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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What date do the Gospels claim the crucifixion took place on?
(a) Ash Wednesday.
(b) Sunday 17, Nisan.
(c) April 16.
(d) Friday 15, Nisan.

2. The author says that that Jesus cannot be considered a historical figure because of the non-existence of what?
(a) Descendents.
(b) Books written about him.
(c) Surviving documents.
(d) Oral traditions.

3. What did Jesus claim to have had following his baptism?
(a) A spiritual awakening.
(b) An out-of-body experience.
(c) A conversation with God.
(d) Divine powers.

4. What significant event, which became a Christian ordinance, took place prior to Jesus' execution?
(a) The conflict at the Temple.
(b) The first worship service.
(c) The Last Supper.
(d) The resurrection.

5. How were the stories in the Gospels originally shared?
(a) Through the writing of the Gospels.
(b) In complete written narratives.
(c) Through the oral tradition.
(d) In newspapers.

6. The author describes the account of Jesus' life in this book as what?
(a) A mix of fact and fiction.
(b) Speculative.
(c) Purely fictional.
(d) Purely historical.

7. What do Thomas Jefferson and Winston Churchill have that Jesus does not?
(a) Historical proof of what they said and did.
(b) The ability to teach people.
(c) No proof of their actions.
(d) A larger following.

8. Which Gospel conflicts with the others in its account of the crucifixion?
(a) Matthew.
(b) Mark.
(c) John.
(d) Luke.

9. How many others were executed with Jesus?
(a) 1.
(b) 19.
(c) 5.
(d) 2.

10. Who revised the book "Antiquities of the Jews" and may have changed the text of the book?
(a) Jesus.
(b) Matthew.
(c) It has not been revised.
(d) Christian scribes.

11. When were the Gospels named?
(a) 36 C.E.
(b) 1827.
(c) 115 C.E.
(d) 180 C.E.

12. When is Jesus' birthday traditionally celebrated?
(a) December 21.
(b) December 24.
(c) December 22.
(d) December 25.

13. How much is Pontius Pilate mentioned in the histories written by Roman authors?
(a) He is not mentioned.
(b) Mentioned only incidentally.
(c) A complete history of his life is documented.
(d) Mentioned a great deal.

14. Where in Jerusalem did Jesus start a disturbance?
(a) Mount Horeb.
(b) In a marketplace.
(c) Along the River Jordan.
(d) The Temple.

15. According to Sanders, through what context do many people see Jesus?
(a) As a government leader.
(b) As a mythical being.
(c) Fictional.
(d) Theology and salvation.

Short Answer Questions

1. About how old was Jesus when he was baptized?

2. About which people did Josephus write?

3. What is the main problem historians have with the calendars used by the ancients?

4. What leadership role was responsible for the day-to-day government of Rome?

5. What must a historian weigh?

(see the answer keys)

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