Read the excerpt below and answer the question. behold, i answer to him who asks, what was god doing before he made heaven and earth? i answer not, as a certain person is reported to have done facetiously (avoiding the pressure of the question), he was preparing hell, says he, for those who pry into mysteries. (book xi, chapter 12) what does the word “facetiously” mean? lacking a serious or respectful attitude lacking pleasure or happiness nervously or anxiously quietly or privately

The word "facetious" means lacking a serious or respectful attitude  

Explanation:

The formal definition of the word facetious is to make fun of something or not to take something very seriously so it could refer to attitudes or personalities, in this case, taking away the seriousness or importance of the question or trying not to get to into a religious topic by talking about the things that God did.

c. barbarians with unexpected intelligence  

the answer is definitely d. sorry for a late response.