CLST 2102 Final Review Questions and Answers| New Update with 100% Correct Answers
Know the basics of Stoicism. Stoicism (founder was Zeno) adapted for Romans to emphasize
reason and excellence of character; also recognizes the importance of politics in this world
established by Reason. The greatest good is to live in harmony with the divine Logos. Everything
is set in order and planned by Logos. Divine Fire transformed into substances that gave universe
form and order. Suicide permitted if one is prevented from living according to Reason.
Know the basics of Neoplatonism. Neoplatonism founded by Plotinus and influenced by
mystery cults. It reflects general move towards one superior universal power vs. various local
powers; everything emanates from the One (perfect unity). Human souls include Mind, Soul,
and Matter: goal is inward unity of these aspects and personal unity with the One. Through
intellect and effort a person can enjoy while alive a temporary, ecstatic union with the One, but
it is rare (permanent union after death). No savior, divine grace, or rituals required: individual
spiritually independent and self sufficient
To what does the term taurobolium refer? Refers to the sacrifice of a bull where the blood
showers down on the initiate
Outside of new life and promised blessings, what were common features of mystery cults? A
god who's overcome death , Reenactment or retelling of cult's central myth , Sacred food or
drink in remembrance of an important event in central myth (often proceeded by a fast)
What was the basic central story of the resurrection cults? Central resurrection myth often
involves a strong goddess [force of life and regeneration] and a more vulnerable figure, usually
a lover/husband, who serves as a resurrection figure. Through the cult's central myth
worshippers recall the death of the resurrection figure, mourn him, then share in his
resurrection
Know the basics of the cult of Mithra. Only open to men (popular with soldiers and
merchants); God of light, spirit of divine fire and fire of the sun; No synoptic myth for cult just
scenes: born in winter with shepherds looking on; hunts and kills a divine bull in a cave
(tauroctony); has dinner with the sun on the bull's hide; cult related to Indo Iranian Zoroastrian
dualistic beliefs of a battle between light, truth, stability [Ahura Mazda] and darkness, lies, and
chaos [Ahriman].
,What is the basic idea behind dualism? Dualism is a theology based on the belief in two
gods: a good god of light and immaterial things, and an evil god of darkness and material things.
With which resurrection god was Jesus most closely associated? Dionysus
What is the difference between henotheism and monotheism? Monotheism is one God
while henotheism is one superior god, To henotheist: other gods manifestations of the superior
being, To monotheist: other gods at best dangerous distractions form the true God, at worst
manifestations of a demonic world opposed to the true God.
How did Christians interpret the gods of polytheism? Polytheism: world is god, Christians are
looking for a different world
Why did Christianity attract legal action by the state? They refused to worship state gods
and, therefore, were considered atheists
What were the rumors about Christian services? They had "love feasts" which included
cannibalism and incest
What were the Christians rumored to worship? Said to worship a condemned criminal and
the head of an ass
What did Pliny find out about their ceremonies? -Meet on a fixed day before dawn and sing
a hymn to Christ as to a god
-bind to not commit fraud, theft, or adultery..not to lie..nor refuse trust if someone gives to u.
-then they eat..
What was Trajan's policy towards the Christians? Don't seek them out; if denounced and
proven guilty, then they will be punished
, According to Pliny, how could a person prove they were not a Christian? Those who denied
that they were or had been Christians, when they invoked the gods in words dictated by me,
offered prayer with incense and wine to your image, which I had ordered to be brought for this
purpose together with statues of the gods, and moreover cursed Christ, none of which those
who are really Christians, it is said, can be forced to do... denounce Christ
Who conducted the first empire wide persecution of Christians? Decius...-Nero (64) -
Galerius (311) primarily local
Who granted official toleration of Christianity? Galerius
Under whom did Christianity become an official state religion? Constantine
Who banned pagan worship? Theodosius I
How does one find guidance for living life well, and assure oneself of an afterlife that is at least
not bad and hopefully blessed? Philosophy (usually for wealthy, educated people), Mystery
cults
In which month did the Roman year originally start? March because it was the start of the
growing season
Who switched Rome over to a solar calendar? Julius Ceaser
Know the Roman system of giving dates and years. Domus System: you count back from
certain days
How was the day measured? Day and night were 12 hours each, but the hours were not
fixed because the length of day and night changed
Know the basics of Stoicism. Stoicism (founder was Zeno) adapted for Romans to emphasize
reason and excellence of character; also recognizes the importance of politics in this world
established by Reason. The greatest good is to live in harmony with the divine Logos. Everything
is set in order and planned by Logos. Divine Fire transformed into substances that gave universe
form and order. Suicide permitted if one is prevented from living according to Reason.
