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Subject: CRS
CRS 001: OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES
1. Examine the rise of prophetic ministry and its relevance in ancient Israel.
2. (a) How did Saul emerge as King of Israel?
(b) What are the factors that led to the failure of Saul as the King of Israel?
CRS 002: NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES
3. Examine the origin and state TEN reasons for the writing of the gospel.
4. (a) What do you understand by the Synoptic problem?
(b) Show a diagram of the two documentary Hypothesis
(c) What are the arguments in favour of Markan Priority?
CRS 003: HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN WEST AFRICA
5. Narrate early Christian missionary activities and impact in the Gold Coast.
6. Discuss the rise of Pentecostalism in Nigeria.
CRS 004: RELIGION AND CHRISTIANITY
7. Attempt the definition of religiosity and critically analyse SIX ways of measuring it in an individual.
8. (a) What do you understand by Homosexuality?
(b) What is the Biblical response to this controversial issue?
ANSWERS
CRS 001: OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES
1. Rise of Prophetic Ministry and Its Relevance in Ancient Israel:
The prophetic ministry in ancient Israel arose during the period of the monarchy, particularly from the time of Samuel. Prophets served as intermediaries between God and the people, speaking God’s will concerning spiritual, social, and political issues. The rise was influenced by moral decay, leadership crises, and the need for divine guidance. Notable prophets like Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, and Jeremiah emerged to challenge idolatry, injustice, and call for national repentance.
(Prophet were called by God for the purpose of foretelling and Forthtelling God's plan to the people)
Relevance:
>Prophets guided kings and people.
>They acted as intermediaries between God and the people.
>Preserved Israel’s covenant with Yahweh.
>They revealed God’s plan to the people.
2. (a) Saul’s Emergence as King of Israel:
Saul became king in response to Israel’s demand for a monarchy to be like other nations (1 Samuel 8). God directed Samuel to anoint Saul, a Benjamite, chosen for his stature, appearance, and initial humility. His victory over the Ammonites confirmed his leadership, and he was publicly recognized as king.
(b) Factors Leading to Saul’s Failure:
Disobedience to God’s command (e.g., sparing king Agag).
>Impatience and unauthorized sacrifice (1 Samuel 13). He intrude the Religious office of Samuel to offer sacrifice.
>Pride and jealousy, especially towards David.
>Failure to heed or pay attention to prophetic counsel.
>Spiritual decline and reliance on a medium (1 Samuel 28).
> He loot war spoils instead of destroying everything as he was commanded.
CRS 002: NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES
3. Origin and Ten Reasons for Writing the Gospel:
The gospels originated from oral traditions about Jesus’ life and teachings, later documented to preserve accuracy.
Ten Reasons for Writing:
1. To preserve Jesus’ teachings.
2. To strengthen faith among believers.
3. To provide instructions for new converts.
4. To counter heresies.
5. To offer historical accounts of Jesus.
6. To unify Christian teachings.
7. As a tool for evangelism.
8. In response to persecution.
9. To establish Jesus’ divine identity.
10. To fulfill Old Testament prophecies.
4. (a) Synoptic Problem:
The Synoptic Problem refers to the literary relationship among (similarities and dissimilarities) between Matthew, Mark, and Luke. They share similar stories, structure, and wording, raising questions about sources and authorship. These problems include:
If the three writers were independent of one another, why are they so much alike?
If they copied from one another, why are they discrepancies in the gospels to some extent?
If they copied from the same source, what is the source and what portion did each copied?
(b) Diagram: Two-Source Hypothesis:
THE IMAGE ABOVE THIS IS A DIAGRAM OF THE TWO-SOURCE HYPOTHESIS
Which holds that Luke and Mathew copied from mark.
(c) Arguments for Markan Priority:
Mark is the shortest and most direct among the synoptic gospels.
Mark’s structure is followed closely by Matthew and Luke.
Difficult passages (misunderstood statements) in Mark are omitted or softened in the others.
Mark lacks theological sophistication seen in the others.
