Question 1

Vladimir's decision to become Christian was originally tied to political and economic factors.

Accepted Answer

Vladimir saw Christianity as a way to unify and strengthen his kingdom, as well as to establish diplomatic connections with other Christian nations. He also recognized the economic benefits of establishing trade relationships with Christian merchants. However, over time, his personal faith and commitment to Christianity deepened.

Question 2

The patriarchate of the Rus, was centered in Kiev until the late nineteenth century.

Accepted Answer

The patriarchate of the Rus, centered in Kiev, did not last until the late nineteenth century; instead, the religious center moved to Moscow after the fall of Constantinople in 1453, and the Russian Orthodox Church was officially recognized as autocephalous (independent) in 1589.

Question 3

The Russian Orthodox Church considered itself the Third Rome.

Accepted Answer

The Russian Orthodox Church considered itself the Third Rome after the fall of Constantinople in 1453, which was considered the second Rome after the fall of the original Rome in 476 AD.

Question 4

The most shocking Muslim conquest to the Christian imagination was the loss of Jerusalem.

Accepted Answer

This is true. Jerusalem was considered a sacred city by Christians and the loss of it to the Muslim conquest was viewed as a great tragedy.

Question 5

Aristotle's works were derided by Islamic scholars, which is why they came into Christian hands.

Accepted Answer

Islamic scholars highly valued Aristotle's works, translating and commenting on them, which later helped transmit Aristotle's ideas to the Christian world during the Middle Ages.

Question 6

What is your reaction to the story of Thomas's journey to convert India? Which parts do you think are historically factual and which parts mythic? Do these matter and why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is your reaction to the story...

Question 7

The monophysite controversy played an important part in the expansion of the church in the East. How important do you think this issue is theologically and philosophically? Do you think that this issue should still divide Christians? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The monophysite controversy played an important part...

Question 8

This chapter discussed the practice of mass conversions. Do you think these were, at the time, legitimate or illegitimate? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of This chapter discussed the practice of mass...

Question 9

The author notes that Islam saw itself as superseding Christianity just as Christianity saw itself as superseding Judaism. How do you imagine Jews, Christians, and Muslims cooperating with each other today, while most still hold such a view? Does supersessionism necessarily create conflict? Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The author notes that Islam saw itself...

Question 10

Read the box with some of the text of the Nestorian Stele. Christianity is depicted in a way that looks foreign to its usual expression. Do you think it represented the authentic Christian tradition or deviated from it? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Read the box with some of the...

Quiz 10: Expansion and Change in the East and North