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

Short Answer Questions

1. The orthodox Christian looks at _____________ as a consequence of disbelief and of sin.

2. When it came to discriminate as to the true Church, ______ pervaded even the sanctum of the orthodox.

3. Who took a mediating position with the Christian Church, though they had internal problems as to how to view the orthodox?

4. Pagels points out that it was not the orthodox church's agenda to eliminate all ____________ from the church.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Gnostic gospels seem to state that it's not that becoming a martyr will lead to Heaven each time, but that the awareness of the teachings of Christ is the reward.

Part 1: Do you think that Heaven should be seen as the ultimate reward in the Christian life? Why or why not?

Part 2: Do you believe that the awareness of Christ is something that is more important than what happens when you die? Why or why not?

Part 3: How do you think Christianity might change if there was no idea of Heaven or Hell?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

There is also some debate that the Gnostic gospels were not necessarily written by the actual apostles to whom they are ascribed, but rather that they are written in the spirit of these apostles.

Part 1: Why do you think that some felt it necessary to point out the possible difference in the authors?

Part 2: Do you think it matters who wrote the gospels which were found? Why or why not?

Part 3: How do you think the Gnostic viewpoint might change if it were proven that none of the gospels were written by the actual apostles? Why?

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