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

Short Answer Questions

1. In 1626, a wealthy Sephardic Jew in Symrna, called Shabbetai Zevi, started a movement in which he declared ____________.

2. Was tolerance of other religions was evident in Christian Spain?

3. What did Nietzsche teach about the Christian God?

4. Paradoxically, Armstrong identifies strong movements in all three religions to ____________.

5. Why is a personal God necessary?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Muhammad came under the influence of Jews at Medina.

Part 1) How did they influence him? How did this influence Islam as well?

Part 2) Why do Muslims date their era to this migration to Medina? What does this say about the power of the Jews at this time?

Part 3) How has Islam continued to change until today? Compare Islam today to Islam when Muhammad was alive. What might he think of today's Islam? Why?

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