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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. What feature of the Christ cult does Mack claim Paul found irresistible?

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

3. What did the Greek model of civilization give rise to?

4. What does Mack note causes some of the differences between the stories of the New Testament?

5. What was Paul's first argument against the idea that Christians should practice Jewish law?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the temple-state.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. 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.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Describe why Mack believes his book can help view Christianity in a new way, and what he fantasizes about in terms of an honest discussion of the Bible, and Christianity as a whole. What does he think we should do, in terms of religion? Why does he think his book can help humanity begin to question Christianity as a source for social order? Do you agree? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the three ways in which Paul fought the super apostles at Corinth. Be sure to include all three of his arguments, including the idea of an old and new covenant, the Adam-Jesus comparison, and the use of allegory to turn the old covenant into the story of Christ. How did Paul use each of these arguments? What were the arguments? Be sure to include details from the book to explain the arguments, and to support them.

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