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Crucifixion of Jesus Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Crucifixion of Jesus: Historical and Theological Perspectives

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The Crucifixion of Jesus: Historical and Theological Perspectives Study Guide

Historical Context and Sources

The epistles of Paul are recognized as the earliest surviving written sources that document the crucifixion of Jesus.

Answer: True

Explanation: Paul's letters, predating the Gospels, are considered the earliest extant written evidence concerning Jesus's crucifixion.

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The name 'Calvary' is derived from the Latin word for 'skull', which is a translation of the Aramaic word 'Golgotha'.

Answer: True

Explanation: 'Calvary' originates from the Latin *calvaria*, meaning 'skull', which is a translation of the Aramaic *Golgotha*, the name given to the crucifixion site.

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Non-Christian sources that reference Jesus's crucifixion include the writings of Josephus, Tacitus, and Plato.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Josephus and Tacitus are cited as non-Christian sources referencing Jesus's crucifixion, Plato is not typically included among them.

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The Jewish historian Josephus, in his work *Antiquities of the Jews*, stated that Jesus was crucified by Pontius Pilate.

Answer: True

Explanation: Josephus's *Antiquities of the Jews* refers to Jesus being crucified by Pilate, a statement generally accepted by scholars despite potential later interpolations.

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The Roman historian Tacitus, writing around AD 116, mentioned Jesus's crucifixion during the reign of Emperor Nero.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tacitus, writing around AD 116, stated that Jesus suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius, not Nero.

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The discovery of Yehohanan ben Hagkol's remains in 1968 provided archaeological evidence supporting the Gospel accounts of crucifixion.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 1968 discovery of Yehohanan ben Hagkol's remains, dated to the 1st century AD, offered archaeological evidence consistent with the manner of crucifixion described in ancient texts.

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Scholars generally agree that the crucifixion occurred between AD 26 and AD 36, aligning with Pontius Pilate's governorship.

Answer: True

Explanation: Scholarly consensus places the crucifixion within the period of Pontius Pilate's governorship (AD 26-36), with specific years like AD 30 or AD 33 being commonly proposed.

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The crucifixion likely occurred in 1st-century Judaea, within the Roman Empire.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical consensus places the crucifixion of Jesus in 1st-century Judaea, a province of the Roman Empire.

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The two most popularly suggested modern sites for the crucifixion location in Jerusalem are the Western Wall and the Mount of Olives.

Answer: False

Explanation: The two most popularly suggested modern sites for the crucifixion location are the traditional site within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Gordon's Calvary, not the Western Wall or Mount of Olives.

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The name 'Calvary' is derived from the Greek word for 'skull'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The name 'Calvary' is derived from the Latin word *calvaria*, meaning 'skull', which is a translation of the Aramaic word *Golgotha*.

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Tacitus, a Roman historian, referred to Jesus's crucifixion during the reign of Tiberius.

Answer: True

Explanation: Tacitus, writing around AD 116, mentioned Jesus's crucifixion during the reign of Tiberius, identifying Pontius Pilatus as the procurator.

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Which ancient source is identified as the earliest surviving written record documenting Jesus's crucifixion, apart from the Gospels?

Answer: The epistles of Paul

Explanation: Paul's letters, predating the Gospels, are considered the earliest extant written evidence concerning Jesus's crucifixion.

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What archaeological discovery in 1968 provided evidence supporting the manner of crucifixion described in ancient texts?

Answer: The remains of Yehohanan ben Hagkol, a crucified man.

Explanation: The 1968 discovery of Yehohanan ben Hagkol's remains, dated to the 1st century AD, offered archaeological evidence consistent with the manner of crucifixion described in ancient texts.

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What is the general scholarly consensus regarding the date of Jesus's crucifixion?

Answer: It occurred around AD 30 or AD 33.

Explanation: Scholarly consensus places the crucifixion within the period of Pontius Pilate's governorship (AD 26-36), with specific years like AD 30 or AD 33 being commonly proposed.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a non-Christian source referencing the crucifixion of Jesus?

Answer: Plato

Explanation: While Josephus and Tacitus are cited as non-Christian sources referencing Jesus's crucifixion, Plato is not typically included among them.

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What is the significance of the name 'Calvary' for the crucifixion site?

Answer: It is derived from the Latin word for 'skull'.

Explanation: 'Calvary' originates from the Latin *calvaria*, meaning 'skull', which is a translation of the Aramaic *Golgotha*, the name given to the crucifixion site.

