WAEC Christian Religious Studies (OBJ & Essay) Questions and Answers 2026

*WAEC CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES (PAPER 2 – ESSAY)* *COMPLETE ANSWERS – QUESTIONS 1 TO 9* =========================================================== *SECTION A: THEMES FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT* =========================================================== *QUESTION 1* *(a) Give an account of the condition of the Hebrews in Egypt before the birth of Moses (9 marks)* Before the birth of Moses, the Hebrews (Israelites) lived in Egypt under severe oppression. A new Pharaoh who did not know Joseph came to power. He feared the Israelites because they were numerous and mighty. The Pharaoh subjected them to forced labor. They built the store cities of Pithom and Rameses. Egyptian taskmasters made their lives bitter with hard service in mortar and brick. The Pharaoh also commanded the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, to kill all male Hebrew babies at birth. When the midwives feared God and disobeyed, Pharaoh ordered all Egyptians to throw every Hebrew boy into the Nile River. It was under this decree of infanticide that Moses was born. His mother hid him for three months before placing him in a papyrus basket on the Nile. *(b) Outline three ways by which peace and order can be maintained in society (6 marks)* +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ | Way | Explanation | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ | 1. Enforcement of just laws | Laws must be fair, known, and applied | | | equally to all citizens. | | 2. Promotion of dialogue | Conflicts should be resolved through | | | discussion, not violence. | | 3. Respect for leadership | Citizens should obey lawful authorities | | | and leaders should serve with integrity. | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ =========================================================== *QUESTION 2* *(a) Recount the circumstances that led to the dismissal of Gehazi from the service of Elisha (11 marks)* Gehazi was the servant of the prophet Elisha. Naaman, the commander of the army of the king of Aram, was a leper. He came to Elisha and was healed after washing in the River Jordan seven times. Naaman offered gifts to Elisha, but Elisha refused. Naaman travelled away. Then Gehazi ran after him and lied, saying Elisha had sent him to ask for a talent of silver and two changes of garments. Naaman gave him two talents of silver and two garments. Gehazi hid the items and returned to Elisha. When Elisha asked where he had been, Gehazi lied again. Elisha told him that his spirit had gone with him. Elisha pronounced judgment: the leprosy of Naaman would cling to Gehazi and his descendants forever. Gehazi left Elisha's presence leprous, as white as snow. This led to his dismissal. *(b) Indicate two lessons that can be learned from the misconduct of Gehazi (4 marks)* +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ | Lesson | Explanation | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ | 1. Greed leads to destruction | Gehazi's greed for material wealth caused | | | him to lie and lose everything. | | 2. Sin cannot be hidden | God sees all actions. Gehazi thought he | | | was secret, but Elisha knew by revelation. | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ =========================================================== *QUESTION 3* *(a) Give an account of how the Jews overcame the challenges they encountered while rebuilding the temple (9 marks)* After the exile, the Jews returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple under Zerubbabel and Jeshua. They faced several challenges: First, opposition came from the Samaritans and local enemies who offered to help, but when rejected, they discouraged the people and frightened them from building. They hired counselors to frustrate the work. Second, they wrote a letter to King Artaxerxes accusing the Jews of rebellion. The king ordered the work to stop, and it ceased until the reign of Darius. Under the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, the Jews resumed building. When questioned again, they appealed to the decree of King Cyrus. King Darius searched the records and found Cyrus's decree, then ordered that the work continue and even provided funds from the royal treasury. The Jews overcame through prayer, prophetic encouragement, and God's intervention. *(b) State three ways in which patriotism is beneficial to a nation (6 marks)* +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ | Benefit | Explanation | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ | 1. National unity | Patriotism brings citizens together for | | | common goals. | | 2. Economic development | Patriotic citizens work hard and pay taxes | | | to develop their country. | | 3. Protection of sovereignty | Patriots defend their nation against | | | external and internal threats. | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ =========================================================== *QUESTION 4* *(a) Give an account of the events that illustrated God's mighty hand on Daniel's life (11 marks)* Several events showed God's mighty hand on Daniel's life: First, Daniel and his friends refused the king's food and ate only vegetables and water. After ten days, they looked healthier than all the young men who ate the king's food. God gave them knowledge and skill in literature and wisdom. Second, when King Nebuchadnezzar dreamed and demanded his wise men tell the dream and interpretation or be killed, Daniel prayed. God revealed the mystery to Daniel in a night vision. Daniel praised God and saved all the wise men. Third, Daniel's enemies plotted against him, knowing he prayed three times daily. The king signed a decree that no one should pray to any god except the king for 30 days. Daniel continued praying. He was thrown into the lions' den, but God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths. He was unharmed. *(b) Explain two ways by which one can handle opposition (4 marks)* +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ | Way to handle opposition | Explanation | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ | 1. Prayer and faith in God | Daniel prayed and trusted God when opposed. | | 2. Maintaining integrity | Daniel continued his good work so his | | | enemies could find no fault in him. | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ =========================================================== *SECTION B: THEMES FROM THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS AND ACTS* =========================================================== *QUESTION 5* *(a) Narrate the encounter between John the Baptist and Jesus at the River Jordan (9 marks)* John the Baptist was preaching in the wilderness of Judea, baptizing with water for repentance. He declared that one greater than him was coming. When Jesus came from Galilee to the River Jordan to be baptized by John, John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?" But Jesus answered, "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." John consented. As Jesus came up from the water, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him like a dove. A voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." This event marked the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and confirmed His identity as the Son of God. *(b) In what three ways is the above encounter relevant to Christians? (6 marks)* +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ | Relevance | Explanation | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ | 1. Example of humility | Jesus humbled Himself to be baptized, | | | teaching Christians to be humble. | | 2. Confirmation of the Trinity| The Father (voice), Son (Jesus), and | | | Holy Spirit (dove) were all present. | | 3. Importance of obedience | Jesus obeyed God's will, showing that | | | Christians must obey God even when not | | | fully understood. | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ =========================================================== *QUESTION 6* *(a) Highlight the events that ultimately led to the condemnation of Jesus to death (9 marks)* The events that led to Jesus' condemnation include: First, the Jewish leaders (chief priests, scribes, and elders) plotted to kill Him because they were jealous and saw Him as a threat to their authority. Second, Judas Iscariot agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Third, Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane after Judas kissed Him. Fourth, He was taken before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish council). False witnesses accused Him, and when Jesus said He was the Christ, the Son of God, the high priest tore his robes and declared blasphemy. They condemned Him to death. Fifth, they took Him to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate found no fault in Him but, pressured by the crowd, handed Him over to be crucified. *(b) Explain three ways in which upholding justice contributes to the wellbeing of a nation (6 marks)* +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ | Way justice contributes | Explanation | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ | 1. Promotes peace and order | When justice is served, citizens feel safe. | | 2. Protects the innocent | Justice ensures that the guilty are punished| | | and the innocent are freed. | | 3. Encourages development | Foreign investors and citizens work better | | | in a just society. | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ =========================================================== *QUESTION 7* *(a) "And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all who heard of these things." Recount the events that led to the above experience (9 marks)* This verse from Acts 5 refers to the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira. A man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. With his wife's knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself and brought only part to the apostles, pretending it was the full amount. Peter confronted Ananias, saying he had lied not to men but to God. Ananias fell down and died. Great fear seized all who heard. About three hours later, Sapphira came in, unaware of what had happened. Peter asked her the selling price. She also lied. Peter said, "The feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out." She fell down and died. Great fear came upon the whole church and all who heard these things. *(b) Outline three lessons that the church today can learn from the above experience (6 marks)* +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ | Lesson | Explanation | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ | 1. God hates hypocrisy and | Christians must be honest in their giving | | deceit | and dealings. | | 2. Sin has serious consequences| Disobedience to God can lead to severe | | | punishment. | | 3. The church must maintain | Church leaders should address sin openly | | purity | to keep the church pure. | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ =========================================================== *SECTION C: THEMES FROM SELECTED EPISTLES* =========================================================== *QUESTION 8* *(a) "If you show partiality, you commit sin." Relate how James addressed this subject in the Assembly of God (11 marks)* In James chapter 2, James addressed the sin of partiality (favoritism) in the Christian assembly. He gave an example: Suppose a rich man wearing fine clothes and a gold ring comes into the meeting, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes. If you pay special attention to the rich man and say, "Sit here in a good place," but tell the poor man, "Stand over there," or "Sit at my feet," you have made a distinction among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts. James argued that God chose the poor to be rich in faith. He reminded them that the rich often oppress believers and drag them to court. He declared that the royal law – "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" – is broken by partiality. James concluded that whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point is guilty of all. Showing partiality is a sin because it violates God's law of love and equality. *(b) State three ways Christians today fall short of James' recommendations on the above subject (4 marks)* +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ | Way Christians fall short | Example | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ | 1. Preferring the wealthy | Giving front seats or special attention | | | to rich members in church. | | 2. Ignoring the poor | Neglecting to visit or help poor members. | | 3. Judging by appearance | Treating people differently based on their | | | clothing, status, or education. | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ =========================================================== *QUESTION 9* *(a) Highlight Peter's view on the concept of good citizenship (11 marks)* In 1 Peter 2:13-17, Peter gave clear teaching on good citizenship: First, Peter urged believers to submit to every human authority for the Lord's sake, whether to the emperor as supreme or to governors sent by him to punish wrongdoers and praise those who do right. Second, he stated that God's will is for Christians to do good and silence the ignorance of foolish people. Third, he instructed believers to live as free people, but not using freedom as a cover-up for evil. Fourth, he commanded them to show proper respect to everyone, love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, and honor the emperor. Peter's view is that good citizenship involves obedience to lawful authority, doing good, and respecting all people while ultimately fearing God above all. *(b) Explain three obligations expected of you as a good citizen of your nation (4 marks)* +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ | Obligation | Explanation | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ | 1. Obeying the law | Good citizens obey traffic rules, pay taxes,| | | and follow national laws. | | 2. Participating in civic duty| Voting in elections and serving the | | | community when needed. | | 3. Protecting national assets | Good citizens protect public property and | | | report crimes. | +-------------------------------+---------------------------------------------+ =========================================================== *END OF ANSWERS - QUESTIONS 1 TO 9* *SUMMARY OF KEY BIBLE REFERENCES* +---------------------+------------------------------------------------+-------------------+ | Question | Key Bible Reference | Main Theme | +---------------------+------------------------------------------------+-------------------+ | Q1(a) | Exodus 1:8-22 | Oppression in Egypt| | Q2(a) | 2 Kings 5:20-27 | Gehazi's leprosy | | Q3(a) | Ezra 4-6 | Rebuilding temple | | Q4(a) | Daniel 1, 2, 6 | Daniel's deliverance| | Q5(a) | Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22 | Baptism of Jesus | | Q6(a) | Matthew 26-27, Mark 14-15, Luke 22-23, John 18-19| Trial of Jesus | | Q7(a) | Acts 5:1-11 | Ananias & Sapphira| | Q8(a) | James 2:1-13 | Partiality is sin | | Q9(a) | 1 Peter 2:13-17 | Good citizenship | +---------------------+------------------------------------------------+-------------------+

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CRS ANSWER NUMBER 4 (a) While repairing the temple, Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law (likely Deuteronomy). He gave it to Shaphan the scribe, who read it to King Josiah. When Josiah heard the words of the Law, he tore his clothes in grief because he realized that Judah had not kept God’s commands and that great wrath was coming. He sent officials to inquire of the Lord. They went to Huldah the prophetess, who confirmed that disaster would come upon Judah for idolatry, but because Josiah’s heart was penitent and he had humbled himself, the disaster would not happen in his days. Josiah then gathered all the people and read the Book to them. He made a covenant to follow the Lord and keep His commandments. He proceeded to destroy all idols, altars, and high places throughout Judah and Israel. (b) 1. Many people have lost knowledge of Scripture, just as the Book of the Law was lost. 2. Idolatry exists in modern forms – money, fame, pleasure – replacing true worship. 3. A remnant remains that responds with repentance and reform when they hear God’s word.

CRS SOLUTION NUMBER THREE 3(a) After returning from exile in Babylon, the Jews began rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. However, they faced strong opposition from their enemies, especially the Samaritans, who first offered to help but were rejected. When their offer was declined, they became hostile and tried to frustrate the work. The enemies discouraged the builders, bribed officials against them, and wrote accusations to the Persian king. As a result, the work on the Temple was stopped for several years. The Jews also became discouraged and turned their attention to building their own houses instead of God's Temple. God then raised the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, who encouraged the people to resume the work and assured them of God's presence and support. Inspired by the prophets' messages, Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the people renewed their efforts. When questioned by Persian officials, the Jews appealed to the decree earlier issued by King Cyrus authorizing the rebuilding of the Temple. A search was made, and the decree was found. King Darius then confirmed Cyrus' decree and ordered that the work should continue without interference. He also directed that expenses for the project be provided from the royal treasury. With God's help, prophetic encouragement, perseverance, and royal support, the Jews successfully completed and dedicated the Temple. 3(b) 1.Promotes national unity and peaceful coexistence among citizens. 2.Encourages citizens to contribute to national development through hard work and loyalty. 3.Helps protect national assets and maintain law and order in the country.

8(a) James condemned partiality in the Assembly of God. He taught believers not to discriminate between the rich and the poor. He illustrated this with a rich man in fine clothes being honoured while a poor man in dirty clothes was neglected. James said such behaviour was evil and sinful because God chose the poor to be rich in faith. He reminded Christians to obey the royal law, “Love your neighbour as yourself.” He warned that showing favoritism is sin and that believers should show mercy to others. 8(b) 1. Respecting rich members more than poor members. 2. Discriminating based on tribe, appearance, or status. 3. Choosing leaders because of wealth instead of good character. 9(a) Peter taught that Christians should be good citizens by obeying government authorities and laws. He said rulers are appointed to punish wrongdoers and reward good conduct. Christians should do good, respect others, love fellow believers, fear God, and honour leaders. Freedom should not be used for wrongdoing. 9(b) 1. Obey the laws of the nation. 2. Pay taxes and civic duties. 3. Respect authorities and promote peace.