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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Once committed to the Mother and Father of the world, the candidate undertook the secret sacrament of apolytrosis, or _________.
(a) Blessing.
(b) Truth.
(c) Release.
(d) Dreaming.

2. Two separate versions of Paul's experience in Damascus have spectators hearing the voice, but only one account includes the _________.
(a) Storm.
(b) Burning bush.
(c) Light.
(d) Cross.

3. Who is one of the followers who did not recognize Jesus when he reappeared after the resurrection?
(a) Mary Magdalene.
(b) Jeramiah.
(c) Simon.
(d) Judas.

4. Where did one of the most important archaeological events take place in 1945 according to the book?
(a) Middle East.
(b) Sudan.
(c) Lower Egypt.
(d) Upper Egypt.

5. The Gnostics considered themselves to be ____________, not believers and were despised by orthodox theologians.
(a) Mystics.
(b) Experiencers.
(c) Diviners.
(d) Seekers.

Short Answer Questions

1. What happened to some of the papyri when it was taken home by Muhammed, though he did not understand their value?

2. Another Gnostic text, the Gospel of ____________, highlighted a relationship between Mary Magdalene and Jesus.

3. After the death of Judas, the only real candidate for succession was ____________ who had also walked with Christ.

4. The Hebrew term for Spirit is _______________, as the author prefers this term from the Secret Book.

5. The Romans believed in divine authority for __________, which eventually led to Inanaeus' death sentence for treason.

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Pagels point out as being the key building block of Christianity?

2. Why does Pagels suggest that perhaps there was a social aspect to the way the Church wanted to function?

3. What is the Christian creed some believe was created in order to exclude Marcion?

4. What does Valentinus present as a further breakdown of the parts of the Dyad?

5. What were Muhammed 'Ali al Summan and his brothers digging for when they made the important discovery?

6. What does Pagels give as an explanation as to why the story of the story of the resurrection seems to be so important to the faithful?

7. What made the idea of there only being a strict and narrow path to God so attractive to the orthodox?

8. What are the three Gnostic interpretations of the divine that Pagels speaks of in this section of the book?

9. What did Mohammed 'Ali do when he realized there wasn't any treasure in the jar that he had found?

10. Why were many of the papyri scrolls suddenly found on the black market after their initial discovery?

(see the answer keys)

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