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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The Gnostics did not stress the idea of obedience to authority, but rather ___________ with those united in communion.
(a) Government.
(b) Hierarchy.
(c) Partnership.
(d) Fellowship.

2. The Gnostics were not only attacked by __________, but also by those who advanced the name of Christ.
(a) Pagans.
(b) Muslims.
(c) Themselves.
(d) Jews.

3. Ignatius scorned the Gnostic view that Christ had not truly ____________ as this was a main tenet in orthodox beliefs.
(a) Died.
(b) Lived.
(c) Suffered.
(d) Cared.

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

5. Pagels wonders if it was the __________ function of the Church which allowed it to be kept alive for so many years.
(a) Social.
(b) Punishment.
(c) Guilt.
(d) Sacrament.

6. What Dostoevsky novel talks about Jesus being rejected by his own church within the story written?
(a) Crime and Punishment.
(b) Uncle Vanya.
(c) Brothers Karamazov.
(d) The Christ of Pain.

7. The Gnostic suffering is the result of ignorance of __________, of the God within everyone.
(a) Self.
(b) Knowledge.
(c) Mastery.
(d) Truth.

8. The Gnostic focus was on ___________ which was thought to be psychological or emotional in nature.
(a) Learning.
(b) Strength.
(c) Suffering.
(d) Faith.

9. Frederik Wiss speculates that perhaps the Nag Hammadi find was the results of __________ at St. Pachomius.
(a) Nuns.
(b) Children.
(c) Priests.
(d) Monks.

10. The writings of Peter state that the Gnostics believed the orthodox church was an/a ____________ church which claims exclusive legitimacy.
(a) Imitation.
(b) Ruthless.
(c) Honorable.
(d) Idiotic.

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

12. __________ united Gnostic brethren together and that brotherhood was paramount, not the obedience to any clergy.
(a) God's laws.
(b) Jesus.
(c) Gnosis.
(d) The Bible.

13. The Valentinians also speak of the birth of _________ from her confusion, water from her terror, and air from her grief.
(a) Earth.
(b) Honor.
(c) Mountain.
(d) Ocean.

14. It is said that at least the Christians had been called by God, unlike the pagans who could be excused for their ____________.
(a) Greed.
(b) Ignorance.
(c) Tolerance.
(d) Idolatry.

15. The Church of the Gnostics was confined to the __________, the experiencers of God generally speaking.
(a) Doers.
(b) Seekers.
(c) Knowers.
(d) Followers.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the works of the philosopher, Nietzsche, he speaks of Jesus as being the only true _____________.

2. Who took a mediating position with the Christian Church, though they had internal problems as to how to view the orthodox?

3. Tertullian suggested the Gnostics were trying to evade death by changing the story of the _________________, which elevated Christ into a God.

4. Ignatius placed the presence of the ____________ as the legitimizing force in administering the sacrament and in holding meetings.

5. Phillip in his gospel laughs at the _________________ as a test of spiritual sufficiency, as people receive nothing from this.

(see the answer keys)

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