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*The True Word* is an extant treatise by the ancient Greek philosopher Celsus that critiques early Christianity.
Answer: False
Explanation: *The True Word* is a lost treatise, known primarily through quotations in Origen's *Contra Celsum*, not an extant work.
Information about Celsus's *The True Word* is primarily known through extensive quotations found in Origen's *Contra Celsum*.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source explicitly states that information concerning *The True Word* has been preserved exclusively through extensive quotations in Origen's *Contra Celsum*.
Celsus's critique of Christianity in *The True Word* focused solely on its philosophical inconsistencies.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus's critique in *The True Word* encompassed three principal areas: philosophical claims, the social demographic of converts, and the perceived danger to the Roman Empire, not solely philosophical inconsistencies.
Celsus was a Roman philosopher who lived during the first century CE.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus wrote during the second century CE, not the first, and his origin is described as either Greek or Roman, not definitively Roman.
Modern scholars consider Origen's suggestion that Celsus was an Epicurean to be reliable due to supporting evidence in Celsus's writings.
Answer: False
Explanation: Modern scholars consider Origen's suggestion unreliable because Celsus's philosophical writings are Platonist and incompatible with Epicureanism.
The generally accepted timeframe for *The True Word*'s composition is around 170 to 180 A.D.
Answer: True
Explanation: A majority of modern scholars agree that Celsus probably wrote *The True Word* around 170 to 180 A.D.
Celsus's dating relies on factors such as the state of gnosticism, references to Roman emperors, and barbarian invasions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The arguments for dating Celsus's work depend on factors including the contemporary state of gnosticism, possible references to Roman emperors (Augusti), and appeals to defense against barbarian invasions.
What is the primary subject of Celsus's lost treatise, *The True Word*?
Answer: A comprehensive critique of early Christianity, arguing against its validity
Explanation: The source identifies *The True Word* as a lost treatise by Celsus, whose primary subject is a critique of early Christianity, arguing against its validity.
How has information about Celsus's *The True Word* been preserved, despite the original work being lost?
Answer: Exclusively through extensive quotations in Origen's *Contra Celsum*
Explanation: The source states that information concerning *The True Word* has been preserved exclusively through extensive quotations found in Origen's *Contra Celsum*.
Which of the following was NOT one of the three main categories of Celsus's attack on Christianity in *The True Word*?
Answer: Critiquing its lack of adherence to Jewish law and tradition
Explanation: Celsus's three main categories of attack were philosophical claims, association with lower classes, and danger to the Roman Empire. Critiquing its lack of adherence to Jewish law and tradition is not listed as one of the three main categories.
What is known about Celsus's background and the period in which he lived?
Answer: He was either a Greek or a Roman who wrote during the second century CE, with little else known about his life.
Explanation: The source states that Celsus was either a Greek or a Roman who wrote during the second century CE, and very little is known about his specific origins or life.
Modern scholars consider Origen's information about Celsus's identity (specifically, the Epicurean connection) to be unreliable because:
Answer: Celsus's philosophical writings are Platonist and incompatible with Epicureanism.
Explanation: Modern scholars consider Origen's information unreliable because Celsus's philosophical writings are Platonist and incompatible with Epicureanism, and Origen himself expressed uncertainty.
The generally accepted timeframe for when Celsus probably wrote *The True Word* is:
Answer: Around 170 to 180 A.D.
Explanation: A majority of modern scholars have reached a general consensus that Celsus probably wrote *The True Word* around 170 to 180 A.D.
Which of the following factors is NOT mentioned as being used by scholars to determine the likely date of Celsus's writing?
Answer: The architectural style of Roman temples mentioned in the text
Explanation: The factors mentioned for dating Celsus's work include the state of gnosticism, references to Roman emperors, and barbarian invasions, but not the architectural style of Roman temples.
Prior to Celsus, Roman writers and philosophers generally held positive views of Christianity, seeing its doctrines as profound.
Answer: False
Explanation: Before Celsus, Roman writers and philosophers often perceived Christian doctrines as either inscrutable or outright foolish, indicating a generally negative or dismissive sentiment.
The primary reason Roman citizens and the Imperial government opposed Christians was their refusal to participate in state sacrifices.
Answer: True
Explanation: The fundamental issue for Roman citizens and the Imperial government was the Christians' unwavering refusal to participate in the required sacrifices to the Emperor and the Roman state, which was seen as disloyalty.
