Final Study Questions

Rel 142 Spring 1996

What is Paul's concept of 'righteousness', and how does it differ from that current in mainstream Judaism of his day (or today for that matter)? What does he mean by 'faith'? How does this differ from what other early Christians meant by that word? What is the role of 'good works' in Paul's understanding of the Christian's relationship with God?

In the movie "Jesus of Montreal", who plays the part of the Devil? What role does this character have in the formation of the 'church'? What does this tell us about the author's view of the relationship of the Early Church to the ministry and message of Jesus? Do you agree? Why?

Briefly describe the events and conflicts that led to the Maccabean revolt. Was the revolt successful in resolving those conflicts? What new conflicts did it introduce?

Compare and contrast the four versions of the Parable of the Tenants in Matthew 21:33-46, Mark 12:1-12, Luke 20:9-19 and Thomas 65-66. How might the differences be explained? If they are all the same story, which one is most likely to be original (and why)?

Looking ahead to the advent of Christianity, how did the Hellenistic "mystery religions" prepare the way for the Christian message? How might they have hindered it?

Briefly outline the Gnostic myth of creation. Include the creation of man, the nature of "sin" and the concept of the redeemer.

What is asceticism? How did the early Jewish/Christian view of the body and its relation to the world and the spirit contribute to the growth of asceticism in second century (and later) Christianities? How is it related to martyrdom? To what extent were the earliest Christians ascetic? How is celibacy related to asceticism? How is it not?

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Last Modified March 8, 1996
by Alan Humm
humma@albsun2.alb.edu