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Which of the following is a commonly proposed year for Jesus's crucifixion?

Answer: AD 33

Explanation: Scholarly consensus places the crucifixion within the period of Pontius Pilate's governorship (AD 26-36), with specific years like AD 30 or AD 33 being commonly proposed.

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Gospel Accounts of the Crucifixion

According to the Gospel of John, Jesus was offered wine mixed with myrrh at Golgotha, which he refused.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Gospel of Mark and Matthew state Jesus refused the wine mixed with myrrh or gall, not the Gospel of John.

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According to the Gospel of John, the inscription placed on Jesus's cross was written exclusively in Latin.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Gospel of John specifies that the inscription was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.

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The Synoptic Gospels report that a soldier pierced Jesus's side after his death to confirm he was deceased.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Gospel of John, not the Synoptic Gospels, reports that a soldier pierced Jesus's side after his death.

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Supernatural events described during the crucifixion in the Synoptic Gospels include a period of darkness and the tearing of the temple veil.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Synoptic Gospels describe a three-hour period of darkness and the tearing of the temple veil as supernatural events occurring during the crucifixion.

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Simon of Cyrene was compelled by Roman soldiers to carry the cross after Jesus initially carried it but then collapsed.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Synoptic Gospels state that Simon of Cyrene was compelled by Roman soldiers to carry the cross, implying Jesus was unable to continue carrying it himself.

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The Gospel of Luke uniquely records Jesus speaking to women who were mourning him during the crucifixion.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Gospel of Luke uniquely records Jesus addressing mourning women, advising them not to weep for him but for themselves and their children.

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The Gospel of John states that Roman soldiers broke Jesus's legs to ensure he was dead.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Gospel of John states that the soldiers did not break Jesus's legs because he was already dead.

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The Gospel of Matthew uniquely reports an earthquake and the resurrection of dead saints following Jesus's death.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Gospel of Matthew uniquely records an earthquake and the resurrection of deceased saints as events occurring immediately after Jesus's death.

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The darkness described in the Synoptic Gospels during the crucifixion is often interpreted as a literary device signifying the profound impact of Jesus's death.

Answer: True

Explanation: The three-hour period of darkness during the crucifixion, as described in the Synoptic Gospels, is frequently interpreted as a literary device emphasizing the cosmic significance and impact of Jesus's death.

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The Gospels describe Jesus predicting his own death multiple times.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Synoptic Gospels, in particular, record Jesus predicting his own death on multiple occasions within their narratives.

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The common sequence of events related to the crucifixion in all four canonical Gospels includes Jesus's arrest, trials, flogging, condemnation, crucifixion, and entombment.

Answer: True

Explanation: All four canonical Gospels present a narrative sequence that includes Jesus's arrest, trials, flogging, condemnation, crucifixion, and subsequent entombment.

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Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and the mother of Zebedee's sons are mentioned as being present at the crucifixion.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Gospels mention Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and the mother of Zebedee's sons among the women present at the crucifixion.

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The blood and water flowing from Jesus's pierced side are interpreted by some theologians as symbolizing the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Gospel of John's account of blood and water flowing from Jesus's side is interpreted by some theologians as symbolizing the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist.

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The Synoptic Gospels mention Jesus predicting his death in only one instance.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Synoptic Gospels record Jesus predicting his death in three separate instances within their narratives.

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The Gospel of John mentions that a soldier pierced Jesus's side after his death.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Gospel of John explicitly states that a soldier pierced Jesus's side after his death.

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The inscription on the cross, according to the Gospel of John, was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Gospel of John specifies that the inscription on the cross was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.

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Simon of Cyrene was a local Jerusalemite compelled to carry the cross.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Synoptic Gospels identify Simon of Cyrene as a man from North Africa, not a local Jerusalemite.

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The Gospel of Luke uniquely records Jesus speaking a proverb about the wood being green versus dry to illustrate future suffering.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Gospel of Luke uniquely records Jesus speaking a proverb concerning green wood versus dry wood, relating it to future suffering.

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The Gospel of John states that the Roman soldiers broke Jesus's legs because he was already dead.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Gospel of John states that the soldiers did not break Jesus's legs because he was already dead.

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According to the canonical Gospels, what sequence of events collectively leads up to Jesus's crucifixion?

Answer: Arrest, trial by Sanhedrin, sentencing by Pilate, scourging, crucifixion

Explanation: The canonical Gospels describe Jesus's arrest, trial by the Sanhedrin, sentencing by Pontius Pilate, scourging, and finally crucifixion by the Romans. These events are collectively known as the Passion of Jesus.

