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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 were issues such as homosexuality a source of cultural conflict?

2. Where did the Jesus movement begin their change to the Christ cult?

3. What are the two activities Mack gives credit to in terms of the creation of Christian beliefs?

4. What problem did Paul define as the human problem?

5. What is the myth of Jesus' death and resurrection rooted in, according to Mack?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Explain why Paul is so important to views of Christianity, according to Mack.

4. What were the three ideas that groups gathered around that resulted in the Jesus movements?

5. Describe the concept of the polis.

6. Explain how Mack views the authors of the literature in the New Testament.

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

8. What were Paul's arguments against the concept that Christians had to follow Jewish law, if they were claiming to be Jewish?

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

10. What does Mack say about the Bible in early American history?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

List and discuss the four "proofs" from scripture that support the idea that the history of Israel can be read as the story of the Christian God. What are the four points? What do they mean? How do they tie together to create the idea of a scripture that supports the Christian God, rather than a Jewish God? Be sure to mention concepts such as the spirit of prophesy, the logos, and the idea that the history of Israel did not end with the Jews.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Mack's three arguments about why the Bible has survived unquestioned throughout history. Why does he say this has happened? Be sure to discuss Mack's views of the Bible as an oracle, the Bible as the ritual text of Christianity, and the Bible's function as an epic for the American dream. What are each of these, and why do they help to position the Bible in a high, unquestionable place of power?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Mack's interpretation of Paul's argument to the Thessalonians in terms of the question of those who had already perished. What was the original intent of the question, according to Mack? How did Paul respond? What were his arguments? How did he alter the message of the Christ myth to fit his argument? Why was the question of a concern for the dead a common issue in the Easter Mediterranean? Why does Mack argue that Paul's response to the question indicates the question was really about belonging? How did Paul's answers lead to an idea of eternal life?

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