WAEC Christian Religious Studies (CRS) 2021 Theory — Question 6

Model answer

(a) How the problem of discrimination was solved in the early Church (Acts 6:2-6): A complaint was made to the Apostles about discrimination among believers regarding the welfare of widows. This came up due to the increase in the number of the early church. The Apostles informed the brethren that they could not forgo their main task of preaching the word of God to serve tables. They said the community should appoint competent men to be in charge of daily distribution so the Apostles could focus on evangelism. Seven men of good character were to be appointed, filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom. Among them were Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and others including Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas. They were brought before the Apostles, who laid hands on them and prayed for them, commissioning them to cater for the welfare of the widows in the early church. (b) Effects of discrimination in society: i. It greatly affects team morale and can lead to apathy at the workplace. ii. It reduces people's trust and confidence in leadership. iii. It creates a feeling of exclusion or rejection in people. (Also: affects loyalty/commitment/ownership at the workplace, breeds resentment and conflict, leads to social vices, stifles initiative/innovation.)