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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What was not a part of the daily lives of Christians according to Pagels' conclusions?
(a) Baptisms.
(b) Marriages.
(c) Sacrifices.
(d) Funerals.

3. The structure of the Church remained in tact for many hundreds of years, surviving even the harsh winds of the _______________.
(a) Crusades.
(b) Reformation.
(c) Marches.
(d) Holocaust.

4. To the Gnostics, the definition of a true Christan was one that had spiritual ___________.
(a) Truth.
(b) Calling.
(c) Maturity.
(d) Relevance.

5. The meaning of the actual _____________ has created great controversy among scholars and in the world.
(a) Resurrection.
(b) Crucifixion.
(c) Beatings.
(d) Cross.

6. The orthodox church wanted to have more controversy in order to create ______________ to basic institutional and doctrinal elements.
(a) Fear.
(b) Conformity.
(c) Terror.
(d) Authority.

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

8. Who is sometimes seen as a child, sometimes as a handsome young man, others times as a balding man with a beard?
(a) Jesus.
(b) Mary.
(c) John.
(d) Peter.

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

10. 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) Light.
(c) White.
(d) Right.

11. The Roman Empire realized that Christianity was a sect which followed a man accused of ___________ and of magic.
(a) Treason.
(b) Lunacy.
(c) Blasphemy.
(d) Honor.

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

13. The orthodox victors preserved Christianity because of their emphasis on rigid ___________, rituals, and Church leaders.
(a) Authority.
(b) Bible scripture.
(c) Doctrine.
(d) Understanding.

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

15. Justin also wrote about the bravery and dignity of ____________ when they were put under terrible torture conditions.
(a) Priests.
(b) Children.
(c) Soldiers.
(d) Martyrs.

Short Answer Questions

1. After the death of Jesus, a ______________ soldier was the one who started the riot in the Temple, causing many deaths in the process.

2. The idea that united Gnostics, according to Pagels, seems to be that the path to God lay _____________.

3. In the Gospel of Thomas, _________ speaks of a light within man that can light up the whole world.

4. Polycarb refused the __________________ and was burned alive because of his Christian beliefs.

5. Justin was a philosopher who wrote to the Emperor protesting the treatment of a __________________.

(see the answer keys)

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