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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why did Paul tone down his views of the freedom of Christians?

2. What does Paul ask Philemon to do with Onesimus?

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

4. What does Mack suggest the taking up of residence in Jerusalem signifies for the group?

5. What two realms did the Corinthians combine?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Paul mean by "freedom from the law", according to Mack?

2. 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.

3. Why does Mack believe early Christians were excited about the concept of the kingdom of God?

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

5. Explain why Mack believes Galilee was the perfect place for social experimentation.

6. What are the four features of the Christ myth Mack claims are a result of the involvement of God?

7. What myths did the concept of the death and resurrection of Christ draw upon?

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

9. What three factors surfaced as questions to answer that would help the different culture's relate to one another, and why were they important?

10. Describe the temple-state.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast two of the following Gospels. Be sure to include the time of the writing, the location, the portrayal of Jesus, the use of other documents to form a basis, and the individual additions of each author to the main story line. How are the two similar, and how are they different?

• The Gospel of Mark

• The Gospel of Matthew

• The Gospel of Luke

Essay Topic 2

Explain, in detail, the cosmic views that Mack claims are presented in the following texts. Be sure to include why Mack claims these texts reveal an image of Jesus as a cosmic lord, and the tools used to present Jesus in such a way.

• Gospel of John

• Letters to the Colossians and Ephesians

• Epistle to the Hebrews

• Revelation to John

Essay Topic 3

List and discuss the three layers of the Gospel of Q. be sure to describe each in detail, and explain both what they describe, as well as their historical impact. Why was each written? What does each discuss? What are the seven blocks of Q1? Why are they called the Gospel of Q? How do the Q Gospels compare to the statements of the Cynics? What was added with Q3?

(see the answer keys)

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