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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. Christianity was a religion of __________.

2. Possibly under the influence of the collapsing Roman Empire and the consequent beginning of an epoch of chaos, what ideas did Augustine develop?

3. The earliest account of this man's life is found ____________.

4. What did this message lead to?

5. After the synod, confusion still reigned in the Christian church with a competing philosophy developing at ________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What led to a rift with the Quraysh? To what did this rift lead?

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

3. Why did many European scholars flock to Spain during the twelfth century?

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

5. What is the Jewish development similar to the "Great Awakening?"

6. What strong religious movements does Armstrong see growing in strength today? What does she think about this?

7. What approach to religion does Armstrong advocate?

8. What are the results of the Italian Renaissance and the beginning of the scientific discoveries?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Armstrong discusses the development of a personal God.

Part 1) Describe this development, according to Armstrong. Why did a personal God come to be in these three major religions?

Part 2) What is an inherent danger in a personal God? How was this seen throughout history? How is this seen today?

Part 3) Why did the members of these religions feel that a personal God was necessary? How is this still important today?

Essay Topic 2

A philosophy develops in Cappodocia, which forms the basis of the theology of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Part 1) What idea did this theology form? How does this philosophy compare to the philosophy decided upon at the synod at Nicaea?

Part 2) How did Jews and Muslims feel about this idea? Why?

Part 3) how important was St. Augustine to the evolution of this idea? How was St. Augustine changed through his conversion to Christianity? How did this influence his ideas regarding this idea first established at Cappadocia as well as other ideas and beliefs?

Essay Topic 3

Developments of the nineteenth century led to questioning of the existence and relevance of God.

Part 1) Name and describe the work of two people who questioned God's existence and relevance. How were people affected and/or influenced by this work?

Part 2) Did those who did not agree with these scientists and philosophers have a right to be upset? Why or why not? How did these beliefs affect Muslims as well? How did this compare to the reactions of Christians?

Part 3) How did those in the world of Judaism also react to their feelings of similar discontent? Why did they feel this way? Why did they react this way? How do these reactions compare to those of the Christians and Muslims?

(see the answer keys)

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