List of short essays (knowledge and understanding
question) for Final Exam, Spring 2002
I will list one of the following questions on the test:
- What is the Synoptic Problem, and how is it resolved by scholars?
Be thorough, citing specific examples from Synoptic Gospels.
If you wish, you may also address briefly elements of this problem
not sufficiently explained by the view of the majority of scholars
hint: in your answer include a discussion of Mark, Luke, Matthew,
Q, special material belonging to Matthew, and special material
belonging to Luke).
- Discuss the issue of "authenticity" as it relates
to the Pauline Epistles. Explain fully the criteria used to determine
authenticity, the problems with these criteria, and the reasons
why authenticity is a matter of importance. Using these criteria,
which Epistles do scholars recognize as "indisputably Pauline"?
What epistles are either still up for grabs or generally acknowledged
to be written by someone other than Paul? In what ways might
these last two groups of epistles be considered Pauline, even
if not written by Paul?
- How does the author of Luke-Acts present Jesus in order to
offer an idealized portrait of early Christianity? Why might
the author of Luke-Acts do this? How is this portrait of Jesus
different from the portrait of Jesus in either Mark or
Matthew? (hint: you only need to use Mark or Matthew for
comparison, not both).
- How does the Gospel of John (the Fourth Gospel) differ from
the Synoptic Gospels? Cite both general (thematic) distinctions
and specific narrative distinctions.
- By using specific examples from Romans and Galatians, explain
how Paul's letters present a theology of savation being the result
of "grace" made effective through "faith"
while containing a tension between the "already" and
the "not yet." (Hint: in your answer use the phrases
"if you are in Christ you must live by Christ" and
"justified by grace made possible through faith in Christ.")
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