REL 3103 (Early Christian Heresies)
Reading Assignment #4 (25 points / Due at the time of the final exam, May 6, 2008)
 

Answer the following questions: (Additional questions will be added until the last class session on May 1)

1. What is the origin of the term "Gnostic" in relation to early Christianity?
2. Briefly define Gnosticism.
3. Briefly summarize how early Christian Gnostics generally viewed God.
4. Briefly summarize how early Christian Gnostics generally viewed humanity.
5. Briefly summarize how early Christian Gnostics generally viewed the creation.
6. In general, how did Gnostic's view the question of Christology? (Focus on the nature of the person of Christ, or how the human and divine are related in the person of Christ.)
7. In general, what beliefs distinguished early Christian Gnostics from proto-orthodox Christians?
8. Our knowledge of Christian Gnosticism comes primarily from what two types of sources?
9. Briefly summarize the teachings of the following early Christian writers and apologists:

10. What do we know about Simon Magus in the New Testament?
11. What do we know about Simon Magus outside the New Testament?
12. Why have some scholars identified Simon Magus as the first Christian Gnostic?
13. Can it be proven that Simon Magus was the first Christian Gnostic?
14. Who was Valentinus?
15. What were the teachings of Valentinus?
16. Who was Marcion?
17. What were the teachings of Marcion?

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Last updated: April 28, 2008