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According to the Gospel of John, in which languages was the inscription placed on Jesus's cross written?

Answer: Hebrew, Latin, and Greek

Explanation: The Gospel of John specifies that the inscription on the cross was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.

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What supernatural event is described in the Synoptic Gospels as occurring during the crucifixion, lasting for three hours?

Answer: A period of darkness over the land

Explanation: The Synoptic Gospels describe a three-hour period of darkness over the land during the crucifixion.

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Who was compelled by Roman soldiers to carry Jesus's cross after Jesus initially carried it but collapsed, according to the Synoptic Gospels?

Answer: Simon of Cyrene

Explanation: The Synoptic Gospels mention Simon of Cyrene, a man from North Africa, whom the Roman soldiers compelled to carry the cross.

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What unique detail does the Gospel of Luke provide regarding Jesus's interaction with mourners during his crucifixion?

Answer: Jesus told the mourners not to weep for him but for themselves and their children.

Explanation: The Gospel of Luke uniquely records Jesus addressing mourning women, advising them not to weep for him but for themselves and their children.

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What did the Gospel of John describe happening when a soldier pierced Jesus's side after his death?

Answer: Blood and water gushed out from the wound.

Explanation: The Gospel of John describes blood and water flowing from Jesus's pierced side after his death.

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What did the Gospel of Matthew uniquely report about events occurring immediately after Jesus's death?

Answer: A great earthquake and the resurrection of dead saints.

Explanation: The Gospel of Matthew uniquely records an earthquake and the resurrection of deceased saints as events occurring immediately after Jesus's death.

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According to the Gospel of John, what did the soldiers do regarding Jesus's legs after he was crucified?

Answer: They did not break his legs because he was already dead.

Explanation: The Gospel of John states that the soldiers did not break Jesus's legs because he was already dead.

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Theological Significance and Interpretations

In Christian theology, the crucifixion of Jesus is considered a peripheral event, primarily focused on historical record rather than spiritual significance.

Answer: False

Explanation: The crucifixion is considered a central event in Christian theology, holding profound spiritual significance related to salvation and atonement, rather than being peripheral.

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The prophecy of the 'suffering servant' in Isaiah 53 is seen by Christians as foretelling Jesus's resurrection, not his suffering or death.

Answer: False

Explanation: Christians interpret the prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53 as foretelling Jesus's suffering and death, specifically his role in bearing the sins of others.

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In the Gospel of John, Jesus is presented as the 'Lamb of God' who brings victory over Satan.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Gospel of John presents Jesus as the 'Lamb of God' who takes away the sins of the world, signifying his role as a sacrificial offering, not necessarily as one who brings victory over Satan in that specific context.

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The 'Extra Calvinisticum' is a doctrine concerning the nature of the Holy Spirit in Reformed theology.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Extra Calvinisticum' is a Christological doctrine concerning the relationship between Christ's divine and human natures within Reformed theology, not a doctrine pertaining to the Holy Spirit.

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The *Communicatio idiomatum* doctrine explains how attributes of Christ's divine and human natures can be applied to the one person of Jesus Christ.

Answer: True

Explanation: The *Communicatio idiomatum* is a Christological doctrine that addresses how the properties of Christ's divine and human natures can be predicated of the single person of Jesus Christ.

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Most Christians believe the instrument of Jesus's execution was a simple wooden stake.

Answer: False

Explanation: The prevailing Christian belief is that the instrument of Jesus's execution was a traditional two-beamed cross.

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The Catholic Church teaches that personal guilt for Jesus's crucifixion is lessened for Christians who sin knowingly.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Catholic Church teaches that personal guilt for Jesus's crucifixion is *greater* for Christians who sin knowingly, as it represents a repetition of the offense against Christ.

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The traditional understanding of 'three days and three nights' in Matthew 12:40 refers to a literal 72-hour period between crucifixion and resurrection.

Answer: False

Explanation: The traditional understanding of 'three days and three nights' in Matthew 12:40 refers to the period between Friday crucifixion and Sunday resurrection, possibly as a Jewish idiom for parts of three days.

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The Catholic Church views Acts of Reparation as a way to compensate for the 'injury' done to Christ through human sin.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Catholic Church considers Acts of Reparation a duty, viewing them as a means to compensate for the 'injury' inflicted upon Christ by human sin.

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The 'Johannine agent Christology' views Jesus primarily as a political leader who was executed for sedition.