(Also, there is chronological order of events in Mark; it’s believed to be the first to be written, and a large portion of Mark’s gospel is found in Matthew and Luke.)
CRS 003: HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN WEST AFRICA
5. Early Christian Missionary Activities in the Gold Coast (Ghana):
Christianity entered the Gold Coast through Portuguese missionaries in the 15th century via the effort of Henry the Navigator.
The Portuguese missionary arrived at Goal coast at Elmina with three main purposes namely: commercialization, Christianization and political power. That is, to establish Christianity, to trade and to extend their territory and influence. Moreso, they also came for scientific inquiry and notation that any European who sails beyond the equator of West Africa turns black. They also came to experience the sea with a boiling point in Africa.
Their leaders was Don Diogo Azambuja, he led over 600 Portuguese In about 1482. That same year, the first service (christian wordship ) was conducted under a mango tree. Later, they met with the interland chiefs and introduced Christianity, a land was later given and a worship and trading center; St George was established. but declined due to lack of continuity and other difficulties.
It was revived in the 19th century through European missions like the Basel Mission, Bremen Mission, Wesleyan Mission, and Catholic Mission. These missionaries deployed strategies such as the "congregational approach" and the use of native agents, which aided in the establishment of Christianity. Areas like Christianborg, Akropong, and Abokobi experienced great impact from the missionaries.
Impact:
Introduction of Western education and literacy.
Development of indigenous clergy.
Establishment of schools and hospitals.
Growth of African Independent Churches.
Cultural change and erosion of traditional beliefs.
(Also includes: good road network, improvement of agricultural projects, establishment of churches, language development e.g., Twi, Ewe, Ga.)
6. Rise of Pentecostalism in Nigeria:
Pentecostalism is a charismatic movement of Christian Protestants who emphasize personal encounter with God, speaking in tongues, and being born again.
Pentecostalism began in Nigeria through revivals and influence from American Pentecostal missionaries like Charles Parham and William Seymour. In Nigeria, Pentecostalism first started around 1890 when Anderson Crowther (son of the first African bishop) began revolting within the church and later declared the Anglican Church free from the CMS (the mainline church) due to cultural differences, doctrine, and leadership tussle. This breakaway marked the beginning of the revival movement in Nigeria. Subsequently, in 1930, Joseph Ayo Babalola, the founder of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), led the Aladura movement, which emphasized divine healing and prosperity.
Causes of Pentecostalism:
Leadership tussle.
Socio-economic challenges (poverty).
Desire for self-government.
Racial discrimination and doctrinal differences.
Banning of African traditions by mainline churches (e.g., polygamy).
Features of Pentecostalism in Nigeria:
Use of mass media and crusades.
Strong focus on prosperity and healing.
Divine healing.
Born again and speaking in tongues.
(Women ordination)
CRS 004: RELIGION AND CHRISTIANITY
7. Definition and Measurement of Religiosity:
Religiosity refers to the level or degree of commitment or devotion an individual has to their religious beliefs and practices. It is a term use in measuring a person commitment towards his or her religion.
Six Ways to Measure Religiosity:
1. Church attendance — frequency of attending religious services.
2. Prayer frequency — regularity of personal or group prayer.
3. Scripture reading — engagement with sacred texts.
4. Adherence to religious ethics.
5. Religious knowledge — understanding of doctrines and teachings.
6. Respect and use of objects of worship (e.g., rosary, crucifix).
(Also: contribution to church functions, membership, specific beliefs.)
CRS 004
8. (a) Homosexuality:
Homosexuality is the romantic or sexual intercourse between members of the same sex. It includes a range of expressions in behavior, identity, and orientation. It is when people of the same gender whether woman or man engage sexual feelings of any kind.
(b) Biblical Response:
Traditional interpretations of the Bible view homosexuality as contrary to God’s design (e.g., Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26–27). However, there are debates among Christians, with some affirming LGBTQ+ inclusion based on themes of love, justice, and grace. The dominant conservative response calls for love and compassion while upholding biblical morality.