2025 JUPEB CRS

2025 JUPEB CRS

CRS 001: OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES

1.

(a) Evaluate the importance of Moses to Israel [8 Marks]

(b) Examine FIVE ethical virtues of Moses [5 Marks]

© Briefly define the term pre-canonical prophet [2 Marks]

2.

(a) Highlight the background of Prophet Amos [5 Marks]

(b) Explain the themes in the book of Amos [5 Marks]

© What lessons can be drawn from the teachings of Amos when compared to the contemporary Nigeria? [5 Marks]

CRS 002: NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES

3.

(a) Discuss the role played by the Maccabees in ancient Israel? [9 Marks]

(b) State the THREE causes and THREE effects of Maccabean Revolt [6 Marks]

4.

(a) What is Synoptic problem? [3 Marks]

(b) Explain the following terms:

  • i. Griesbach hypothesis [4 Marks]

  • ii. Urevangelium (Primitive Gospel Theory) [4 Marks]

  • iii. Memorabilia [4 Marks]

CRS 003: HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN WEST AFRICA

5. The uniqueness of Sierra Leone is seen in its expression as “the nursery as well as the mother of the church in West Africa.” Elucidate [15 Marks]

6.

(a) What is Pentecostalism? [2 Marks]

(b) Critically assess the factors that influence Pentecostalism in Nigeria [9 Marks]

© Mention FOUR popular Pentecostal Churches and their leaders in Nigeria [4 Marks]

CRS 004: RELIGION AND SOCIETY

7.

(a) Give a brief history of Emile Durkheim [4 Marks]

(b) Explain the theory of religion as propounded by Emile Durkheim [7 Marks]

© How relevant is Durkheim’s theory on Nigerian nation? [4 Marks]

8.

(a) Define the term terrorism? [2 Marks]

(b) List FOUR different proscribed terror groups in Nigeria [2 Marks]

© Discuss FOUR causes and FOUR effects of terrorism in Nigeria [8 Marks]

(d) How can Christians combat terrorism? [3 Marks]

ANSWERS

CRS 001: OLD TESTAMENT STUDIES

Question 1:

(a) Evaluate the importance of Moses to Israel:

Moses was the liberator who led Israel out of Egyptian slavery. He received the Ten Commandments and the Law from God at Mount Sinai, establishing the covenant relationship between God and Israel. Moses served as prophet, leader, lawgiver, and intercessor. He organized Israel into a nation and guided them through the wilderness for 40 years. His leadership laid the foundation for Israel’s identity as God’s chosen people.

(b) Examine FIVE ethical virtues of Moses:

  1. Humility – Moses was described as the meekest man on earth

  2. Faithfulness – He remained faithful to God’s calling despite challenges

  3. Courage – He confronted Pharaoh and led Israel through dangers

  4. Intercession – He constantly prayed for the people

  5. Obedience – He followed God’s instructions carefully

© Briefly define the term pre-canonical prophet:

Pre-canonical prophets were prophets whose messages were not recorded in separate books of the Bible. Examples include Elijah, Elisha, Nathan, and Gad. Their activities are recorded in historical books like Samuel and Kings.

Question 2:

(a) Highlight the background of Prophet Amos:

Amos was a shepherd and farmer from Tekoa in Judah. He was not a professional prophet but was called by God to prophesy to the Northern Kingdom (Israel) during the reign of Jeroboam II around 760–750 BC. This was a time of prosperity but also social injustice and moral decay.

(b) Explain the themes in the book of Amos:

  1. Social Justice – Condemnation of oppression of the poor

  2. True Worship – Rejection of empty rituals without righteousness

  3. Divine Judgment – Warning of coming punishment for sin

  4. The Day of the Lord – A day of darkness and judgment

  5. Hope and Restoration – Promise of future restoration for a faithful remnant

© What lessons can be drawn from the teachings of Amos when compared to contemporary Nigeria?

Amos’ message is relevant to Nigeria today. His condemnation of corruption, oppression of the poor, and injustice mirrors Nigeria’s current challenges. Religious hypocrisy where people attend church but live unethically is common. The wealth gap between rich and poor continues to widen. Amos teaches that God demands justice and righteousness, not just religious observance.

CRS 002: NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES

Question 3:

(a) Discuss the role played by the Maccabees in ancient Israel:

The Maccabees led the Jewish revolt against Seleucid oppression and Hellenization. They fought to preserve Jewish religious practices and identity. Under Judas Maccabeus, they recaptured Jerusalem and rededicated the Temple. They established the Hasmonean dynasty which gave Jews political independence. The Maccabees inspired Jewish nationalism and resistance against foreign domination.

(b) State the THREE causes and THREE effects of Maccabean Revolt:

THREE Causes:

  1. Forced Hellenization by Antiochus IV Epiphanes

  2. Desecration of the Temple

  3. Ban on Jewish religious practices (circumcision, Sabbath)

THREE Effects:

  1. Rededication of the Temple (Hanukkah celebration)

  2. Establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty

  3. Strengthening of Jewish identity and nationalism

Question 4:

(a) What is Synoptic problem?

The Synoptic problem refers to the question of the literary relationship between Matthew, Mark, and Luke. These three gospels share similar content, structure, and even wording, yet also have significant differences. The problem asks: What sources did they use? Did they copy from each other? What explains their similarities and differences?

