Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
The ichthys symbol, in its contemporary form, is characterized by two intersecting arcs that resemble a fish's profile.
Answer: True
Explanation: The ichthys symbol, in its modern form, is defined by two intersecting arcs that create the profile of a fish.
The name 'ichthys' originates from a Latin word meaning 'savior'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The name 'ichthys' derives from the Koine Greek word 'ichthýs,' which means 'fish,' not a Latin word meaning 'savior'.
The earliest known appearances of the ichthys symbol in Christian art and literature are from the 5th century AD.
Answer: False
Explanation: The earliest documented appearances of the ichthys symbol in Christian art and literature date back to the 2nd century AD, not the 5th century.
The *Oracula Sibillina*, a 1st-2nd century Greek text, mentions the ichthys symbol.
Answer: False
Explanation: The *Oracula Sibillina* is a 1st-2nd century Latin text that mentions the ichthys symbol, not a Greek text.
A fourth-century adaptation of the ichthys symbol involved arranging the Greek letters IKhThUS in a linear fashion.
Answer: False
Explanation: A fourth-century adaptation of the ichthys symbol involved superimposing the Greek letters IKhThUS to form an eight-spoked wheel shape, not arranging them linearly.
What is the Koine Greek word from which the ichthys symbol derives its name?
Answer: 'Ichthýs'
Explanation: The ichthys symbol derives its name from the Koine Greek word 'ichthýs' (ἰχθύς), meaning 'fish'.
In what century do the earliest appearances of the ichthys symbol in Christian art and literature date back to?
Answer: 2nd century AD
Explanation: The earliest appearances of the ichthys symbol in Christian art and literature date back to the 2nd century AD.
Which 1st-2nd century Latin text mentions the ichthys symbol?
Answer: *Oracula Sibillina*
Explanation: The 1st-2nd century Latin text *Oracula Sibillina* mentions the ichthys symbol.
How was the ichthys symbol visually adapted in the fourth century?
Answer: The Greek letters IKhThUS were superimposed, forming an eight-spoked wheel shape.
Explanation: In the fourth century, the ichthys symbol was visually adapted by superimposing the Greek letters IKhThUS, creating an eight-spoked wheel shape.
What does the Koine Greek word 'ichthýs' (ἰχθύς) specifically mean?
Answer: 'Fish'
Explanation: The Koine Greek word 'ichthýs' (ἰχθύς) specifically means 'fish'.
Church Father Augustine linked the symbolism of a fish to Jesus's ability to live without sin amidst the world's challenges.
Answer: True
Explanation: Augustine explicitly stated that a fish symbolized Jesus well because 'he was able to live . . . without sin in the abyss of this mortality as in the depth of waters'.
The ichthys symbol specifically references the dominical sacraments of Confirmation and Matrimony.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ichthys symbol references the dominical sacraments of Baptism and Communion, not Confirmation and Matrimony.
Tertullian taught that Christians are born in water, likening them to "little fishes" after the image of Jesus Christ.
Answer: True
Explanation: Tertullian taught that 'We, little fishes, after the image of our Ichthys, Jesus Christ, are born in the water,' connecting Christians to fish through baptism.
The ichthys symbol's connection to the Holy Eucharist is primarily due to its use in early Christian communion rituals.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ichthys symbol's intimate connection to the Holy Eucharist is primarily attributed to the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, not its use in early communion rituals.
The fourth-century circular ichthys symbol is exclusively interpreted as an eight-spoked wheel.
Answer: False
Explanation: While often interpreted as an eight-spoked wheel, the fourth-century circular ichthys symbol has also been proposed to represent a loaf of bread.
How did Church Father Augustine explain the symbolism of a fish in relation to Jesus?
Answer: The fish symbolized Jesus's purity, living without sin in the world's challenges.
Explanation: Augustine explained that a fish symbolized Jesus's ability to live 'without sin in the abyss of this mortality as in the depth of waters'.
Which two dominical sacraments are referenced by the ichthys symbol?
Answer: Baptism and Communion
Explanation: The ichthys symbol references the dominical sacraments of Baptism and Communion.
What was Tertullian's teaching regarding the connection between the ichthys symbol and Baptism?
Answer: He taught that Christians, like "little fishes," are born in water after the image of Christ.
