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Final Review CLST 2102 Questions and
Correct Answers
Know the basics of Stoicism. Ans: Stoicism (founder was Zeno)
adapted for Romans to emphasize reason and excellence of
character; also recognizes the importance of politics in this world
established by Reason. The greatest good is to live in harmony
with the divine Logos. Everything is set in order and planned by
Logos. Divine Fire transformed into substances that gave universe
form and order. Suicide permitted if one is prevented from living
according to Reason.
Know the basics of Neoplatonism. Ans: Neoplatonism founded by
Plotinus and influenced by mystery cults. It reflects general move
towards one superior universal power vs. various local powers;
everything emanates from the One (perfect unity). Human souls
include Mind, Soul, and Matter: goal is inward unity of these
aspects and personal unity with the One. Through intellect and
effort a person can enjoy while alive a temporary, ecstatic union
with the One, but it is rare (permanent union after death). No
savior, divine grace, or rituals required: individual spiritually
independent and self sufficient
To what does the term taurobolium refer? Ans: Refers to the
sacrifice of a bull where the blood showers down on the initiate
Outside of new life and promised blessings, what were common
features of mystery cults? Ans: A god who's overcome death ,
Reenactment or retelling of cult's central myth , Sacred food or
drink in remembrance of an important event in central myth (often
proceeded by a fast)
What was the basic central story of the resurrection cults? Ans:
Central resurrection myth often involves a strong goddess [force
of life and regeneration] and a more vulnerable figure, usually a
lover/husband, who serves as a resurrection figure. Through the
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cult's central myth worshippers recall the death of the resurrection
figure, mourn him, then share in his resurrection
Know the basics of the cult of Mithra. Ans: Only open to men
(popular with soldiers and merchants); God of light, spirit of divine
fire and fire of the sun; No synoptic myth for cult just scenes: born
in winter with shepherds looking on; hunts and kills a divine bull
in a cave (tauroctony); has dinner with the sun on the bull's hide;
cult related to Indo Iranian Zoroastrian dualistic beliefs of a battle
between light, truth, stability [Ahura Mazda] and darkness, lies,
and chaos [Ahriman].
What is the basic idea behind dualism? Ans: Dualism is a theology
based on the belief in two gods: a good god of light and immaterial
things, and an evil god of darkness and material things.
With which resurrection god was Jesus most closely associated?
Ans: Dionysus
What is the difference between henotheism and monotheism? Ans:
Monotheism is one God while henotheism is one superior god, To
henotheist: other gods manifestations of the superior being, To
monotheist: other gods at best dangerous distractions form the
true God, at worst manifestations of a demonic world opposed to
the true God.
How did Christians interpret the gods of polytheism? Ans:
Polytheism: world is god, Christians are looking for a different
world
Why did Christianity attract legal action by the state? Ans: They
refused to worship state gods and, therefore, were considered
atheists
What were the rumors about Christian services? Ans: They had
"love feasts" which included cannibalism and incest
What were the Christians rumored to worship? Ans: Said to
worship a condemned criminal and the head of an ass
© 2025 All rights reserved
Final Review CLST 2102 Questions and
Correct Answers
Know the basics of Stoicism. Ans: Stoicism (founder was Zeno)
adapted for Romans to emphasize reason and excellence of
character; also recognizes the importance of politics in this world
established by Reason. The greatest good is to live in harmony
with the divine Logos. Everything is set in order and planned by
Logos. Divine Fire transformed into substances that gave universe
form and order. Suicide permitted if one is prevented from living
according to Reason.
Know the basics of Neoplatonism. Ans: Neoplatonism founded by
Plotinus and influenced by mystery cults. It reflects general move
towards one superior universal power vs. various local powers;
everything emanates from the One (perfect unity). Human souls
include Mind, Soul, and Matter: goal is inward unity of these
aspects and personal unity with the One. Through intellect and
effort a person can enjoy while alive a temporary, ecstatic union
with the One, but it is rare (permanent union after death). No
savior, divine grace, or rituals required: individual spiritually
independent and self sufficient
To what does the term taurobolium refer? Ans: Refers to the
sacrifice of a bull where the blood showers down on the initiate
Outside of new life and promised blessings, what were common
features of mystery cults? Ans: A god who's overcome death ,
Reenactment or retelling of cult's central myth , Sacred food or
drink in remembrance of an important event in central myth (often
proceeded by a fast)
What was the basic central story of the resurrection cults? Ans:
Central resurrection myth often involves a strong goddess [force
of life and regeneration] and a more vulnerable figure, usually a
lover/husband, who serves as a resurrection figure. Through the
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
cult's central myth worshippers recall the death of the resurrection
figure, mourn him, then share in his resurrection
Know the basics of the cult of Mithra. Ans: Only open to men
(popular with soldiers and merchants); God of light, spirit of divine
fire and fire of the sun; No synoptic myth for cult just scenes: born
in winter with shepherds looking on; hunts and kills a divine bull
in a cave (tauroctony); has dinner with the sun on the bull's hide;
cult related to Indo Iranian Zoroastrian dualistic beliefs of a battle
between light, truth, stability [Ahura Mazda] and darkness, lies,
and chaos [Ahriman].
What is the basic idea behind dualism? Ans: Dualism is a theology
based on the belief in two gods: a good god of light and immaterial
things, and an evil god of darkness and material things.
With which resurrection god was Jesus most closely associated?
Ans: Dionysus
What is the difference between henotheism and monotheism? Ans:
Monotheism is one God while henotheism is one superior god, To
henotheist: other gods manifestations of the superior being, To
monotheist: other gods at best dangerous distractions form the
true God, at worst manifestations of a demonic world opposed to
the true God.
How did Christians interpret the gods of polytheism? Ans:
Polytheism: world is god, Christians are looking for a different
world
Why did Christianity attract legal action by the state? Ans: They
refused to worship state gods and, therefore, were considered
atheists
What were the rumors about Christian services? Ans: They had
"love feasts" which included cannibalism and incest
What were the Christians rumored to worship? Ans: Said to
worship a condemned criminal and the head of an ass
© 2025 All rights reserved