Roman writers viewed the Christian position towards society and state religion as coherent and easily understood.
Answer: False
Explanation: Roman writers were 'troubled by the seeming incoherence of the Christian position toward society and towards the recognized religion of the state,' indicating it was not easily understood.
Due to their practices and beliefs, Christians were ultimately classified as allies of Roman society.
Answer: False
Explanation: Christians were ultimately classified as 'enemies of Roman society' due to their practices and beliefs, including their refusal to participate in state sacrifices.
Celsus was the only prominent writer of his time to produce polemical works against Christianity.
Answer: False
Explanation: Other writers such as Crescens the Cynic, Fronto, and Lucian also produced polemical works against Christianity, indicating Celsus was not unique in his criticisms.
Roman authorities considered adherence to the state-supported Roman religion optional for citizens.
Answer: False
Explanation: Roman authorities considered adherence to the state-supported Roman religion to be mandatory, deeming it essential for the effective management and stability of the political system.
Christians refused to perform reverence and occasional sacrifices for the Emperor, viewing it as idolatry.
Answer: True
Explanation: Christians continually refused to participate in reverence and occasional sacrifices for the Emperor, an act they viewed as idolatry or worship of a God that was not their own.
What was the general sentiment among Roman writers and philosophers towards Christianity before Celsus?
Answer: They often perceived its doctrines as either inscrutable or outright foolish.
Explanation: The source indicates that Roman writers and philosophers before Celsus often perceived Christian doctrines as either inscrutable or outright foolish.
The fundamental issue that most Roman citizens and the Imperial government had with Christians was their:
Answer: Unwavering refusal to participate in required sacrifices to the Emperor and Roman state.
Explanation: The fundamental issue for Roman citizens and the Imperial government was the Christians' unwavering refusal to participate in the required sacrifices to the Emperor and the Roman state.
How did Roman writers generally describe the Christian position regarding society and state religion?
Answer: As seemingly incoherent and inconsistent.
Explanation: Roman writers were 'troubled by the seeming incoherence of the Christian position toward society and towards the recognized religion of the state.'
What was the ultimate classification of Christians by Roman society due to their practices and beliefs?
Answer: Enemies of Roman society
Explanation: The source states that Christians were ultimately classified as 'enemies of Roman society' due to their practices and beliefs.
Which of the following writers is mentioned as having produced polemical works against Christianity prior to or contemporary with Celsus?
Answer: Lucian
Explanation: The source mentions Crescens the Cynic, Fronto, and Lucian as other writers who produced polemical works against Christianity.
Why did Roman authorities consider adherence to the state-supported Roman religion to be mandatory?
Answer: To ensure the effective management and stability of the political system.
Explanation: Roman authorities considered adherence to the state-supported Roman religion to be mandatory because they felt it was essential for the effective management and stability of the political system.
What specific religious act did Christians refuse to perform, which was crucial to Roman state religion?
Answer: Reverence and occasional sacrifices for the Emperor.
Explanation: Christians continually refused to participate in reverence and occasional sacrifices for the Emperor, an act that was an integral part of the Roman state religion.
Celsus's knowledge of Christianity was primarily based on rumors and hearsay, similar to other detractors of his time.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus did not rely on rumors and hearsay; he demonstrated knowledge of both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, as well as other Jewish and Christian writings.
Celsus believed Christian theology was a unique and original philosophical system.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus critiqued Christian theology as a 'hasty amalgamation of false Eastern philosophical ideas,' not a unique or original system.
Celsus affirmed the Christian doctrine of the virgin birth of Jesus, finding it consistent with other divine narratives.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus explicitly denied the virgin birth of Jesus, accusing Mary of being an adulteress.
Celsus found the stories of the Christian Bible to be more powerful and colorful than Greek and Roman legends.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus found the stories of the Christian Bible to be 'insipid and unappealing' when compared to Greek and Roman legends.
Celsus considered Christian philosophy to be superior to secular Greek philosophy.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus explicitly stated that 'things are stated much better among the Greeks,' indicating he found Christian philosophy lacking compared to secular Greek philosophy.
Celsus asserted that Jesus perverted the words of the philosopher Plato.
Answer: True
Explanation: Celsus directly asserted that 'Jesus perverted the words of the philosopher,' referring specifically to Plato.
