Final Review CLST 2102 Exam Questions
and Answers Graded A+
Know the basics of Stoicism. - Correct answer-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. - Correct answer-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
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,To what does the term taurobolium refer? - Correct answer-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? - Correct answer-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? - Correct answer-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 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. - Correct answer-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].
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
, What is the basic idea behind dualism? - Correct answer-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? - Correct answer-
Dionysus
What is the difference between henotheism and monotheism? - Correct answer-
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? - Correct answer-Polytheism:
world is god, Christians are looking for a different world
Why did Christianity attract legal action by the state? - Correct answer-They
refused to worship state gods and, therefore, were considered atheists
What were the rumors about Christian services? - Correct answer-They had "love
feasts" which included cannibalism and incest
What were the Christians rumored to worship? - Correct answer-Said to worship a
condemned criminal and the head of an ass
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
and Answers Graded A+
Know the basics of Stoicism. - Correct answer-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. - Correct answer-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
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
,To what does the term taurobolium refer? - Correct answer-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? - Correct answer-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? - Correct answer-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 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. - Correct answer-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].
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
, What is the basic idea behind dualism? - Correct answer-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? - Correct answer-
Dionysus
What is the difference between henotheism and monotheism? - Correct answer-
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? - Correct answer-Polytheism:
world is god, Christians are looking for a different world
Why did Christianity attract legal action by the state? - Correct answer-They
refused to worship state gods and, therefore, were considered atheists
What were the rumors about Christian services? - Correct answer-They had "love
feasts" which included cannibalism and incest
What were the Christians rumored to worship? - Correct answer-Said to worship a
condemned criminal and the head of an ass
©COPYRIGHT 2025, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 3
