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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. How did Mark portray Jesus?

2. Who is the star from Chapter 13 to the end of the Acts of the Apostles?

3. What does the gospel of Matthew argue Jesus' teachings were based on?

4. In Revelations, who was found worthy enough to open the seven seals?

5. It is as important for the disciples to be apostles as it is for Jesus to be ___________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Matthew's depiction of Jesus.

2. What are the major points of the sermons contained in the Acts, according to Mack?

3. What evidence does Mack put forth that the attempts to move into mainstream Christianity worked?

4. Describe Mack's observations about James as an author in the first three centuries.

5. What did the Jewish scripture available to early Christians consist of?

6. Explain the conversion of Constantine, and why it was pivotal in the creation of the Bible.

7. What two strong desires drove Christianity?

8. What two values are integrated in the Letters of Ignatius, and what is the result?

9. What was Valentinus' story of the tragedy of the birth of the world?

10. What was Marcion of Sinope's logic, in terms of his views of two Gods, and what to do about the Jewish contamination in the gospels?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss, in depth, the three concerns written about in the treatise that is the Epistle to the Hebrews. What three concerns does the author either discuss openly, or imply? Why were these particular concerns? What had happened in society that caused these concerns? How did the letter address these concerns? How are these concerns interrelated, according to Mack? What does Mack claim this shows the author was trying to do? Do you agree? Why or why not?

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

Explain and analyze the two forces that Mack claims drive Christianity. What are those two forces? How do those forces move Christianity along? What tensions are involved in these forces? when did these forces begin to have an effect on Christianity? Where else did Biblical influence become apparent? Why are these factors important when examining the construction of the Christian bible?

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