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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. After the first three years, Muhammad's message transformed into _______________.

2. What was considered blasphemous by Jews and later by Muslims?

3. The development of conflicting philosophies of the nature and existence of God took place against the backdrop of ____________.

4. Christianity was a religion of __________.

5. Prior to Augustine's conversion to Christianity, he had repulsed any idea of __________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What is "religion of the heart and what did this lead to?

2. What are the differences regarding mysticism in the Christian church?

3. What happened at Medina?

4. How was tolerance of other religions was not evident in Christian Spain?

5. Describe the Faylasufs' notion of God.

6. What is Armstrong's pessimistic view of the modern world?

7. How did Western secularism and the rising dominance of industrialized European countries have an effect on the Muslim religion?

8. What does Armstrong say about the development of the philosophic theories in the Arab culture during the ninth century?

9. What took place despite the conservatism occasioned by the rise of the Shariah laws and the suppression of independent reasoning in the Sunni madrasahs?

10. What approach to religion does Armstrong advocate?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Philosophy has influenced religion.

Part 1) How did Greek science and philosophy exert a strong influence on Arab culture in the 9th century? How did this lead to a rational approach regarding God? How did these various beliefs affect Islam?

Part 2) What parallel events occurred in Jewish culture? Why did these events occur? What was the outcome?

Part 3) How were Christian theologians also affected by philosophy and beliefs contrary to the initial religious beliefs? How did this change Christianity?

Part 4) How is religion still evolving, based on beliefs and ideas of today?

Essay Topic 2

A synod is called by Emperor Constantine at Nicaea.

Part 1) What took place at this synod? What events led up to this synod?

Part 2) Why is this synod so significant? How does it affect Christians today?

Part 3) Are the decisions that were made at this synod valid regarding one's beliefs about God and Jesus? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Armstrong asks the question of whether God has a future.

Part 1) What is Armstrong's survey of our world today? How does she validate her points?

Part 2) What does Armstrong believe mankind should do regarding their beliefs about God? Why?

Part 3) What strong movements does Armstrong see in each religion? How does she feel about these movements? Why does she feel this way? How do you feel about these movements? How do you see them affecting mankind?

(see the answer keys)

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