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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Mack claim is the reason for the many portrayals of Jesus?
(a) There is no difference in the portrayals of Jesus.
(b) Different people changed the true description for political gain.
(c) Different groups saw him differently, based on his age.
(d) Different groups developed his image to support their movement.

2. What notion does Mack believe generated enough excitement to influence the formation of different Jesus groups?
(a) The kingdom of God.
(b) The power of Jesus.
(c) The concept of Jesus as son of God.
(d) The power of the state.

3. When does Mack claim the books of the New Testament were written?
(a) During the ninth century.
(b) During the life of Jesus.
(c) From the 50s in the first century to the middle of the second century.
(d) From the end of the second century to the end of the fourth century.

4. How many layers of the Gospel Q exist?
(a) Three.
(b) Two.
(c) Twenty.
(d) Five.

5. What is featured in the Gospel of Thomas that is missing in the Book of Q?
(a) References to the resurrection.
(b) References to creation.
(c) References to the disciples.
(d) References to God.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the layers of Q is least embellished?

2. What is a Christ hymn?

3. What does Paul assure the Thessalonians in terms of "those who had died"?

4. What two notions was Paul caught between in the question of what to do with those already dead?

5. What does Mack suggest as a reason that Mark was overly critical of the disciples of Jerusalem?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain what was meant by Jesus in referring to his body as the bread, and his blood as the wine.

2. How did Paul link Christianity to the Greek concept of self control?

3. Explain Paul's concept of the spiritual body.

4. What are the three features of the text that indicate the Christ myth is based on the martyr myths?

5. What is the catch-22 Mack finds when discussing the New Testament and the origins of the Christian Church?

6. Explain the three myths merged in Philippians 2:6-11.

7. Explain why social tension began to mount within the new mixed society of Greco-Roman times, and how these groups tried to keep their culture.

8. Describe the temple-state.

9. What is the second Jesus movement discussed in the book, and what is/are the primary components of the movement's teachings?

10. Describe the concept of the polis.

(see the answer keys)

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