Explanation: Tertullian taught that 'We, little fishes, after the image of our Ichthys, Jesus Christ, are born in the water,' linking the ichthys to the spiritual rebirth in baptism.
What intimate connection does the ichthys symbol have with the Holy Eucharist?
Answer: The miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes.
Explanation: The ichthys symbol's intimate connection to the Holy Eucharist is primarily due to the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes.
What alternative interpretation has been suggested for the fourth-century circular ichthys symbol, besides an eight-spoked wheel?
Answer: A loaf of bread
Explanation: An alternative interpretation for the fourth-century circular ichthys symbol, besides an eight-spoked wheel, is a loaf of bread.
Jesus commissioned his Apostles, many of whom were fishermen, with the words "I will make you fishers of men."
Answer: True
Explanation: The Gospels record Jesus commissioning his Apostles, many of whom were fishermen, with the phrase 'I will make you fishers of men'.
After his resurrection, Jesus was given bread and wine to eat, according to Luke.
Answer: False
Explanation: According to Luke 24:41–43, the resurrected Jesus was given grilled fish to eat, not bread and wine.
In the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus multiplied five small loaves and three fish.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus multiplied five small loaves and two fish, not three fish.
The Parable of Drawing in the Net uses the imagery of fishers sorting their catch to describe the separation of righteous and wicked at the end of the world.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Parable of Drawing in the Net (Matthew 13:47–50) indeed compares the eschatological separation of the righteous and wicked to fishers sorting their catch.
John 21:11 describes the disciples catching 153 fish after casting their nets at Jesus's instruction.
Answer: True
Explanation: John 21:11 recounts the disciples catching 153 fish after following Jesus's instruction to cast their nets.
Jesus instructed Peter to find a coin in a fish's mouth to pay the Roman tax.
Answer: False
Explanation: Jesus instructed Simon Peter to find a coin in a fish's mouth to pay the temple tax, not the Roman tax.
The "Sign of Jonah" refers to Jesus's miraculous healing powers, symbolized by a fish.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Sign of Jonah' refers to Jesus's resurrection, symbolized by the fish, not his miraculous healing powers.
How are fish mentioned in the Gospels in relation to Jesus's Apostles?
Answer: Several Apostles were fishermen, and Jesus called them to be 'fishers of men.'
Explanation: The Gospels state that several of Jesus's Apostles were fishermen, whom Jesus commissioned to be 'fishers of men'.
According to Luke 24:41–43, what food was given to the resurrected Jesus?
Answer: Grilled fish
Explanation: Luke 24:41–43 records that the resurrected Jesus was given grilled fish to eat.
What role did fish play in the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand?
Answer: A boy brought five small loaves and two fish, which Jesus multiplied.
Explanation: In the feeding of the five thousand, a boy provided five small loaves and two fish, which Jesus miraculously multiplied.
In the Parable of Drawing in the Net, what does Jesus compare the angels separating the righteous from the wicked to?
Answer: Fishers sorting their catch, keeping good fish and throwing bad fish away.
Explanation: In the Parable of Drawing in the Net, Jesus compares the angels separating the righteous from the wicked to fishers sorting their catch.
What miraculous catch of fish is described in John 21:11?
Answer: The disciples caught 153 fish after casting their nets at Jesus's instruction.
Explanation: John 21:11 describes the disciples catching 153 fish after following Jesus's instruction to cast their nets.
What unusual event involving a fish and a coin is narrated in Matthew 17:24–27?
Answer: Simon Peter found a coin in a fish's mouth to pay the temple tax.
Explanation: Matthew 17:24–27 narrates that Simon Peter found a coin in a fish's mouth to pay the temple tax as instructed by Jesus.
How does Jesus use the fish to symbolize 'the Sign of Jonah'?
Answer: It symbolizes his resurrection.
Explanation: Jesus uses the fish to symbolize 'the Sign of Jonah' as a representation of his resurrection.
By the late 2nd century, the ichthys symbol had become popular, and its use expanded significantly throughout the 3rd and 4th centuries.
Answer: True
Explanation: The ichthys symbol indeed gained popularity by the late 2nd century and saw widespread adoption throughout the 3rd and 4th centuries.
During periods of Roman persecution, the ichthys symbol was primarily used as a decorative element in Christian homes.
