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Final Review CLST 2102 Questions and Answers
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Know the basics of Stoicism. Ans: 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
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substances that gave universe form and order. Suicide permitted if one is
prevented from living according to Reason.
Know the basics of Neoplatonism. Ans: Neoplatonism founded by
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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? Ans: 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? Ans: 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)
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What was the basic central story of the resurrection cults? Ans: 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. Ans: 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
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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].
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What is the basic idea behind dualism? Ans: 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? Ans:
Dionysus
What is the difference between henotheism and monotheism? Ans:
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? Ans: Polytheism:
world is god, Christians are looking for a different world
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Why did Christianity attract legal action by the state? Ans: They refused
to worship state gods and, therefore, were considered atheists
What were the rumors about Christian services? Ans: They had "love
feasts" which included cannibalism and incest
What were the Christians rumored to worship? Ans: Said to worship a
condemned criminal and the head of an ass
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What did Pliny find out about their ceremonies? Ans: -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
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someone gives to u.
-then they eat..
What was Trajan's policy towards the Christians? Ans: 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?
Ans: 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? Ans:
Decius...-Nero (64) - Galerius (311) primarily local