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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The orthodox interpret the crucifixion as a matter demanding extreme ______________, contrary to other accounts.
(a) Happiness.
(b) Humiliation.
(c) Suffering.
(d) Serenity.

2. Pagels wonders if true authority is only found when one takes a journey __________ on his own.
(a) Upward.
(b) To a teacher.
(c) Of faith.
(d) Inward.

3. Blake noted the differences between the Gnostics and the orthodox: "Both read the Bible day and night, But where thou read'st black where I see _________."
(a) Trite.
(b) Right.
(c) Light.
(d) White.

4. In the Dialogue of the Savior, Jesus says that in order to get to Heaven, when you get to "the ________ where you can reach, stand there."
(a) Town.
(b) Place.
(c) Mountain.
(d) Sky.

5. What is NOT one of the things which made Christianity an easy reach for the masses of people?
(a) Baptism.
(b) Obedience to the clergy.
(c) Service atttendance.
(d) Holy water.

6. The idea that united Gnostics, according to Pagels, seems to be that the path to God lay _____________.
(a) In the Bible.
(b) In the Scrolls.
(c) Within man's own mind.
(d) Only in faith in the clergy.

7. The Christan world, it could be said, was and continues to be one of __________ reality.
(a) Mourned.
(b) Celebrate.
(c) Social.
(d) Misunderstood.

8. A Gnostic author speaks of a baptism of _________ rather than a baptism of water.
(a) Honor.
(b) Faith.
(c) Family.
(d) Truth.

9. The Roman Empire believed that the Christian followers saw their many pagan gods as _______________.
(a) Truth.
(b) Lesser beings.
(c) Demonic.
(d) Helpers.

10. Hippolytus accused the Bishop of Rome of ___________, claiming that he was treated like a common criminal and not as a Christian martyr.
(a) Unrest.
(b) Paganism.
(c) Criminality.
(d) Vagary.

11. Pagels makes a reader question: Is the Kingdom of God more truly __________________?
(a) Dark than light.
(b) Something not to be understood.
(c) Within than without.
(d) Vague than concrete.

12. Pagels points out that the discussion of Gnosticism points out _____________ of great value to all believers.
(a) Errors.
(b) Mistakes.
(c) Duplicates.
(d) Questions.

13. To the Romans, the Christians were seen as _____________ since they were also part of an illegal organization.
(a) Heretics.
(b) Followers.
(c) Prisoners.
(d) Leaders.

14. The ____________ between the Gnostic and the orthodox is echoed in the centuries to come, according to historical findings.
(a) Interaction.
(b) Conflict.
(c) Dichotomy.
(d) Misunderstandings.

15. At one point, some monks were ordered to destroy _________ texts, along with other monastic brethren, though some were not.
(a) Heretical.
(b) Long.
(c) Blank.
(d) Confusing.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what gospel does Jesus respond to Thomas' passionate request to learn how to get to the next level?

2. The orthodox victors preserved Christianity because of their emphasis on rigid ___________, rituals, and Church leaders.

3. The structure of the Church remained in tact for many hundreds of years, surviving even the harsh winds of the _______________.

4. What Dostoevsky novel talks about Jesus being rejected by his own church within the story written?

5. The writings of Peter state that the Gnostics believed the orthodox church was an/a ____________ church which claims exclusive legitimacy.

(see the answer keys)

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