Celsus concluded that the Christian God was all-knowing and all-powerful, comparable to Roman and Greek deities.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus found the Christian God 'sadly lacking' and concluded he could not be a true deity because he was neither all-knowing nor all-powerful.
Celsus believed the Christian God introduced evil and natural disasters to test humanity's faith.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus deduced that God introduced evil and natural disasters to draw attention to his greatness because he felt humanity was giving him 'less than his due,' not to test faith.
Celsus interpreted the Christian concept of God 'testing' humanity as proof that God was too weak to fight Satan effectively.
Answer: True
Explanation: Celsus concluded that Christians used the explanation of God 'testing' them to disguise the fact that their God was not powerful enough to successfully fight Satan.
Celsus theorized that Satan was either a mortal invention or evidence of a weak, lesser god.
Answer: True
Explanation: Celsus theorized that Satan was either a mortal invention used to frighten people or proof that God was not all-powerful but a weak, lesser, and bad god.
Celsus admired the deep philosophical inquiry and questioning encouraged by Christian faith.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus found the 'apparent blind faith' of Christians perplexing, noting their main tenets were 'Do not ask questions, just believe' and 'Thy faith will save thee.'
How did Celsus acquire his knowledge of Christianity, distinguishing him from many other detractors of his time?
Answer: He drew upon his own observations and demonstrated knowledge of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament.
Explanation: The source states that Celsus drew upon his own observations and demonstrated knowledge of both the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament, distinguishing him from those who relied on rumors.
What was Celsus's initial philosophical critique regarding the origin of Christian theology?
Answer: It was based on a hasty amalgamation of false Eastern philosophical ideas.
Explanation: Celsus's initial philosophical critique was that Christian theology was based on a hasty amalgamation of false Eastern philosophical ideas.
How did Celsus specifically challenge the Christian doctrine of the virgin birth of Jesus?
Answer: He denied it and accused Mary of being an adulteress.
Explanation: Celsus specifically challenged the virgin birth of Jesus by denying it and accusing Mary of being an adulteress.
How did Celsus compare the narratives of the Christian Bible to Greek and Roman legends?
Answer: He found Christian narratives to be very 'insipid and unappealing' in comparison.
Explanation: Celsus found the stories of the Christian Bible to be very 'insipid and unappealing' when compared to the powerful and colorful legends of Greek and Roman gods.
What was Celsus's general assessment of Christian philosophy in comparison to secular philosophy?
Answer: He found Christian philosophy to be lacking, explicitly stating 'things are stated much better among the Greeks.'
Explanation: Celsus generally found Christian philosophy to be lacking when compared to secular philosophy, explicitly declaring that 'things are stated much better among the Greeks.'
Which prominent Greek philosopher did Celsus use as a standard to criticize Christian theologians, asserting that Jesus perverted his words?
Answer: Plato
Explanation: Celsus asserted that 'Jesus perverted the words of the philosopher,' referring to Plato, and used Plato as a standard to criticize Christian theologians.
How did Celsus evaluate the Christian God in contrast to the deities of Roman and Greek mythology?
Answer: He found the Christian God to be sadly lacking, neither all-knowing nor all-powerful.
Explanation: Celsus found the Christian God to be 'sadly lacking' when compared with Roman and Greek gods, concluding he could not be a true deity because he was neither all-knowing nor all-powerful.
What explanation did Celsus offer for the Christian God's actions, such as floods and the introduction of evil?
Answer: To draw attention to his greatness because humanity was giving him 'less than his due.'
Explanation: Celsus could deduce no explanation for God's actions like floods and the introduction of evil other than that God wanted to draw attention to his greatness because he felt humanity was giving him 'less than his due.'
How did Celsus interpret the Christian concept of God 'testing' humanity?
Answer: As a disguise for God being not powerful enough to fight Satan.
Explanation: Celsus concluded that Christians used the explanation of God 'testing' them to disguise the fact that their God was not powerful enough to successfully fight Satan.
What were Celsus's two main theories regarding the figure of Satan in Christian belief?
Answer: Satan was either a mortal invention or proof that God was not all-powerful.
Explanation: Celsus theorized that Satan was either a mortal invention used to frighten people or, if real, served as proof that God was not all-powerful but a weak, lesser, and bad god.
What aspect of Christian faith did Celsus find particularly perplexing and used to argue against its validity?
Answer: Their apparent 'blind faith' and discouragement of questioning.
