WAEC 2024 CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES (ESSAY& OBJ) ANSWERS

(1b)
(i)Hubris: Leaders who become too proud and self-absorbed can lose touch with their people and make selfish decisions.
(ii)Self-interest: Prioritizing personal gain over the well-being of others can erode trust and foster resentment.
(iii)Tyranny: Ruling with oppression and injustice can create widespread discontent and unrest among the people.
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(2a)
(i) Opposition from Surrounding Peoples: The Jewish returnees faced strong opposition from neighboring groups like the Samaritans. These groups were hostile and actively worked to discourage and hinder the rebuilding efforts, sometimes even resorting to political maneuvers to halt the construction.
(ii) Resource Scarcity: The returnees struggled with a lack of resources needed for the reconstruction. Limited financial and material resources made it difficult to obtain the necessary building supplies, such as timber and stone, to rebuild the temple.
(iii) Internal Disunity: Among the Jewish returnees, there were divisions and disagreements about how to proceed with the rebuilding process. This internal disunity weakened their collective efforts and slowed down the progress of the construction work.

(2b)
(i) Corruption: Corruption at various levels of government and public institutions diverts resources meant for development into private pockets. This undermines public trust and reduces the effectiveness of development programs.
(ii) Poor Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water supply hampers economic growth. Poor infrastructure makes it difficult to attract investment and slows down the pace of development.
(iii) Political Instability: Frequent changes in government, political conflicts, and lack of continuity in policies disrupt development initiatives. Political instability creates an uncertain environment that is not conducive to sustainable development.
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(5a)
Luke’s account of the demands of discipleship is a crucial aspect of his Gospel. Jesus teaches that discipleship requires total commitment and dedication, sacrificing material comforts and security. This means being willing to leave behind worldly possessions and desires, and instead, focus on following Jesus.
Jesus also teaches that discipleship requires prioritizing Him above all else, even family and personal interests. This means being willing to make difficult choices and put Jesus first, even when it’s hard.
Luke emphasizes the need for disciples to take up their cross and follow Jesus, symbolizing the willingness to suffer persecution and hardship for the sake of the Gospel. This means being willing to face challenges and difficulties with courage and faith. In other words Luke’s account of discipleship emphasizes the importance of total commitment, surrender, and dedication to following Jesus. It’s a call to a radical way of living, one that requires sacrifice, obedience, and a willingness to follow Jesus no matter what.

(5b)
(i) Humility: A potential disciple is expected to demonstrate humility, recognizing their need for spiritual guidance and willing to learn from Jesus.
(ii) Surrender: A potential disciple must be willing to surrender their life, desires, and ambitions to Jesus, putting Him in control.
(iii) Faithfulness: A potential disciple is expected to demonstrate faithfulness, remaining loyal and committed to Jesus through trials and challenges.
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(6a)
Jesus was arrested and taken to Caiaphas’ house, where the Sanhedrin had gathered. The Sanhedrin sought false testimony against Jesus, but found none. Despite this, they persisted in their efforts to condemn Him. Two witnesses came forward, accusing Jesus of saying He would destroy the temple, but their testimonies didn’t agree.
Caiaphas, the High Priest, asked Jesus to respond to the charges, but Jesus remained silent. Caiaphas then asked Jesus under oath if He was the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus affirmed His identity, declaring, “You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Caiaphas declared Jesus’ response blasphemy and tore his robes. The Sanhedrin concurred, finding Jesus guilty and deserving of death. They bound Him and led Him away to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, to sentence Him to death. Through this sham trial, Jesus demonstrated His willingness to suffer for the truth, even in the face of injustice and corruption.

(6b)
(i) Injustice and corruption can reach even the highest levels of authority: Jesus’ trial before the Sanhedrin and Caiaphas was a sham, with false testimony, coercion, and disregard for due process. This serves as a reminder to remain vigilant against corruption and to stand up for truth and justice, even in the face of powerful opposition.
(ii) Standing up for one’s beliefs and identity can come at a great cost: Jesus refused to back down from His claims and identity, even when faced with death. His courage and conviction serve as an inspiration to remain faithful to one’s beliefs and values, even in the face of persecution or adversity.
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(7a)
The appointment of the seven deacons was a response to the growing needs of the early Christian church in Jerusalem. As the church expanded, the apostles found themselves overwhelmed with administrative tasks, including caring for widows and the poor. A complaint arose from the Greek-speaking Jews that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. To address this issue, the apostles proposed the selection of seven men to assist them in their ministry, particularly in caring for the physical needs of the community.
The community chose seven men – Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas – who were filled with the Spirit and wisdom. The apostles commissioned them for their new role through prayer and the laying on of hands.

(7b)
(i) Open dialogue: Encouraging open and honest communication to understand different perspectives and find common ground.
(ii) Neutral mediation: Using a third party to facilitate a conversation and find a mutually beneficial solution.
(iii) Forgiveness and reconciliation: Letting go of grudges, apologizing, making amends, and moving forward in a positive direction.
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(8a)
James addressed the situation described in his epistle by condemning the act of showing favoritism within the church based on economic status or appearance. He explicitly challenges this discriminatory behavior. where he argues that such partiality is incompatible with the Christian faith. James illustrates his point by presenting a hypothetical scenario where two men visit a church gathering, one dressed in fine clothes and the other in shabby clothes. The one in fine clothes is treated with honor and offered the best seat, while the one in shabby clothes is told to stand or sit on the floor. He reprimands this behavior, emphasizing that making distinctions among themselves and judging based on appearance is sinful. James calls for believers to fulfill the “royal law” as stated in Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” promoting equality and impartial treatment as essential expressions of genuine faith.

(8b)
(i) Exacerbates social and economic disparities: Favoring the rich perpetuates inequality and reinforces social and economic barriers.
(ii) Erodes community unity and trust: Discrimination and partiality create divisions and undermine social cohesion, leading to a breakdown in community relationships.
(iii) Limits opportunities for social mobility: Prioritizing the interests of the wealthy restricts opportunities for economic advancement and social mobility for the poor, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
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(9a)
Peter outlines his expectations for the people described as a chosen race, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation in his first epistle, emphasizing their call to live exemplary lives of spiritual dedication and moral integrity. He expects the following from them:
(i)Exemplify Holy Conduct: As a chosen race and a holy nation, they are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects their special status and calling. This includes abstaining from sinful desires and behaviors that can tarnish their testimony and the collective witness of the community.
(ii)Serve God Diligently; As a royal priesthood, the believers are called to serve God fervently, offering spiritual sacrifices that are pleasing to Him. This service is not limited to ritualistic practices but extends to everyday actions and interactions that honor God and advance His kingdom.
(iii)Proclaim God’s Excellences:They are tasked with declaring the virtues and excellences of God, who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light. This involves witnessing to others about God’s goodness and the transformative power of the Gospel, encouraging others to also seek a relationship with God.
(iv)Maintain Good Deeds: Peter emphasizes the importance of good deeds, urging the community to engage in actions that glorify God before others. These deeds serve as a practical demonstration of their faith and help to counteract false accusations or misunderstandings about their beliefs.