation of Churches in Nigeria.
Proliferation of Churches refers to the rapid increase of different Christian denominations and independent churches across Nigeria, often characterized by the establishment of new congregations and ministries.
(b) Evaluate FIVE factors influencing Church Proliferation in West Africa.
- Freedom of religion.
- Charismatic leadership.
- Socioeconomic challenges driving people to seek hope.
- Indigenous movements rejecting foreign missions.
- Political instability encouraging spiritual alternatives.
(c) List effects of Church Proliferation.
- Greater religious participation.
- Competition and rivalry among churches.
- Confusion due to conflicting doctrines.
- Rise of prosperity gospel and other teachings.
CRS 004: RELIGION AND SOCIETY
7. (a) Examine the term “Religious Syncretism”.
Religious Syncretism is the blending of different religious beliefs and practices, often to make faith more relevant or acceptable in a new culture.
(b) Citing Biblical and/or contemporary examples, explain the causes of religious syncretism.
Biblical: Israelites mixing Yahweh worship with Baal worship.
Contemporary: African Traditional Religion mixing with Christianity.
Causes:
- Cultural adaptation.
- Missionary accommodation.
- Political or social pressures to unify groups.
8. (a) What is religious intolerance?
Religious intolerance is the refusal to accept, respect, or allow others to practice their own religion or beliefs.
(b) Appraise SEVEN causes of religious intolerance in Nigeria.
- Ethnic and cultural conflicts.
- Political manipulation of religion.
- Poverty and economic inequality.
- Extremist teachings.
- Historical grievances.
- Poor education and ignorance.
- Fear of losing followers.
(c) What should be the attitude of religious leaders towards intolerance?
Leaders should promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence, educate their followers about respect for other faiths, condemn violence, and work towards tolerance and understanding.