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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The Christian, as a result of learning about Gnosticism might ask what the true source of _____________ is in the Church.
(a) Truth.
(b) Faith.
(c) Authority.
(d) Enlightenment.

2. A Gnostic author speaks of a baptism of _________ rather than a baptism of water.
(a) Family.
(b) Truth.
(c) Honor.
(d) Faith.

3. The laughing Jesus implies a separation between the physical and the spiritual Jesus and casts doubt on the traditional concept of the ________.
(a) Prayer.
(b) Darkness.
(c) Connection between Jesus and man.
(d) Atonement.

4. The Gnostic author had nothing but contempt for a congregation of seekers that sought to avoid the firm citadel of Christan ___________.
(a) Confession.
(b) Blasphemy.
(c) Communion.
(d) Crucifixion.

5. The Gnostic focus was on ___________ which was thought to be psychological or emotional in nature.
(a) Suffering.
(b) Strength.
(c) Faith.
(d) Learning.

6. The Valentinians also speak of the birth of _________ from her confusion, water from her terror, and air from her grief.
(a) Earth.
(b) Mountain.
(c) Ocean.
(d) Honor.

7. The orthodox interpret the crucifixion as a matter demanding extreme ______________, contrary to other accounts.
(a) Happiness.
(b) Humiliation.
(c) Suffering.
(d) Serenity.

8. The Testimony of Truth does not confine its attacks to the orthodoxy, but also directs its attentions to the deficiencies of supposedly immature ________.
(a) Christians.
(b) Gnostics.
(c) Pagans.
(d) Rebels.

9. The Roman Empire believed that the Christian followers saw their many pagan gods as _______________.
(a) Truth.
(b) Lesser beings.
(c) Helpers.
(d) Demonic.

10. The structure of the Church remained in tact for many hundreds of years, surviving even the harsh winds of the _______________.
(a) Holocaust.
(b) Reformation.
(c) Marches.
(d) Crusades.

11. Who took a mediating position with the Christian Church, though they had internal problems as to how to view the orthodox?
(a) Marcions.
(b) Monads.
(c) Church of Peter.
(d) Valentinians.

12. The Valentinians who led normal lives still regarded ____________ as their primary goal, even as they gave up some worldly pleasures.
(a) Community.
(b) Writing.
(c) Pain.
(d) Gnosis.

13. Citizens were _____________ immediately, but those who were non-citizens were tortured in public stadiums.
(a) Poisoned.
(b) Beheaded.
(c) Shot.
(d) Tortured.

14. It is said that at least the Christians had been called by God, unlike the pagans who could be excused for their ____________.
(a) Tolerance.
(b) Idolatry.
(c) Ignorance.
(d) Greed.

15. The meaning of the actual _____________ has created great controversy among scholars and in the world.
(a) Crucifixion.
(b) Resurrection.
(c) Beatings.
(d) Cross.

Short Answer Questions

1. There is even some suggestion in Gnostic texts that man himself creates the world of ___________, something radical even for the Gnostic beliefs.

2. The ____________ between the Gnostic and the orthodox is echoed in the centuries to come, according to historical findings.

3. Pagels wonders if it was the __________ function of the Church which allowed it to be kept alive for so many years.

4. The writings of Peter state that the Gnostics believed the orthodox church was an/a ____________ church which claims exclusive legitimacy.

5. Pagels is quick to point out that this book is not an argument for _______________, but a call to learning more.

(see the answer keys)

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