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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What kind of teacher was Raghib, the man who told Muhammed that the scrolls might be worth some money?

2. A __________ tourist in 1769 bought a Coptic codex near Thebes, which helped to explain more about the time period of the gospels.

3. However, in two other gospels, it is _____________ who sees Jesus after he has risen from the dead.

4. To Iranaeus, the monotheism of the Valentianians was a kind of ________, a hoax that would allow them to participate in the orthodox church.

5. John, emotionally distraught over the crucifixion, announces the Trinity as the Father, Mother and __________.

Short Essay Questions

1. In the trinity of Christianity, only one of the three principals is genderless, which one?

2. What did Tertullian find so horrible about those who claimed the secret gnosis?

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

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

5. To whom did one's real allegiance belong, according to the ideas of Valentine?

6. What did a letter attributed to the Bishop of Rome around 90 to 100 AD create in official language for the first time?

7. What do most people agree about in terms of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ?

8. What kind of suffering was focused on in the Gnostic path and the belief system?

9. What does the idea of the laughing of Jesus during his torture and flogging seem to imply to those who read it?

10. Even during the time of the Reformation, what did the Protestant sects adhere to in terms of a doctrine?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It is said that the resurrection was a turning point in the history of the world, at least in the Christian world.

Part 1: Why do you think the resurrection was such a turning point in the history of the Christian world?

Part 2: Do you think that Christianity would have the power it does if the resurrection had not happened? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you think the resurrection story is a metaphor or do you believe that Jesus actually rose from the dead? Why?

Essay Topic 2

In the beginning, those that found the jar with the gospels in it did not want to break the jar, lest they cause harm or they have bad luck befall them.

Part 1: Why do you think that superstition still thrives?

Part 2: Do you think you would have broken the jar more quickly than those of the story did? Why or why not?

Part 3: Do you think that breaking open the jar was a good idea? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

At one point in time, the Romans considered the Christians to be heretics as they were not pagan in nature as the rulers were.

Part 1: Why do you think the the Romans felt they needed to punish the Christians?

Part 2: Why do you think that some Christians feel it's okay to punish those who consider themselves to be pagan?

Part 3: How do you think that religions should treat each other?

(see the answer keys)

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