SECTION A: THEMES FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

Question 4:     Ezra 1: 1-11; 5: 12; 6: 13-22; 7: 1-10

(a) Describe the Religious Restoration of the Israelites under Ezra.

(b) What two negative attitude can be observed in the practice of Christianity today?

This question was not popular among the candidates as most of them that attempted it did not really know what this question entails. 

Most of them failed to state the demands of the question, which is the reformation of Ezra during the return of their exile from Babylon i.e. the partriotic spirit shown by Ezra, Haggai and Jeshua, Sheshbazzar and Zarubabel during the rebuilding of the temple. Points worthy of mention here are:

1. In line with the decree, the Jewish exiles returned to Judah;
2. There was also an adulteration of Yahweh worship;
3. After the dedication, Ezra, the priest, came from Babylon with some Israelites.

However, few were able to give some negative attributes displayed in the practice of Christianity as:

1. Religious syncretism;
2. Materialism, Cheating, Dishonesty;
3. Lack of faith.