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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. The Romans believed in divine authority for __________, which eventually led to Inanaeus' death sentence for treason.

2. One God, One _________ became the doctrine of the church, according to the text in this chapter.

3. The Gospel of the Egyptians from the Gnostic texts highlights the Great, Invisible ___________ in its lines.

4. The Gnostics, some said, interpreted the resurrection to be something like an apparition that appears in a ________ state.

5. Some say that the Christian creed was written to specifically exclude ___________ and his followers who were not following the creed.

Short Essay Questions

1. In the Testimony of Truth, what does the Gnostic author offer as components of a holy life?

2. What was the debate the gnostic teachers had about the idea of the Dyad in the relationship of God?

3. What did Iranaeus think about the idea of monotheism of the Valentinians and its place in the faith?

4. What did a letter attributed to the Bishop of Rome around 90 to 100 AD create in official language for the first time?

5. What does Valentinus present as a further breakdown of the parts of the Dyad?

6. What is a possible explanation for the burial of the sacred texts in the jar that Mohammed 'Ali found?

7. What are some of the images of Christ that John and James witness in the Acts of John, discovered before Nag Hammadi?

8. What did Tertullian find so horrible about those who claimed the secret gnosis?

9. What do most people agree about in terms of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ?

10. What are some of the roles that a masculine God might have in the prayers of Christians, Jews, and Muslims?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The belief in the resurrection was one that spread because of its political power, according to Pagels.

Part 1: Why do you think the idea of the resurrection was so effective in politics?

Part 2: Do you think that a person has to choose whether they believe the resurrection happened or not? Why?

Part 3: Does it matter to you what faith your elected officials are? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The idea of having one person as God seems to also relate to that day's thoughts about government and those in power.

Part 1: Do you think that the government had a vested interested in whether there was one God or more? Why or why not?

Part 2: How does having one God figure help those who are in the government?

Part 3: Why do you think that monotheism seems to be a prevalent spiritual concept in today's society?

Essay Topic 3

At one point in time, the Romans considered the Christians to be heretics as they were not pagan in nature as the rulers were.

Part 1: Why do you think the the Romans felt they needed to punish the Christians?

Part 2: Why do you think that some Christians feel it's okay to punish those who consider themselves to be pagan?

Part 3: How do you think that religions should treat each other?

(see the answer keys)

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