Important note: The following test is intended to demonstrate the structure and format of a standard RelS 201 mid-term test. The course is not always taught in the same way, and therefore not all the questions contained here will necessarily be applicable to the current version of the course.

The University of Calgary
Department of Religious Studies
Religious Studies 201--XX

Mid-Term Test: Christianity

Prof. E. Segal

Section One: Answer 1 of the following questions in the examination booklet (Your essay should be approximately 1 ¹/₂ single-spaced pages long):

Section One
subtotal
(out of 35)

Discuss the Christian understandings of the role of the "Messiah" examining the centrality of this concept to the development of the religion.
Discuss the main activities and ideas of Paul, explaining his importance to the growth and definition of the Christian religion.

Section Two: Answer 4 of the following questions in the space provided or on the reverse side of this sheet:

Outline one distinctive characteristic of "the Gospel according to Matthew."

Section Two
subtotal
(out of 25)
What is Gnosticism? Give one example of its effect on the early Church?
Briefly describe the idea of the "Logos" and its connection to Christianity.
Who was John the Baptist and what is his place in Christian tradition?
According to M. Fisher, in what way did Jesus profess a "radical ethic" in comparison with the conventional Jewish views.

Section Three: Answer 4 of the following questions on this sheet: Indicate your choice by circling the correct letter (Each question is worth 4 points).

Section Three
subtotal
(out of 16)

The "Transfiguration" refers to:
- a) Paul's vision of Jesus on the road to Damascus.
- b) when Jesus' face and garments were transformed to light to confirm his messianic role.
- c) Mary's becoming pregnant by the Holy Spirit.
- d) a ceremony wherein young adolescents make a personal commitment to the Christian life.
In the Orthodox Church, any change that will affect all churches is decided by:
- a) the Byzantine Emperor.
- b) the Patriarch.
- c) a synod (council of officials).
- d) the Priesthood of all Believers.
Which of the following statements about Icons is not true?
- a) They are venerated by both the Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.
- b) The standard subjects are Jesus, Mary and the Christian saints.
- c) The artists prepare for their work through prayer and ascetical [=self-denial] training.
- d) It is believed that they have powers to heal illnesses.
The importance of Constantine to Christianity lies in the fact that:
- a) he formulated the Christian doctrines of grace and predestination.
- b) he was one of the chief founders of the monastic tradition.
- c) he made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire.
- d) All of the above.
The "Holy Eucharist":
- a) is the central sacrament in most forms of Christianity.
- b) is also referred to as "Holy Communion."
- c) involves the partaking of bread and wine as the body and blood of Christ.
- d) All of the above.

Section Four: Define four of the following terms in the space provided or on the reverse of this sheet: (Each answer is worth 6 points).

Section Four
subtotal
(out of 24)

Beatitudes.
Epiphany.
Penance.
Dogma.
Total
(out of 100)
Easter Sunday.

The University of Calgary Department of Religious Studies Religious Studies 201--XX