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

2. What does Mack claim is the reason for the many portrayals of Jesus?

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

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Explain the findings of Carsten Thiede, Mack's response, and what this argument shows.

4. 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.

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

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

7. Describe the concept of the polis.

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

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

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

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 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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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