Observation

This question was less popular among candidates compared to Question 9. However, it was noticed that candidates gave their own interpretation and version of the advice of James to Christians as doers of the word and not hearers only. Many of them could not give out the points in an articulate manner as outlined by James in the Bible. Candidates were expected to list out points such as;

i. James advised Christians to live according to the word of the Lord which they had heard.

ii. He said it would be no use to hear the word and fail to put it into practice.

iii. According to James, if anyone is a hearer of the word and not the doer he is like someone who sees himself in a mirror and turns away, and immediately forgets himself.

iv. James said that he who looks into the perfect law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer that forgets but a doer that acts, he shall be blessed in his doing.

v. James was of the opinion that if one thinks he is religious but does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is vain.

vi. James held the view that pure and undefiled religion before God should entail the visitation to orphans and widows in their affliction.

vii. Pure religion also involved keeping oneself unstained from the world.

viii. James said it is of no use to say you have faith but have no works to demonstrate the faith you have.

ix. According to James, if someone was poorly clothed and hungry and you asked him to go in peace and be filled without providing the clothing and food to them, you are not backing your faith with works

x. Hence faith without works is dead and useless

In the (b) Part, was better answered by the candidates in that they could relate their experiences in life and related it to this question as to how it applies to the demand of the question.

On the whole candidates who attempted this question performed averagely.