(b) Explain the following terms:

i. Griesbach hypothesis:

The Griesbach hypothesis proposes that Matthew was written first, Luke used Matthew as a source, and Mark used both Matthew and Luke, creating a shorter version. This theory suggests Mark was the last gospel written, not the first.

ii. Urevangelium (Primitive Gospel Theory):

This theory suggests there was an original gospel (Urevangelium means “primitive gospel” in German) that no longer exists. Matthew, Mark, and Luke all used this lost original gospel as their common source, which explains their similarities.

iii. Memorabilia:

Memorabilia refers to collections of sayings and deeds of Jesus that were preserved orally or in written form by the apostles and early disciples. These memories and testimonies were later used by the gospel writers as sources for their accounts.

CRS 003: HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN WEST AFRICA

Question 5:

The uniqueness of Sierra Leone is seen in its expression as “the nursery as well as the mother of the church in West Africa.” Elucidate:

Sierra Leone earned this title because it was the first major center of Christianity in West Africa. Freetown was established as a settlement for freed slaves who brought Christianity with them. The Church Missionary Society (CMS) made Freetown their headquarters for West African missions.

Fourah Bay College (1827) was the first Western-style institution of higher learning in West Africa, training indigenous clergy and teachers who spread Christianity throughout the region. Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the first African Anglican bishop, was trained there.

The Bible was translated into local languages in Sierra Leone. Christian schools and hospitals were first established there. Indigenous clergy were first ordained in Sierra Leone. From this base, missionaries and African evangelists spread Christianity to Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and other West African territories. Sierra Leone provided both the infrastructure and trained personnel that birthed Christianity across West Africa.

Question 6:

(a) What is Pentecostalism?

Pentecostalism is a Christian movement that emphasizes personal experience with God through baptism in the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, divine healing, prophecy, and being born again.

(b) Critically assess the factors that influence Pentecostalism in Nigeria:

  1. Economic hardship – People seek divine intervention for poverty

  2. Indigenous African spirituality – Emphasis on healing and supernatural power resonates with African worldview

  3. Charismatic leadership – Dynamic preachers attract large followings

  4. Use of mass media – Television, radio, and internet spread the message widely

  5. Prosperity gospel – Promise of financial breakthrough attracts followers

  6. Dissatisfaction with mainline churches – Perceived as too formal and unresponsive

  7. Youth appeal – Energetic worship and contemporary music attract young people

  8. Testimonies of miracles – Stories of healing and deliverance create faith

  9. Entrepreneurship – Churches provide business networks and opportunities

© Mention FOUR popular Pentecostal Churches and their leaders in Nigeria:

  1. Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) – Bishop David Oyedepo

  2. Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) – Pastor Enoch Adeboye

  3. Deeper Life Bible Church – Pastor William Kumuyi

  4. Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries – Dr. Daniel Olukoya

CRS 004: RELIGION AND SOCIETY

Question 7:

(a) Give a brief history of Emile Durkheim:

Emile Durkheim (1858–1917) was a French sociologist considered one of the founding fathers of sociology. He studied at the École Normale Supérieure in Paris and later became a professor. He wrote influential works on religion, suicide, and social solidarity. His major work on religion was “The Elementary Forms of Religious Life” (1912).

(b) Explain the theory of religion as propounded by Emile Durkheim:

Durkheim argued that religion is fundamentally a social phenomenon. He believed that when people worship God, they are actually worshipping society itself. Religion creates social cohesion by uniting people through shared beliefs and rituals.

He distinguished between the “sacred” (things set apart and forbidden) and the “profane” (ordinary, everyday things). Religious rituals reinforce social bonds and collective consciousness. Durkheim saw religion as serving important social functions: maintaining social order, providing meaning, strengthening group identity, and regulating behavior. For Durkheim, religion was not about the supernatural but about society’s way of understanding and organizing itself.

© How relevant is Durkheim’s theory on Nigerian nation?

Durkheim’s theory is relevant to Nigeria in several ways. Religion does create social solidarity within religious groups (Christians, Muslims). Religious festivals and rituals bring communities together. However, in Nigeria’s multi-religious context, religion also creates division rather than unity. Religious conflicts between Christians and Muslims show the limits of Durkheim’s theory. Yet his idea that religion provides social cohesion is visible within each religious community, even if not across the whole nation.

Question 8:

(a) Define the term terrorism:

Terrorism is the use of violence, intimidation, and fear, especially against civilians, to achieve political, religious, or ideological goals.

(b) List FOUR different proscribed terror groups in Nigeria:

  1. Boko Haram

  2. Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)

  3. Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) – militant wing

  4. Bandits operating in Northwest Nigeria

© Discuss FOUR causes and FOUR effects of terrorism in Nigeria:

FOUR Causes:

  1. Religious extremism and fundamentalism

  2. Poverty and unemployment, especially among youth

  3. Poor governance and corruption

  4. Ethnic and regional marginalization

FOUR Effects:

  1. Loss of lives and displacement of people

  2. Economic disruption and loss of investment

  3. Destruction of infrastructure (schools, churches, mosques)

  4. Fear and trauma in affected communities

(d) How can Christians combat terrorism?

Christians can combat terrorism by promoting peace and tolerance, praying for peace and for authorities, educating people against extremist ideologies, and showing love and compassion to all regardless of religion or ethnicity.

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