Explanation: Celsus found the apparent 'blind faith' of Christians particularly bewildering, noting their main tenets were 'Do not ask questions, just believe' and 'Thy faith will save thee.'
According to Celsus, what was the Christian God's motivation for actions like floods and introducing evil?
Answer: To draw attention to his greatness because humanity was giving him 'less than his due.'
Explanation: Celsus could deduce no explanation for the Christian God's actions, such as floods and the introduction of evil, other than that God wanted to draw attention to his greatness because he felt humanity was giving him 'less than his due.'
Celsus primarily complained that Christianity was a phenomenon limited to the upper classes and educated elite.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus complained that Christianity was a phenomenon limited primarily to the lower class, not the upper classes or educated elite.
Celsus claimed Christians actively sought to convert the ignorant and uneducated because they were more likely to accept a 'ridiculous theology.'
Answer: True
Explanation: Celsus claimed Christians actively sought out and converted the ignorant, uneducated, and lower class, believing these were the only people who would accept such a 'ridiculous theology.'
Celsus believed that upper-class individuals, being well-educated, would readily convert to Christianity due to its intellectual depth.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus believed upper-class individuals would not convert because they could not possibly believe in the 'absurd assumptions' required for Christian belief.
Celsus's upper-class bias was evident in his claim that Jesus could not be the son of God because he was born a peasant.
Answer: True
Explanation: Celsus's upper-class bias was revealed in his statement that Jesus could not have been the son of God because he was born a peasant, and Mary was 'unworthy to be noticed by God' due to her lack of wealth or royal rank.
Celsus alleged that Christianity encouraged personal betterment, believing it would strengthen followers' faith.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus alleged that Christianity was against personal betterment, fearing that such improvement could lead followers to discover fallacies within their religion.
Celsus viewed the Christian conversion method as one that offered genuine hope and encouraged worldly success.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus characterized the Christian conversion method as 'leading on wicked men by empty hopes' and persuading them to 'despise better things,' implying it did not offer genuine hope or encourage worldly success.
What was Celsus's primary complaint regarding the social demographic of Christian converts?
Answer: Christianity was limited primarily to the lower class.
Explanation: Celsus complained that Christianity was a phenomenon limited primarily to the lower class.
According to Celsus, which groups did Christians actively target for conversion, and why?
Answer: The ignorant, uneducated, and lower class, believing they would accept a 'ridiculous theology.'
Explanation: Celsus claimed that Christians actively sought out and converted the ignorant, uneducated, and lower class, believing these were the only people who would accept such a 'ridiculous theology.'
How did Celsus believe upper-class individuals would react to Christianity?
Answer: They would not be converted because they could not believe in its 'absurd assumptions.'
Explanation: Celsus believed that upper-class individuals would not be converted because they could not possibly believe in the 'absurd assumptions' one had to accept to be considered Christian.
How did Celsus's social class influence his critique of Jesus's birth and Mary's status?
Answer: He stated Jesus could not be the son of God because he was born a peasant, revealing his upper-class bias.
Explanation: Celsus revealed his upper-class bias by stating that Jesus could not have been the son of God because he was born a peasant, and Mary was 'unworthy to be noticed by God' due to her lack of wealth or royal rank.
What did Celsus allege about Christianity's stance on personal improvement?
Answer: It was against personal betterment, fearing followers might discover fallacies in their religion.
Explanation: Celsus alleged that Christianity was against personal betterment, as he believed that such improvement could potentially lead its followers to discover the inherent fallacies within their religion.
How did Celsus characterize the Christian method of converting individuals through promises?
Answer: As a deceptive practice that 'lead[ing] on wicked men by empty hopes' and persuaded them to despise better things.
Explanation: Celsus characterized the Christian conversion method as one that would 'lead[ing] on wicked men by empty hopes, and to persuade them to despise better things, saying that if they refrain from them it will be better.'
Celsus's primary concern was that Christianity would strengthen the Roman Empire by promoting new moral values.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus's overarching concern was that Christianity was a divisive and destructive force that would ultimately harm both the Roman Empire and its society.
Celsus argued that Christianity, originating from Judaism, was inherently prone to causing disunity due to Judaism's history of revolt against Rome.
Answer: True
Explanation: Celsus argued that Christianity originated from Judaism, whose adherents had already revolted against Roman rule several times, implying this history made Christianity inherently prone to causing disunity.