Answer: False
Explanation: During Roman persecution, the ichthys symbol was purportedly used as a secret sign or 'shibboleth' for Christians to recognize each other, rather than primarily as a decorative element.
Early depictions of the ichthys symbol have been discovered in the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian and the Catacomb of Priscilla.
Answer: True
Explanation: Early depictions of the ichthys symbol are indeed found in the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian and the Catacomb of Priscilla.
An early 3rd-century funerary stele at the National Roman Museum features the inscription 'ΙΧΘΥΣ ΘΑΝΑΤΟΥ', meaning 'fish of death'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The funerary stele features the inscription 'ΙΧΘΥΣ ΖΩΝΤΩΝ', meaning 'fish of the living', not 'fish of death'.
The tradition of early Christians drawing one arc of the fish symbol in the dirt to identify each other is echoed in modern bumper stickers.
Answer: True
Explanation: Tradition describes early Christians drawing one arc of the fish symbol for identification, a practice that finds a modern echo in bumper stickers and business cards.
Clement of Alexandria, in *Paedagogus, III, xi*, recommended that his readers engrave their seals with the cross or the lamb.
Answer: False
Explanation: Clement of Alexandria recommended that his readers engrave their seals with the dove or fish, not the cross or the lamb.
Roman monumental sources indicate that the fish symbol was known to Christians only after Clement of Alexandria's recommendation.
Answer: False
Explanation: Roman monumental sources suggest the fish symbol was known to Christians much earlier than Clement of Alexandria's recommendation.
What significant role did the ichthys symbol purportedly play during early Christian history, particularly concerning persecution?
Answer: It served as a secret symbol for Christians to recognize each other.
Explanation: During periods of Roman persecution, the ichthys symbol was purportedly used as a secret sign or 'shibboleth' for Christians to recognize one another.
Where are early depictions of the ichthys symbol found in ancient Christian sites?
Answer: The Catacombs of Saint Sebastian and the Catacomb of Priscilla
Explanation: Early depictions of the ichthys symbol are found in the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian and the Catacomb of Priscilla.
What inscription featuring the ichthys symbol is found on an early 3rd-century funerary stele at the National Roman Museum?
Answer: 'ΙΧΘΥΣ ΖΩΝΤΩΝ' ('fish of the living')
Explanation: An early 3rd-century funerary stele at the National Roman Museum bears the inscription 'ΙΧΘΥΣ ΖΩΝΤΩΝ' ('fish of the living'), which includes the ichthys symbol.
According to tradition, how did early Christians use the fish symbol to identify each other during persecution?
Answer: They drew one arc of the fish in the dirt, and a stranger would complete it if also a believer.
Explanation: Tradition states that early Christians would draw one arc of the fish symbol in the dirt, and if a stranger completed the second arc, they would recognize each other as fellow believers during persecution.
Who, according to some sources, recommended that his readers engrave their seals with the dove or fish?
Answer: Clement of Alexandria
Explanation: Clement of Alexandria, in *Paedagogus, III, xi*, reportedly recommended that his readers engrave their seals with the dove or fish.
What evidence suggests that the fish symbol was known to Christians even before Clement of Alexandria's recommendation?
Answer: Roman monumental sources like the Cappella Greca and Catacomb of St. Callistus.
Explanation: Roman monumental sources, such as the Cappella Greca and the Sacrament Chapels of the Catacomb of St. Callistus, suggest the fish symbol was known to Christians earlier than Clement of Alexandria's recommendation.
By what centuries did the use of the ichthys symbol become popular and widespread among Christians?
Answer: Late 2nd, 3rd, and 4th centuries
Explanation: The use of the ichthys symbol became popular among Christians by the late 2nd century and spread widely throughout the 3rd and 4th centuries.
The ichthys symbol is exclusively used on vehicles as a decal to express Christian faith.
Answer: False
Explanation: While commonly found as decals on vehicles, the ichthys symbol is also widely used on necklaces and laptop stickers as an expression of Christian faith, indicating its usage is not exclusive to vehicles.
The 'Jesus Fish' symbol gained popularity in modern Christian culture starting in the 1990s.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Jesus Fish' symbol began to gain popularity in modern Christian culture starting in the 1970s, not the 1990s.
The Aquarius Rock Festival in Australia in 1973 played a role in popularizing the ichthys symbol.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Aquarius Rock Festival in Nimbin, Australia, in 1973, contributed to the popularization of the ichthys symbol.
