First Examination:

Instructions: Everyone must answer question one for fifty points. You may then chose one other essay for fifty points or you may elect to write a longer response to number one. In the later case, the question will count for the full one hundred points. 

1. Whatever else Christianity might be, it entered the world as a religion in a period of intense religious and philosophical competition for the minds and hearts of people. In a thoughtful essay, discuss how Christianity interacted with this environment, what advantages it might have (or not had) in the competition, and indicate how Christianity changed to minister more effectively.

1. Alternate: (This option is strongly recommended for students who are candidates in churches that stand in self-conscious continuity with the ancient Christian church, such as Episcopalians, Lutherans, or confessional members of Reformed Churches). Every Communion Sunday, the Church confesses and recites the words of that creed called the Nicene Creed (actually, a version of the Creed adopted at Constantinople in 381). Discuss the evolution of this important theological symbol and show how it developed in the fourth century. Since material on this creed is often included on ordination examinations, this answer might be a good essay to include in your portfolio).


Optional Questions;

2. In an insightful essay, discuss the social factors that led to the emergence of a strong Christianity intellectual tradition in the 3rd Christian Century. Be sure to discuss the significance of Alexandria in your essay.

3. The question "who do you say that I am" meant one thing when it was posed by Jesus to his disciples and, perhaps, something quite different when it was posed by the fourth and fifth century church. In an insightful essay, please discuss the evolution of the Chalcedonian Formula (note that it is not a creed) and explain why this formulation did not bring peace to the churches. (This option is also strongly suggested for students contemplating ordination in a classical Christian communion. You will be asked about this at your ordination.)

4. In a thoughtful essay, discuss the beginnings of monasticism. Be sure to explain why this type of Christian community emerged in a time of relative prosperity.

5. Using Eusebius and other sources, discuss the theology of Origen and its philosophical presuppositions.

6. Both the Gnostics and Marcion challenged the church’s use of the Old Testament Scriptures and perhaps even saw their position as continuous with Paul’s rejection of the Jewish Law. Discuss the place of the "scriptures" in the ancient church. This question will require more research.