(a) Highlight the religious tension in Israel during the reign of King Ahab
(b) Identify three steps that can be taken to minimize religious tension in the society.
(A) Religious tension in Israel during the reign of King Ahab. (I kings 16:29-34, 17:1-7, 18: 1-19)
In regards to this question, candidates are expected to highlight 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.
(B) 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.
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