REL 101: final exam for fall 2006
 

The final exam will consist of 4 parts:

1) Terms (30%): identify 30 of 35 terms for which a brief description will be given

2) Bible content analysis (20%): identify 4 biblical passages and discuss themes & issues expressed in them

3) Short answer questions: 6 short answer questions (30%)

significant topics:

creation myths

documentary hypothesis

JEPD & their characteristics

ancestral history

exodus & wilderness

Mosaic covenant / tradition

settlement in Canaan (3 models / theories of settlement)

monarchy & United Monarchy

Davidic covenant / tradition

prophetic literature

comparison of Isaiah of Jerusalem (8th cent.) & Jeremiah (7th cent.)

exile

Psalms

Priestly History

Deuteronomistic History

Wisdom literature

Chronicler’s History

apocalyptic thought & literature (e.g., Dan & Rev)

Hellenization

Apocrypha

Synoptic Problem

Synoptics v. John

2-source hypothesis & its significance (advantages & disadvantages)

Griesbach hypothesis & its significance (advantages & disadvantages)

Lk-Acts’ salvation history

Gentile problem in early church

Christian freedom (esp. in Corinth & Galatia)

Pauline letters; authentic (undisputed) & disputed

pastorals

relative chronology of significant characters & events (e.g., was Abraham before or after David?)

4) 2 essay questions from below (20%; be as detailed as possible, using biblical examples to illustrate your points whenever possible):

NB: the exact wording or content may differ a little on the actual exam.

NB: only 2 will be on the exam.

 

► Write an essay providing the historical-critical explanation of the process through which the books of the Torah (Pentateuch) were composed and brought together. In your answer show your understanding of the documentary hypothesis and the significant characteristics of the various sources.

 

► Describe and compare the two major theological traditions in ancient Israel. What are the features of each? How are they similar? How are they different? What sorts of problems arose as a result of the differences? Provide specific examples from the Bible (both OT & NT) passages we read or discussed.

 

► In what ways does an egalitarian ethos emerge in the controversy over monarchy, the prophets, the Gospels, Paul’s letters, and western civilization?

 

► Describe the Synoptic Problem. Also explain the two main hypotheses that try to address it. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each theory?

 

► Discuss the problems that arose in the earliest Christian communities as a result of the mission to the Gentiles, especially as they are portrayed in Acts, Romans, and Galatians. What were the controversies, decisions, and compromises?

For review
 

See the R-drive file.