WAEC Christian Religious Knowledge 2012 Past Questions & Answers

According to the creation account in Genesis $1:1-3$, the Bible states that before God began speaking things into existence, 'the earth was formless and empty, and darkness was over the surface of the deep.' This shows that darkness was already present as part of the initial chaotic state. God's first creative act was to command 'Let there be light,' which He then separated from the pre-existing darkness to create day and night.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose option D because God did create day and night, but this was the result of creating light, not the reason darkness already existed from the beginning.

This question tests your knowledge of the two creation accounts in Genesis 1 and 2. The correct option is D because in Genesis 1:28, God explicitly commands humanity to 'Be fruitful and multiply'. While Genesis 2 does not use these exact words, the creation of woman as a partner for man and the establishment of marriage implies the same purpose of procreation, making it a point of agreement between both accounts.

Common mistake: Students often mistakenly choose option A because they remember man and woman were created on the sixth day in Genesis 1, but forget that in Genesis 2, man was created first and woman was formed later from his rib.

The question focuses on Joseph's character, which is a key theme in his leadership journey. The correct option, 'served diligently in Potiphar’s house', highlights the responsible and trustworthy nature that made Potiphar promote him to a leadership position over his entire household. This diligence was a foundational quality that demonstrated his fitness for the greater leadership role God was preparing him for.

Common mistake: Many students might choose option C, rejecting Potiphar’s wife, because it is a strong example of his moral integrity, but his diligent service is the broader behaviour that first established his good character and earned him his master's trust.

This question is about a key event in the early life of Moses, before he was called by God. After Moses secretly killed an Egyptian, he tried to intervene in a fight between two Hebrews. The man's question revealed that the murder was no longer a secret, making Moses aware that his action was known among the people. This realization is what caused him to fear for his life and flee from Egypt.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose option C, but Moses' immediate realization was that his secret was known (D), which then led to his fear that Pharaoh would look for him (C).

This question is about the crossing of the Red Sea. God allowed Pharaoh to chase the Israelites in order to set the stage for a massive miracle. By parting the sea for the Israelites and then drowning the entire Egyptian army, God's purpose was to perform an unforgettable act that would demonstrate His supreme, supernatural power not just to Egypt and Israel, but to the whole world.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose option C, but getting glory over Pharaoh was the immediate result, while the ultimate purpose of that glory was to reveal God's power to the world.

In the book of Numbers, Moses sent twelve spies to explore the promised land of Canaan. While ten of the spies came back with a negative and fearful report, only two spies, Joshua and Caleb, gave a positive report. They showed faith in God's power and encouraged the people to go and possess the land, demonstrating great leadership. Because their report was different from the other ten, it was called the 'minority report'.

Common mistake: Students may forget the specific names of the two faithful spies and mistakenly choose other names from the twelve spies listed in the wrong options.

In the book of Numbers $(Chapter 27:15-17)$, as Moses' life was coming to an end, he asked God to appoint a new leader for the Israelites. His specific reason was so that the people would not be 'like sheep without a shepherd'. This shows that his primary concern was for the continuous guidance and leadership of the nation, which is the role of a shepherd.

Common mistake: Students often mistakenly choose 'conquer the Canaanites' because this was the major task of the next leader, Joshua, but it was not the direct reason Moses gave in his prayer to God.

The correct option identifies the three key roles Moses played for Israel. He was a prophet who spoke God's word to the people, a priest who mediated between God and Israel before Aaron's formal appointment, and a deliverer who God used to free the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. These three functions summarize his leadership service to the nation before his death.

Common mistake: Students often mistakenly choose the option with 'king' because Moses was the supreme leader of Israel, but the Bible never refers to him as a king.

The question is about Deborah, who was one of the Judges of Israel before the time of the kings. As a judge, her primary role was to provide leadership, settle disputes among the people, and deliver them from their enemies. After she led Barak to victory against the Canaanite army, the Bible records in Judges 5:31 that 'the land had peace for forty years', directly linking her leadership to a period of peace.

Common mistake: Students might mistakenly choose 'love' because it is a general positive virtue, but Deborah's specific role as a judge and military strategist who brought an end to war makes 'peace' the most accurate description of her impact on the nation.

The question refers to the sin of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, in 1 Samuel. According to the law for peace offerings, the fat of the animal had to be burned on the altar as God's portion first. Only after this was done could the priest take his share. By demanding raw meat before the fat was burnt, the priests were disrespecting God's command and putting their own desires before God's portion, which is why the request was wrong.

Common mistake: Students often mistakenly choose option D because it is a true statement that priests were entitled to certain parts of the sacrifice, but it does not explain why this specific request for raw meat at that particular time was sinful.