Lists

Question 1

2 broad categories of religious experiences

Answer 1

Numinous: Encounter with external divine power (Otto’s “mysterium tremendum et fascinans”)

Mystical: Inner awareness of unity or communion with ultimate reality

Question 2

3 physical levels of Israelite camp layout and their symbolic value

Answer 2

Center: Tabernacle/Temple (divine presence, highest holiness)

Middle: Levites and priests (mediators between God and people)

Outer: Twelve tribes (ordinary Israelites, least holy space)

Question 3

2 types of covenants in ANE

Answer 3

Parity treaties: Between equals (rare in biblical covenants)

Suzerain-vassal treaties: Between superior and subordinate (model for most biblical covenants)

Question 4

3-fold promise to Abraham

Answer 4

Land (Canaan as inheritance)

Descendants (numerous as stars/sand)

Blessing (for Abraham’s family and all nations through them)

Question 5

4 characteristics of annunciations

Answer 5

Angelic/divine messenger appears unexpectedly

Initial fear or confusion from recipient

Announcement of impossible/miraculous birth

Sign given to confirm divine promise

Question 6

3 differences between the numinous and mystical

Answer 6

Numinous emphasizes divine otherness; mystical emphasizes unity

Numinous often externally triggered; mystical often internally cultivated

Numinous produces awe/fear; mystical produces peace/harmony

Question 7

4 types of contemplative wisdom in Hebrew literature (explanations & examples)

Answer 7

Proverbial wisdom: Practical life insights (Proverbs)

Speculative wisdom: Questioning traditional views (Job)

Skeptical wisdom: Doubt about meaning and purpose (Ecclesiastes)

Apocalyptic wisdom: Revelation of cosmic mysteries (Daniel)

Question 8

3 emphases in the book of Proverbs

Answer 8

Fear of the Lord as foundation of wisdom

Practical ethics for successful living

Contrasts between wisdom and folly

Question 9

3 types of ritual

Answer 9

Rites of passage: Mark life transitions (birth, marriage, death)

Rites of intensification: Strengthen community bonds (festivals)

Rites of affliction: Address misfortune or crisis (purification, healing)

Question 10

3 cultic rituals of Mithraism

Answer 10

Tauroctony: Ritualized bull slaying commemorating Mithras’ deed

Seven-level initiation sequence with trials

Communal ritual meal shared by initiates