Observation

Religious tension in Israel during the reign of King Ahab. (I kings 16:29-34, 17:1-7, 18: 1-19)
This question was less popular among candidates. A vast number of the candidates avoided it. The performance to this question was below average. However, the B part boosted the scores of the candidates as they were able to highlight ways religious tension could be reduced in the society. In regards to this question, candidates were expected to have highlighted the points as listed below;

1. Ahab married Jezebel, the daughter of Ethbaal, King of the Sidonians
2. She was a staunch worshipper of Baal of Phoenicia
3. Jezebel was allowed by Ahab to bring into Israel the worship of Baal together with several Baal prophets and Prophets of Asherah
4. She tried making Baalism state religion of Israel
5. In pursuance of her policy, she killed the prophets of God who opposed her
6. The prophets of God who could not withstand Jezebel fled the country while others were hidden by Obadiah
7. The altars of Yahweh were also cut down
8. Ahab helped in the promotion of Baalism as he used state resources to build temples for Baal
9. Ahab perpetrated grave social injustices during his reign eg. He had Naboth killed and took over his vineyard
10. Many Israelites deserted Yahweh to worship Baal
11. All these acts of idolatry and injustice incurred the displeasure of God.
12. It was around this time that Elijah from Tishbe, the prophet of God emerged to confront Ahab
13. God asked Elijah to pronounce drought in Israel for three and a half years
14. And as a result of the drought, there was severe famine on the land of Israel
15. God used ravens to feed Elijah who went to hide by the brook Cherith from where he had water to drink
16. For a while, Elijah was afraid to meet King Ahab for fear that Jezebel might kill him, because she had earlier persecuted the prophets of Yahweh
17. But after a while, the Lord told Elijah to present himself to King Ahab.
18. Ahab accused Elijah of being the troubler of Israel
19. But Elijah maintained that it was Ahab and his royal house that had brought the drought because of their worship of Baal
20. However, the tension was resolved by the contest on Mount Carmel, requested by Elijah
21. The supremacy of God was established after Elijah won the contest
22. Elijah then had the Baal prophets killed to reflect his victory over the Baal prophets

2. Steps that can be taken to minimize religious tensions in society.
   1. Tolerance/respect for the views of other religions/ avoid partiality/show love for all religions
   2. Have understanding and concern for others/ avoid derogatory remarks
   3. There should be inter-religious dialogue
   4. The state should recognize all religious faiths/freedom of worship
   5. Desist from greed and covetousness
   6. Do not tolerate evil counsel
   7. Focus on God only/fear God
   8. Sinners must be condemned
   9. Counselling people who go astray
   10. Men of God should speak against injustice/corruption, etc.
   11. Using social media to expose evil deeds and doers in society.
   12. Rights of citizens should be respected.