Introduction to Christianity

RelS 133 Summer 2003 Quiz #4 makeup 7/23/03Name:______________________

Respond to three of the following essay questions. At least one of your answers should be addressed to one of the last two questions. Your answers to the last two questions should reflect in-class discussions (although it does not need to be limited to those discussions). Be succinct -- information is much more important than volume. This is due in class on Tuesday, July 29.

What does Peter Hinchcliff ("Africa" - ch. 13) mean my "missionary arrogance"? Give a few examples. How did this arrogance hinder the spread of the Christian message in Africa? What were some of the cultural conflicts that the missionaries faced? How did conflicts within the European community hinder the spread of Christianity?

Of the mission fields discussed in McManners, the least successful, at least in terms of percentages, appears to be south and east Asia. Why is this? How were either the cultures encountered there, or the methods used by missionaries different such that they created this lack of success. In what Asian countries has Christianity been most successful? Why?

How does Eastern Orthodox monasticism differ from what we find in the West? How is it integrated into the structure of the church? How is it connected to the priesthood? How is the priesthood different than in Roman Catholicism?

Contrast (points of similarity should be obvious enough) the persecution of the witches in the late Medieval and Reformation periods with the persecution of the early Christians by the Roman authorities. Take note of both the actions and motivations of the persecutors as well as the responses and ultimate impacts on the persecuted.

How does Evangelical Christianity in the United States differ from Fundamentalism? Specifically contrast the positions that might be taken by representatives of the two groups on issues like abortion legislation, attending theatrical performances (including movies), creation of the world, and dialogue with other Christian groups (like Roman Catholics). On the other hand, how are they the same? On what sort of points would they agree?