WAEC Christian Religious Studies (CRS) 2016 Theory — Question 8

Model answer

(a) (James 1:2-27, James 2:14-26) James advised Christians to live according to the word of God which they had heard. It would be of no use to hear the word and fail to put it into practice. If anyone is a hearer of the word and not the doer, he is like someone who sees himself in the mirror and turns away, and immediately forgets himself. James also said that he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and perseveres, being no hearer but doer of the word shall be blessed in his doing. James also said that if anyone thinks that he is religious but does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is vain. Pure religion involves keeping oneself unstained by the world. It is of no use to have faith and have no work. According to James, if someone is poorly clothed and hungry and you asked him to go in peace and be filled without providing the clothing and food for them, you are not backing your faith with work. Faith without work is dead and useless. Abraham justified his faith by work when he was prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac. A person is therefore justified by works and not faith alone. Similarly, Rahab the prostitute justified her faith by work when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way. Faith should manifest itself in love of God and service to humankind and not mere expression of words. (b) Factors Hindering Christians from Doing the Will of God: i. Lack of faith or commitment to God ii. Worldliness and care for material things iii. Poverty and financial constraints iv. Unpleasant experience or sickness v. Fear