Quiz for Document Project 19: Moses Mendelssohn: The Enlightenment Debate on Religious Tolerance

1. Question

   With which of these statements would Mendelssohn be most likely to agree (see Document 19.1)?

   A.

   The fact that I am a sincere believer in my own religion does not mean that I believe that all other religions are false.

   B.

   Only the obstinate and the foolish cling to the traditions of their forefathers.

   C.

   Religious belief cannot be called sincere if it does not compel the believer to attempt the conversion of others.

   D.

   Religious belief is at the root of most of the world’s evils, and the world, therefore, would be a better place without religion.

   Correct: The answer is a. Mendelssohn was a sincere and committed Jew, but this did not lead him to the conclusion that the souls of his Christian friends were in peril.

   Incorrect: The answer is a. Mendelssohn was a sincere and committed Jew, but this did not lead him to the conclusion that the souls of his Christian friends were in peril.

   With which of these statements would Mendelssohn be most likely to agree (see Document 19.1)?

2. Question

   Under what circumstances did Mendelssohn believe it was appropriate to attack another person’s religious opinions (see Document 19.1)?

   A.

   If those beliefs contradict the teachings of one’s own religion

   B.

   If those beliefs contradict the truths revealed by one’s own conscience

   C.

   Mendelssohn believed it was never appropriate to attack another person’s religions opinions.

   D.

   If those opinions lead to actions that are harmful to other people

   Correct: The answer is d. Mendelssohn believed that erroneous beliefs did not always produce harm and that only harmful beliefs should be challenged.

   Incorrect: The answer is d. Mendelssohn believed that erroneous beliefs did not always produce harm and that only harmful beliefs should be challenged.

   Under what circumstances did Mendelssohn believe it was appropriate to attack another person’s religious opinions (see Document 19.1)?

3. Question

   What connection did Voltaire make between the history of Toulouse and the fate of Jean Calas (see Document 19.2)?

   A.

   The Jean Calas affair occurred as the town was preparing to celebrate the bicentenary of a massacre of Huguenots.

   B.

   Jean Calas was the third person in Toulouse in as many years to suffer a similar fate.

   C.

   Voltaire pointed out that Toulouse was a known stronghold of the Jesuits.

   D.

   Jean Calas’ ancestors had played a prominent role in the French Wars of Religion.

   Correct: The answer is a. Voltaire stressed Toulouse’s religious past, implying that the city had a long history of fanaticism.

   Incorrect: The answer is a. Voltaire stressed Toulouse’s religious past, implying that the city had a long history of fanaticism.

   What connection did Voltaire make between the history of Toulouse and the fate of Jean Calas (see Document 19.2)?

4. Question

   Which of the following best captures the message of Nathan the Wise (see Document 19.3)?

   A.

   The value of a religion can only be demonstrated by the goodness of the acts that it inspires.

   B.

   All religions are equally false.

   C.

   The truthfulness of a religion can only be demonstrated through rational argument.

   D.

   Faith is the enemy of reason and, therefore, the enemy of true happiness.

   Correct: The answer is a. Like Mendelssohn, Lessing believed that all religions were capable of inspiring virtuous behavior.

   Incorrect: The answer is a. Like Mendelssohn, Lessing believed that all religions were capable of inspiring virtuous behavior.

   Which of the following best captures the message of Nathan the Wise (see Document 19.3)?