View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Pagels wonders if true authority is only found when one takes a journey __________ on his own.

2. The orthodox interpret the crucifixion as a matter demanding extreme ______________, contrary to other accounts.

3. After the death of Jesus, a ______________ soldier was the one who started the riot in the Temple, causing many deaths in the process.

4. How did the soldier start the riot which caused so many deaths in the Temple's courtyard?

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

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 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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 370 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample