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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is another thing the many criteria did for the orthodox church? It consolidated ______________.

2. Peter distinguishes between the fleshly, suffering Christ and the living Christ, casting even more of a shadow on the idea of the ________________.

3. The ____________ between the Gnostic and the orthodox is echoed in the centuries to come, according to historical findings.

4. Tertullian later spoke of joining a spiritual church for spiritual people, not a church for ___________.

5. Tertullian turned away from the ____________ movement, joining a Montanist movement that featured a new prophecy.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are some who believe that man creates the world of God, and that the path of God lies within man's own mind.

Part 1: Do you believe that faith is externally based or internally based? Why?

Part 2: How do you think that religions might change if faith was not seen as something that happened outside of one's self?

Part 3: Do you think that faith is something you have or something that you need to earn? Why?

Essay Topic 2

The belief in the resurrection was one that spread because of its political power, according to Pagels.

Part 1: Why do you think the idea of the resurrection was so effective in politics?

Part 2: Do you think that a person has to choose whether they believe the resurrection happened or not? Why?

Part 3: Does it matter to you what faith your elected officials are? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Christians often believe that one should suffer as Christ did on the cross in order to understand Christ's sacrifice for the world.

Part 1: Do you think that suffering is necessary in life? Why or why not?

Part 2: How do you think the world might be if there was no suffering?

Part 3: How do you think that suffering benefits a person? Or doesn't it? Do you think that seeing the suffering of others is a good motivator? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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