Answer: False

Explanation: Johannine 'agent Christology' views Jesus as God's agent or servant, whose crucifixion is understood as a sacrifice aligned with the Father's plan, rather than primarily as a political act.

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Christus Victor emphasizes Jesus's victory over sin and death through his crucifixion and resurrection, particularly in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Christus Victor view of atonement highlights Jesus's triumph over death and Satan via his crucifixion and resurrection, liberating humanity from sin and death.

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The theological significance of Jesus's death and resurrection is primarily seen as establishing a new covenant between God and humanity.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary theological significance is the restoration of humanity's relationship with God through Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection, enabling reconciliation and eternal life.

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The crucifixion of Jesus is considered a central event in Christian theology, symbolizing salvation and atonement.

Answer: True

Explanation: The crucifixion is a cornerstone of Christian theology, symbolizing salvation and atonement, and is integral to the doctrine of reconciliation between God and humanity.

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The prophecy in Isaiah 53 is interpreted by Christians as foretelling Jesus's role as a suffering servant who bears sins.

Answer: True

Explanation: Christians interpret the prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53 as a foretelling of Jesus's role in bearing sins and suffering on behalf of others.

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What is the primary theological significance attributed to Jesus's crucifixion in Christianity?

Answer: It symbolizes salvation and atonement, restoring humanity's relationship with God.

Explanation: The crucifixion of Jesus, along with his resurrection, is a central aspect of Christian theology concerning the doctrines of salvation and atonement. Christians believe this sacrifice restored humanity's relationship with God, offering new life and the promise of eternal life.

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The prophecy of the 'suffering servant' in Isaiah 53 is interpreted by Christians as foretelling:

Answer: Jesus's suffering and death for the sins of others.

Explanation: Christians interpret the prophecy of the suffering servant in Isaiah 53 as a foretelling of Jesus's suffering and death, specifically his role in bearing the sins of others.

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The *Communicatio idiomatum* is a Christological doctrine that addresses:

Answer: How attributes of Christ's divine and human natures can be predicated of the one person.

Explanation: The *Communicatio idiomatum* is a Christological doctrine that addresses how the properties of Christ's divine and human natures can be predicated of the single person of Jesus Christ.

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What is the prevailing Christian belief regarding the instrument of Jesus's execution?

Answer: A traditional two-beamed cross.

Explanation: The prevailing Christian belief is that the instrument of Jesus's execution was a traditional two-beamed cross.

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The Catholic Church denounces the idea of Jewish deicide, teaching instead that:

Answer: All sinners, including Christians who sin knowingly, are responsible for Jesus's crucifixion.

Explanation: The Catholic Church teaches that all sinners, including Christians who sin knowingly, bear responsibility for Jesus's crucifixion, emphasizing that personal guilt increases with awareness of Christ's sacrifice.

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What is the significance of the 'Lamb of God' title given to Jesus in the Gospel of John?

Answer: It highlights Jesus's role as a sacrificial offering for the sins of the world.

Explanation: The title 'Lamb of God' in the Gospel of John signifies Jesus's role as a sacrificial offering for the sins of the world.

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The 'Christus Victor' view of atonement emphasizes:

Answer: Jesus's victory over death and Satan through his crucifixion and resurrection.

Explanation: The Christus Victor view emphasizes Jesus's triumph over death and Satan via his crucifixion and resurrection, liberating humanity from sin and death.

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What is the traditional understanding of the phrase 'three days and three nights' mentioned in Matthew 12:40?

Answer: It refers to the period between Friday crucifixion and Sunday resurrection, possibly as a Jewish idiom for parts of three days.

Explanation: The traditional understanding of 'three days and three nights' in Matthew 12:40 refers to the period between Friday crucifixion and Sunday resurrection, possibly as a Jewish idiom for parts of three days.

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Theologically, Jesus's death and resurrection are believed to have accomplished what for humanity?

Answer: The restoration of humanity's relationship with God.

Explanation: The primary theological significance is the restoration of humanity's relationship with God through Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection, enabling reconciliation and eternal life.

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The 'Johannine agent Christology' views Jesus's crucifixion as:

Answer: A sacrifice made for eventual victory and obedience to the Father's plan.

Explanation: Johannine 'agent Christology' views Jesus as God's agent or servant, whose crucifixion is understood as a sacrifice aligned with the Father's plan.

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Scholarly Criteria for Historical Assessment

Scholarly consensus indicates near-universal agreement on the historicity of Jesus's crucifixion, though specific details and the precise sequence of events remain subjects of scholarly discussion.

Answer: False

Explanation: While scholars widely accept the crucifixion's historicity, there is no universal consensus on the specific details or sequence of events.

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The 'criterion of embarrassment' suggests that historical accounts are more likely true if they depict the subject in a shameful or disadvantageous light.

Answer: True

Explanation: The criterion of embarrassment posits that early followers would be unlikely to fabricate details that cast their leader in a shameful or disadvantageous light, thus lending credibility to such accounts.

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The criterion of multiple attestation suggests an event is less likely historical if supported by multiple independent sources.

Answer: False

Explanation: The criterion of multiple attestation suggests that an event is *more* likely historical if it is supported by multiple independent sources.

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The 'criterion of dissimilarity' suggests that sayings or events are more likely historical if they align closely with common Jewish beliefs of the time.

Answer: False

Explanation: The criterion of dissimilarity suggests that sayings or events are more likely historical if they are dissimilar to the beliefs and practices of both Judaism and the early Church.

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The 'criterion of coherence' assesses historical events based on whether they are dissimilar to known practices of the time.

Answer: False

Explanation: The criterion of coherence assesses historical events based on their logical consistency and fit with other established historical facts and contexts, not their dissimilarity to known practices.

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The criterion of embarrassment supports historicity because shameful events are unlikely to be invented by followers.

Answer: True

Explanation: The criterion of embarrassment suggests that accounts of shameful or disadvantageous events are more likely to be historical, as followers would typically avoid inventing such details.

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The 'criterion of embarrassment' is used by scholars to support the historicity of Jesus's crucifixion because:

Answer: Early Christians would likely not invent a story about their leader dying a shameful and painful death.

Explanation: The criterion of embarrassment suggests that early Christians would not have invented a story about their leader dying a shameful and painful death on a cross, as this would have been a significant embarrassment.

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The 'criterion of dissimilarity' suggests that events or sayings attributed to Jesus are more likely historical if they:

Answer: Are dissimilar to the beliefs and practices of both Judaism and the early Church.

Explanation: The criterion of dissimilarity suggests that sayings or events are more likely historical if they are dissimilar to the beliefs and practices of both Judaism and the early Church.

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The 'criterion of coherence' is used to assess whether an event:

Answer: Fits logically and consistently with other established historical facts.

Explanation: The criterion of coherence assesses historical events based on their logical consistency and fit with other established historical facts and contexts.

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Alternative and Non-Christian Perspectives

The Islamic view, according to the Quran, is that Jesus was indeed killed and crucified by his enemies.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Quran states that Jesus was not killed or crucified, but rather it only appeared so to his enemies, with Allah raising Jesus to Himself.

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Some early Gnostic sects believed Jesus possessed a physical body and truly suffered and died on the cross.

Answer: False

Explanation: Many early Gnostic sects, particularly those adhering to Docetism, believed Jesus's physical existence and suffering were illusory, denying the reality of his crucifixion.

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The Nag Hammadi manuscript 'First Apocalypse of James' suggests that a figure resembling Jesus, rather than Jesus himself, was crucified.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'First Apocalypse of James' from the Nag Hammadi library suggests that a figure other than Jesus was crucified in his place.

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Docetism is a doctrine that asserts Jesus's physical existence and suffering were entirely real and literal.

Answer: False

Explanation: Docetism is a doctrine that denies the physical reality of Jesus's suffering and death, asserting it was merely an illusion or semblance.

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The Islamic view states that Jesus was crucified but later resurrected.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Islamic view, as stated in the Quran, is that Jesus was not crucified; rather, it appeared so to his enemies, and Allah raised him to Himself.

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Docetism is a doctrine that emphasizes the physical reality and suffering of Jesus's crucifixion.

Answer: False

Explanation: Docetism asserts that Jesus's physical existence and suffering were illusory, denying their reality.

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What is the Islamic perspective on the crucifixion of Jesus, as stated in the Quran?

Answer: It only appeared to his enemies that Jesus was crucified; Allah raised him to Himself.

Explanation: The Quran states that Jesus was not killed or crucified, but rather it only appeared so to his enemies, with Allah raising Jesus to Himself.

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Which early Christian doctrine denied the reality of Jesus's physical suffering and death on the cross, viewing it as an illusion?

Answer: Gnosticism (specifically Docetism)

Explanation: Docetism, a doctrine associated with some early Gnostic sects, asserted that Jesus's physical existence and suffering were merely an illusion or semblance, denying the reality of his crucifixion.

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