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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. When it came to discriminate as to the true Church, ______ pervaded even the sanctum of the orthodox.

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

3. In the Gospel of Truth, there is a passage called the ____________ parable in which it's said that man acts as if he were sunk in sleep.

4. One argument against the orthodox is that Christians refuse to truly seek God who can only be found in the fulfillment of the _________.

5. _______ is the one who says that he sees Jesus glad and laughing when he is above the cross.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At some point, someone writes that Jesus was actually laughing when he was put to death on the the cross.

Part 1: How do you feel about the image of Jesus laughing as he is put to death?

Part 2: Why do you think the accounts of the crucifixion vary so widely?

Part 3: Do you think the crucifixion actually occurred? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The Gnostics seem to lean toward a dualistic form of God, with one being lighter and another being darker.

Part 1: Do you think the dualistic views of God are important? Why or why not?

Part 2: How does having more than one view of God change a belief system?

Part 3: Do you think that it's easier or better to have one God? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Looking at the Bible in a different way is not always something that people are willing to do.

Part 1: Why do you think people are resistant to seeing the Bible in a new way?

Part 2: Do you think that it's a good idea or a bad idea to look at new perspectives in the Bible? Why?

Part 3: How do you think religion might change if the gnostic gospels were considered to be true? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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