Many things are disputed about Jesus Christ and the Bible's accounts of his life, but one thing historians and religious scholars agree on: It's virtually certain that a man called Jesus of Nazareth, a nomadic religious teacher, was crucified in Jerusalem around 33 A.D. The execution was carried out by the Romans, who had conquered Judea and ruled it at that time. But they appeared to be acting at the behest of the Jewish religious authorities. Jesus and his teachings may have threatened both structures -- the Romans' political rule and the established order of Jewish religious life. Jesus was attracting many followers, if the story of his triumphal entry into Jerusalem is to be believed. Some believed him to be the Messiah -- the hero who would win Israel's independence once again. This was obviously of concern to the Romans. But his controversial statements about fulfilling -- or supplanting -- the Jewish law and being the key to God's kingdom would have been of concern to the religious leaders, as well.
We're not here to sort out the actual historical facts of the crucifixion and death of Jesus of Nazareth. Rather, our quiz is based on the accounts found in the four gospels -- which actually conflict with each other on many minor points, like who really went to the tomb on the third morning and found it empty. Which account you believe -- or whether you believe any of it at all -- is up to you. And, y'know, the Man Upstairs!
