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

Short Answer Questions

1. There is even some suggestion in Gnostic texts that man himself creates the world of ___________, something radical even for the Gnostic beliefs.

2. To the Romans, the Christians were seen as _____________ since they were also part of an illegal organization.

3. The Gnostics were not only attacked by __________, but also by those who advanced the name of Christ.

4. The advice of Jesus to Thomas was attractive to the ____________ as it indicated there was only a strict and narrow path to Heaven.

5. 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.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Gnostics seem to have several different versions of the story of what happened to Jesus after he hung on the cross.

Part 1: Why do you think the Gnostics are fine with having multiple and varying stories?

Part 2: Do you think it's a good idea to have as many different sorts of stories as possible or to have one story? Why?

Part 3: How do you think the Gnostic person interprets the idea of the resurrection? Why?

Essay Topic 2

Pagels also points out that at times, beliefs that weren't logical became preeminent.

Part 1: Do you think it's dangerous for illogical beliefs to be powerful? Why or why not?

Part 2: Does it matter whether a belief is logical? Why or why not?

Part 3: How do you think society would change of all accepted beliefs were logical? Why?

Essay Topic 3

The scrolls themselves became scattered around the world once people realized they were of value and began to sell them to the highest bidders.

Part 1: Why do you think that people wanted the money more than the information?

Part 2: If you were living in that time and found these scrolls, what would you have done with them? Why?

Part 3: Do you think it's a good idea to get money for priceless objects? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 341 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample