First Exam

First Examination

Answer any four questions. You should compose your answers in the standard word-processor, Microsoft Word and upload the document to the Drop Box, First Exam tab. The examination will not be proctored, without any time limit except that answers must be returned by November 6, at 11:59 pm, Central Time. You may freely use all the course materials that are online and any other references you care to consult. The only stipulation is that you must do your own work. It is unethical to pass off as your own work using something that was written by someone else, and plagiarism will not be tolerated, as the syllabus warns.

When answering the questions you will score better if you can compare and contrast or explain your answers as opposed to giving me chronological events.  Many of the questions have multiple parts.  Be sure you have answered all parts.  So, first select the four questions you want to answer and paste them into a word document.  Write a separate paragraph for each part of the question.  Each question is worth 50 points.  The whole test is worth 200 points.  There are eight questions to choose from, just answer 4.

Please proofread your answers carefully for grammatical and spelling errors.

1. [Answer both parts (a) and (b) if you choose this question]: (a) What are the main similarities and differences between God and humans, according to the Hebrew scriptures? (b) What are the main similarities and differences between the gods and humans, according to the Iliad?

2. What is the origin of evil and human suffering, according to the explanations given by each of the following: the Hebrew scriptures; the sayings of the Buddha; and Hesiod in Works and Days?

3.  The Old Testament is a Covenant book.  What is a covenant?  Which Covenant is the main covenant and why? How is the Hebrew Covenant unique among the Near Eastern civilizations?

4. Suppose that the Buddha had wandered into the eastern Mediterranean after his...