Know the basics of Neoplatonism. Neoplatonism founded by Plotinus and influenced by
mystery cults. It reflects general move towards one superior universal power vs. various local
powers; everything emanates from the One (perfect unity). Human souls include Mind, Soul,
and Matter: goal is inward unity of these aspects and personal unity with the One. Through
intellect and effort a person can enjoy while alive a temporary, ecstatic union with the One, but
it is rare (permanent union after death). No savior, divine grace, or rituals required: individual
spiritually independent and self sufficient
To what does the term taurobolium refer? Refers to the sacrifice of a bull where the blood
showers down on the initiate
Outside of new life and promised blessings, what were common features of mystery cults? A
god who's overcome death , Reenactment or retelling of cult's central myth , Sacred food or
drink in remembrance of an important event in central myth (often proceeded by a fast)
What was the basic central story of the resurrection cults? Central resurrection myth often
involves a strong goddess [force of life and regeneration] and a more vulnerable figure, usually
a lover/husband, who serves as a resurrection figure. Through the cult's central myth
worshippers recall the death of the resurrection figure, mourn him, then share in his
resurrection
Know the basics of the cult of Mithra. Only open to men (popular with soldiers and
merchants); God of light, spirit of divine fire and fire of the sun; No synoptic myth for cult just
scenes: born in winter with shepherds looking on; hunts and kills a divine bull in a cave
(tauroctony); has dinner with the sun on the bull's hide; cult related to Indo Iranian Zoroastrian
dualistic beliefs of a battle between light, truth, stability [Ahura Mazda] and darkness, lies, and
chaos [Ahriman].
,What is the basic idea behind dualism? Dualism is a theology based on the belief in two
gods: a good god of light and immaterial things, and an evil god of darkness and material things.
With which resurrection god was Jesus most closely associated? Dionysus
What is the difference between henotheism and monotheism? Monotheism is one God
while henotheism is one superior god, To henotheist: other gods manifestations of the superior
being, To monotheist: other gods at best dangerous distractions form the true God, at worst
manifestations of a demonic world opposed to the true God.
How did Christians interpret the gods of polytheism? Polytheism: world is god, Christians are
looking for a different world
Why did Christianity attract legal action by the state? They refused to worship state gods
and, therefore, were considered atheists
What were the rumors about Christian services? They had "love feasts" which included
cannibalism and incest
What were the Christians rumored to worship? Said to worship a condemned criminal and
the head of an ass
What did Pliny find out about their ceremonies? -Meet on a fixed day before dawn and sing
a hymn to Christ as to a god
-bind to not commit fraud, theft, or adultery..not to lie..nor refuse trust if someone gives to u.
-then they eat..
What was Trajan's policy towards the Christians? Don't seek them out; if denounced and
proven guilty, then they will be punished
, According to Pliny, how could a person prove they were not a Christian? Those who denied
that they were or had been Christians, when they invoked the gods in words dictated by me,
offered prayer with incense and wine to your image, which I had ordered to be brought for this
purpose together with statues of the gods, and moreover cursed Christ, none of which those
who are really Christians, it is said, can be forced to do... denounce Christ
Who conducted the first empire wide persecution of Christians? Decius...-Nero (64) -
Galerius (311) primarily local
Who granted official toleration of Christianity? Galerius
Under whom did Christianity become an official state religion? Constantine
Who banned pagan worship? Theodosius I
How does one find guidance for living life well, and assure oneself of an afterlife that is at least
not bad and hopefully blessed? Philosophy (usually for wealthy, educated people), Mystery
cults
In which month did the Roman year originally start? March because it was the start of the
growing season
Who switched Rome over to a solar calendar? Julius Ceaser
Know the Roman system of giving dates and years. Domus System: you count back from
certain days
How was the day measured? Day and night were 12 hours each, but the hours were not
fixed because the length of day and night changed