The Ichthus Music Festival, held in Wilmore, Kentucky, is the newest Christian music festival in the United States.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Ichthus Music Festival in Wilmore, Kentucky, is recognized as the oldest Christian music festival in the United States, not the newest.
By what colloquial name is the ichthys symbol commonly known today?
Answer: The 'Jesus fish'
Explanation: The ichthys symbol is colloquially known today as the 'Jesus fish'.
When did the 'Jesus Fish' symbol begin to gain popularity in modern Christian culture?
Answer: 1970s
Explanation: The 'Jesus Fish' symbol began to gain popularity in modern Christian culture during the 1970s.
What event in Australia in 1973 helped popularize the ichthys symbol?
Answer: The Aquarius Rock Festival in Nimbin
Explanation: The Aquarius Rock Festival in Nimbin, New South Wales, Australia, in 1973, contributed to the popularization of the ichthys symbol.
What is the historical significance of the Ichthus Music Festival held in Wilmore, Kentucky?
Answer: It is the oldest Christian music festival in the United States.
Explanation: The Ichthus Music Festival in Wilmore, Kentucky, holds the distinction of being the oldest Christian music festival in the United States.
In modern Christian culture, where is the ichthys symbol commonly found as a sign of faith?
Answer: As decals on vehicles, necklaces, and laptop stickers.
Explanation: In modern Christian culture, the ichthys symbol is commonly found as decals on vehicles, as well as on necklaces and laptop stickers, as a sign of faith.
What is the Ichthus Music Festival recognized for in the United States?
Answer: Being the oldest Christian music festival.
Explanation: The Ichthus Music Festival is recognized as the oldest Christian music festival in the United States.
Robert Mowat's argument for the ichthys as a secret symbol was based on explicit mentions of Jesus Christ alongside the symbol in early epitaphs.
Answer: False
Explanation: Robert Mowat's argument for the ichthys as a secret symbol was based on an 'argument from silence,' noting its presence in epitaphs *without* explicit mention of Jesus Christ, suggesting deliberate concealment.
The theory of the ichthys as a secret symbol for persecuted Christians has gained significant support from early Christian sources.
Answer: False
Explanation: The theory of the ichthys as a secret symbol for persecuted Christians has largely fallen out of favor because early Christian sources do not support this connection.
The 1951 film *Quo Vadis* is credited with popularizing the idea of the Ichthys being used as a secret symbol by early Christians.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 1951 film *Quo Vadis* is indeed credited with popularizing the idea that the Ichthys was used as a secret symbol by early Christians.
What was Robert Mowat's argument for the ichthys being used as a secret symbol?
Answer: He observed its presence in epitaphs without explicit mention of Jesus Christ, suggesting deliberate concealment.
Explanation: Robert Mowat's primary observation was the presence of the ichthys symbol in epitaphs without explicit mention of Jesus Christ, which he interpreted as deliberate concealment.
Why has the theory of the ichthys as a secret symbol for persecuted Christians largely fallen out of favor?
Answer: Early Christian sources do not support this connection, linking it instead to baptism and the Eucharist.
Explanation: The theory of the ichthys as a secret symbol has largely fallen out of favor because early Christian sources primarily link it to baptism, the Eucharist, and the feeding of the multitude, rather than clandestine usage.
Which 1951 film is credited with popularizing the idea of the Ichthys as a secret symbol?
Answer: *Quo Vadis*
Explanation: The 1951 film *Quo Vadis* is credited with popularizing the idea of the Ichthys being used as a secret symbol by early Christians.
What was the primary observation Robert Mowat made to argue for the ichthys as a secret symbol?
Answer: The symbol's presence in epitaphs without explicit mention of Jesus Christ.
Explanation: Robert Mowat's primary observation was the presence of the ichthys symbol in epitaphs without explicit mention of Jesus Christ, which he interpreted as deliberate concealment.
The theory of the ichthys as a secret symbol for persecuted Christians has largely fallen out of favor because early Christian sources primarily link the symbol to what?
Answer: Baptism, the Eucharist, and the story of the feeding of the multitude.
Explanation: Early Christian sources primarily link the ichthys symbol to baptism, the Eucharist, and the story of the feeding of the multitude, leading to the discrediting of its 'secret symbol' theory.