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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. Pliny would often execute those who admitted to being of the _____________ faith, though he would let those go who did not admit to the faith.

3. The Gnostic focus was on ___________ which was thought to be psychological or emotional in nature.

4. What was not a part of the daily lives of Christians according to Pagels' conclusions?

5. Who is sometimes seen as a child, sometimes as a handsome young man, others times as a balding man with a beard?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In many modern Christian religions, it seems that the feminine aspect is not as widely addressed or celebrated as the male aspect.

Part 1: Why do you think that the male gender is one which is celebrated more than the female?

Part 2: Do you think that having a hierarchy of genders within religions is helpful or hurtful?

Part 3: How do you think that that society's view of religions would change if there was no focus on gender?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

At some point, someone writes that Jesus was actually laughing when he was put to death on the the cross.

Part 1: How do you feel about the image of Jesus laughing as he is put to death?

Part 2: Why do you think the accounts of the crucifixion vary so widely?

Part 3: Do you think the crucifixion actually occurred? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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