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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many books of the New Testament is Paul responsible for, according to Mack?

2. Who were the super apostles at Corinth?

3. Why does Mack claim that the Jesus cult succeeded?

4. What two Gods from different cultures were seen to be the same?

5. How did the Christ cult differ form the Jesus movement?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the third Jesus movement discussed in the book, and what is/are the primary components of the movement's teachings?

2. What is the second Jesus movement discussed in the book, and what is/are the primary components of the movement's teachings?

3. Explain the three myths merged in Philippians 2:6-11.

4. Explain why social tension began to mount within the new mixed society of Greco-Roman times, and how these groups tried to keep their culture.

5. Why are Paul's letters to the Thessalonians important?

6. Explain why Paul is so important to views of Christianity, according to Mack.

7. What is the catch-22 Mack finds when discussing the New Testament and the origins of the Christian Church?

8. What three factors surfaced as questions to answer that would help the different culture's relate to one another, and why were they important?

9. How did Paul link Christianity to the Greek concept of self control?

10. Why does Mack believe early Christians were excited about the concept of the kingdom of God?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Mack's three arguments about why the Bible has survived unquestioned throughout history. Why does he say this has happened? Be sure to discuss Mack's views of the Bible as an oracle, the Bible as the ritual text of Christianity, and the Bible's function as an epic for the American dream. What are each of these, and why do they help to position the Bible in a high, unquestionable place of power?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the Didache, in detail. What is it? Where was it located? What is it a part of, and why? What does it contain? What features does Mack note are of particular interest? How does the Didache relate to Judaism? Why is this important to understanding the state of Christianity in the early second century?

Essay Topic 3

Explain and analyze the two forces that Mack claims drive Christianity. What are those two forces? How do those forces move Christianity along? What tensions are involved in these forces? when did these forces begin to have an effect on Christianity? Where else did Biblical influence become apparent? Why are these factors important when examining the construction of the Christian bible?

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