Question 1

Monotheism is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

Monotheism is the belief that there is only one supreme God. It is the opposite of polytheism, which is the belief in multiple gods. Monotheistic religions include Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Question 2

Which Hebrew idea(s) is/are relevant to early Christian thought?

Accepted Answer

Both the belief in a single supreme creator God and the concept of election were central to Hebrew thought and were influential in shaping early Christian beliefs.

Question 3

The Pharisees believed the Jews would preserve their identity by:

Accepted Answer

The Pharisees believed in strict adherence to the law as a means of preserving Jewish identity.

Question 4

What triggered the Maccabean revolt in Jerusalem?

Accepted Answer

The dedication of an altar to Zeus in the Jewish temple triggered the Maccabean revolt in Jerusalem. The Hellenistic Syrian ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes ordered the altar to be set up in the temple in 167 BCE, which outraged the Jewish community and led to a rebellion led by the Maccabees.

Question 5

Which of the following influential ideas is attributed to the Romans?

Accepted Answer

The idea that all rational beings could discern and live by the dictates of a natural law, also known as natural law theory, is attributed to the Romans. This idea was developed by ancient Roman jurists and philosophers such as Cicero and later influenced the development of Western legal and political thought. Option A is attributed to ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato and Socrates. Option B is attributed to the Enlightenment period and scientific revolution. Option C is attributed to ancient Greek philosopher Plato.

Question 6

Judea became a province of Rome through:

Accepted Answer

Judea became a province of Rome through Pompey's military invasion in 63 BCE.

Question 7

The concept of Natural Law as understood by the Romans is best defined as:

Accepted Answer

The concept of Natural Law as understood by the Romans is a moral code by which all rational beings are held accountable. It is based on the idea that there is a universal and objective standard of morality, which is discoverable through reason and is applicable to all people at all times. This idea is rooted in the Stoic philosophy and was heavily influenced by the ideas of Aristotle.

Question 8

The Roman Empire made way for the spread of early Christianity by:

Accepted Answer

The Roman Empire's extensive network of roads and its efficient system of governance allowed for the rapid spread of ideas and information, including the teachings of Christianity. This infrastructure facilitated the movement of people and the exchange of ideas across vast distances, contributing significantly to the spread of early Christianity throughout the empire. Choices A and B are not accurate representations of the Roman Empire's contributions to the spread of Christianity.

Question 9

The central concern of religion in the Roman empire was:

Accepted Answer

The central concern of religion in the Roman empire was to uphold the integrity of the empire and its governing structures. Religion was intertwined with the state, and the worship of the Roman gods, along with the emperor, was seen as essential for the well-being and stability of the state.

Question 10

What is the most likely reason that the Romans and other pagans accused the Jews of being godless?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the most likely reason that...

Quiz 1: The Pre-History of Christian Thought