Celsus praised the internal unity and consistent doctrines within the Christian community.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus complained about the internal divisions within the Christian community, stating that 'matters are determined in different ways by the various sects,' which he saw as disruptive to unity.
Celsus and other Roman writers believed Christians were dangerous because they prioritized their beliefs over the welfare of the state.
Answer: True
Explanation: Celsus and other Roman writers believed Christians were dangerous precisely because they put the advancement of their beliefs above the common good and the welfare of the state.
Celsus viewed the secrecy of Christian gatherings as a positive aspect, promoting private devotion.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus viewed the secrecy of Christian gatherings negatively, commenting that they 'entered into secret associations with each other contrary to law,' which were often seen as threats to public order.
Celsus believed Roman citizens had a duty to assist the Emperor and maintain justice, but not necessarily to swear allegiance.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus believed there was nothing wrong with swearing allegiance to a king or emperor, and that it was the duty of each Roman citizen to assist the Emperor and 'labor with him in the maintenance of justice.'
Celsus proposed that Christians could integrate into the Roman Empire by simply respecting the Emperor, without performing rituals to Roman gods.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus's only proposed solution was that Christians must both respect the Emperor *and* perform rituals to the gods of the Roman state.
Celsus suggested that Christians who refused to participate in the Imperial religion should be allowed to live peacefully but without holding public office.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus suggested a far more extreme measure: that Christians who refused to participate in the Imperial religion must 'depart hence with all speed and leave no posterity behind them.'
Celsus believed that swearing allegiance to a king or emperor was inherently wrong for a Roman citizen.
Answer: False
Explanation: Celsus believed there was nothing wrong with swearing allegiance to a king or emperor, as the ruler provided a stable environment for all citizens.
What was Celsus's overarching concern about Christianity's impact on the Roman Empire and society?
Answer: He was concerned it was a divisive and destructive force that would ultimately harm the Empire.
Explanation: Celsus's overarching concern was that Christianity was a divisive and destructive force that would ultimately harm both the Roman Empire and its society.
How did Celsus use the history of Judaism to argue that Christianity was a threat to Roman unity?
Answer: He argued that Christianity originated from Judaism, whose adherents had already revolted against Roman rule several times.
Explanation: Celsus argued that Christianity originated from Judaism, whose adherents had already revolted against Roman rule several times, implying this history made Christianity inherently prone to causing disunity.
What internal characteristic of the Christian community did Celsus highlight as a danger to the Empire's stability?
Answer: Their internal divisions, complaining that 'matters are determined in different ways by the various sects.'
Explanation: Celsus highlighted the internal divisions within the Christian community, complaining that 'matters are determined in different ways by the various sects,' which he believed proved Christians were a divisive people.
What was the core belief of Celsus and other Roman writers regarding Christians' priorities that made them dangerous?
Answer: Christians put the advancement of their beliefs above the common good and the welfare of the state.
Explanation: Celsus and other Roman writers believed that 'Christians are dangerous precisely because they put the advancement of their beliefs above the common good and the welfare of the state.'
Why was the secrecy of Christian gatherings a problem for Celsus and Roman authorities?
Answer: Such secret associations were often viewed with suspicion and as potential threats to public order.
Explanation: Celsus commented that Christians 'entered into secret associations with each other contrary to law,' and such secret associations were often viewed with suspicion and as potential threats to public order by Roman authorities.
What did Celsus consider the proper duty of a Roman citizen towards the Emperor?
Answer: To assist the Emperor and 'labor with him in the maintenance of justice.'
Explanation: Celsus believed it was the duty of each Roman citizen to assist the Emperor and 'labor with him in the maintenance of justice.'
What was Celsus's proposed solution for Christians to integrate into the Roman Empire and avoid causing problems?
Answer: They must respect the Emperor and perform rituals to the gods of the Roman state.
Explanation: Celsus provided only one solution: Christians must both respect the Emperor and perform rituals to the gods of the Roman state.
What extreme measure did Celsus suggest for Christians who refused to participate in the Imperial religion?
Answer: They must not 'take any share in the affairs of life; but [...] depart hence with all speed and leave no posterity behind them.'
Explanation: Celsus suggested that if Christians could not or would not participate in the Imperial religion, they must not 'take any share in the affairs of life; but [...] depart hence with all speed and leave no posterity behind them.'