DIRECTIONS: Choose one question. Write an essay of between 750 and 1000 words [three to four typed, double-spaced pages]. Be sure to provide a sharp focus by writing a clear thesis statement in your introduction. Underline your thesis statement. DRAW FROM APPROPRIATE SCRIPTURAL SOURCES AS WELL AS EHRMAN'S BOOK. IF YOU WISH YOU MAY ALSO USE WEB SOURCES. 

1. Write an essay discussing the problem of using gospels as sources for understanding the historical Jesus. In your essay, explain what a gospel is, how the gospel writer gets and develops materials into the distinctive literary form we call a gospel, and the limits of gospels as historical sources. Be sure to give some examples of how biblical/historical criticism works in determining historical material on Jesus' life.  Make explicit use of Mark and Ehrman, and, if you wish, web sources.

2. A central question for historians is why Jesus was killed. How does one's understanding of the historical Jesus depend on an understanding of his death? Briefly describe the two major historical explanations [political subversive or religious subversive] and discuss which one seems particularly persuasive to you? Be sure to make explicit use of Ehrman.