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

Short Answer Questions

1. _______ is the one who says that he sees Jesus glad and laughing when he is above the cross.

2. The Valentinians also speak of the birth of _________ from her confusion, water from her terror, and air from her grief.

3. In the works of the philosopher, Nietzsche, he speaks of Jesus as being the only true _____________.

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

5. Both the Gnostics and the orthodox, according to Blake, see Jesus as a false __________ in the history of man.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

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 360 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample