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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. The laughing Jesus implies a separation between the physical and the spiritual Jesus and casts doubt on the traditional concept of the ________.
(a) Atonement.
(b) Darkness.
(c) Connection between Jesus and man.
(d) Prayer.

3. Pagels is quick to point out that this book is not an argument for _______________, but a call to learning more.
(a) Religion.
(b) Gnosticism.
(c) Orthodoxy.
(d) A right answer.

4. The young Christian woman named Blandina was able to withstand tremendous pain and torture, eventually being killed by being tossed in a net and exposed to ____________.
(a) A bull.
(b) Fire.
(c) The elements.
(d) A lake.

5. Peter distinguishes between the fleshly, suffering Christ and the living Christ, casting even more of a shadow on the idea of the ________________.
(a) Torture.
(b) Resurrection.
(c) Events at Gesethemene.
(d) Crucifixion.

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

7. The Gnostic author had nothing but contempt for a congregation of seekers that sought to avoid the firm citadel of Christan ___________.
(a) Confession.
(b) Blasphemy.
(c) Crucifixion.
(d) Communion.

8. Polycarb refused the __________________ and was burned alive because of his Christian beliefs.
(a) Ritual drink.
(b) Sacrifice.
(c) Goat.
(d) Bread.

9. Justin was a philosopher who wrote to the Emperor protesting the treatment of a __________________.
(a) Christian woman.
(b) Disciple of Jesus.
(c) Christian man.
(d) Whore.

10. The advice of Jesus to Thomas was attractive to the ____________ as it indicated there was only a strict and narrow path to Heaven.
(a) Pagan.
(b) Orthodoxy.
(c) Gnostic.
(d) Agnostic.

11. Authoritative Teaching rails against external acts of worship as making so-called Christians worse than the __________.
(a) Pagans.
(b) Devil.
(c) Bishop.
(d) Pope.

12. Most scholars will agree that Jesus was crucified by ________________ when he was sentenced to the cross.
(a) God.
(b) Pontius Pilate.
(c) Emperor Crucius.
(d) Himself.

13. One argument against the orthodox is that Christians refuse to truly seek God who can only be found in the fulfillment of the _________.
(a) Pulpit.
(b) Bible.
(c) Gnosis.
(d) Commandments.

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

15. Tertullian turned away from the ____________ movement, joining a Montanist movement that featured a new prophecy.
(a) Christian scientists.
(b) Orthodox.
(c) Gnostic.
(d) Agnostic.

Short Answer Questions

1. Ignatius scorned the Gnostic view that Christ had not truly ____________ as this was a main tenet in orthodox beliefs.

2. The Valentinians also speak of the birth of _________ from her confusion, water from her terror, and air from her grief.

3. It is thought that perhaps some of the texts which were to be destroyed were buried in a _______ where they were later found.

4. __________ united Gnostic brethren together and that brotherhood was paramount, not the obedience to any clergy.

5. Jesus tells Thomas that no one comes to the Father, but by ________ when he is asked about getting to the next level.

(see the answer keys)

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