The Christ Commission Ch 1

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Questions and Answers

What was the purpose of Matthew Lawrence's trip to NBC's Burbank Studios?

To participate in a television show (correct)

To promote a new book

To attend a personal appearance event

To meet with public relations representatives

How did Matthew feel during the car ride to the studio compared to previous media appearances?

Completely at ease and relaxed

Indifferent and unconcerned

More tense than during past appearances (correct)

More excited than ever before

What phrase did Matthew find to be banal when responding to fans?

Thank you for your support!

I appreciate your feedback

It means a lot to me

You're very kind (correct)

What was Matthew's reaction to the driver's praise?

Matthew felt embarrassed but acknowledged the comment Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason Matthew felt it was unnecessary to go on tour?

His books were already best-sellers. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Matthew consider staying in his room during the event?

To enjoy a quiet evening watching television Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following authors was NOT mentioned as a comparison to the Matthew's work?

Raymond Chandler Signup and view all the answers

Who was NOT introduced to Matthew in the green room?

Elia Kazan Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment did Matthew express regarding his promotional tour experience?

He enjoyed it and found it worthwhile. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the concerns of the other guests before the show began?

They were worried about their performances. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main objective of Vitellius's commission sent to Judaea?

To investigate rumors about Jesus's resurrection Signup and view all the answers

What was the planned method for the commission to undermine the resurrection claims?

By showing that Jesus's body was stolen Signup and view all the answers

Why did Matthew choose the sixth year after the crucifixion as the setting for the book?

Because most witnesses were still alive at that time Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion does Matthew hope the Christ Commission will reach by the end of the book?

That there is no evidence to support Jesus's resurrection Signup and view all the answers

What did Johnny express surprise at regarding Matthew's work?

That it attempts to prove Jesus did not rise from the dead Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following individuals was NOT mentioned as a witness the commission intended to interrogate?

Judas Iscariot Signup and view all the answers

What emotional reaction did the audience exhibit towards Matthew’s statements?

Confusion and hostility Signup and view all the answers

What was the total estimated number of books sold by Matthew?

Eighty million copies Signup and view all the answers

What type of project has Matthew been struggling with for over twenty years?

A biblical novel about the life of Jesus Signup and view all the answers

Who is the well-known host mentioned in the conversation?

Johnny Carson Signup and view all the answers

What was Matthew's feeling just before making an appearance on the program?

Longing for his quiet time on Camelback Mountain Signup and view all the answers

What does Matthew's unfinished manuscript involve?

An investigation into the death of Jesus by Roman tribunes Signup and view all the answers

What does Matthew think about many authors after their books are published?

They should be locked up to avoid harming their book sales Signup and view all the answers

What significant event does Matthew reference regarding the House Committee?

Re-examination of the Kennedy and King deaths Signup and view all the answers

What was Johnny Carson's initial question to Matthew about his number of appearances?

Why haven't we had you on before? Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Matt Lawrence's Appearance on The Tonight Show

Matt Lawrence, a mystery novelist, is about to make his 61st media appearance in 20 days
Lawrence is visibly nervous despite his experience with other talk shows (Donahue, Merv Griffin, Snyder, Dinah Shore)
Lawrence's books are popular with fans and are often compared to mystery greats like Rex Stout, Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes.
Lawrence recounts his conversation with a fan who describes his books as "smar-r-rt" and "better than those old Sherlock Holmes things."
Despite his wife's advice, Lawrence went on the book tour for a change of pace, hoping to find fresh material for his books.
Lawrence reveals he is working on a biblical mystery novel that takes place six years after the crucifixion of Jesus.
The novel, titled "The Christ Commission," explores an official Roman investigation into the resurrection of Jesus.
The novel's premise hinges on the idea that a commission of Roman tribunes are tasked with proving that Jesus did not rise from the dead.
Lawrence reveals his personal belief, after years of research, that Jesus did not rise from the dead.
This revelation sparks outrage among the audience.
Lawrence's comments on the "hoax" of the resurrection of Jesus lead to a hostile reaction, causing an uproar in the studio.

Matt's Appearance on the Tonight Show

Matt appears on the Tonight Show, hosted by Johnny Carson.
Matt's appearance is marked by his controversial statement about Jesus Christ being a "hoax."
A woman in the audience reacts with anger toward Matt during the show.

Matt's Interaction with the Chauffeur

Matt's chauffeur is surprised that he is being taken back to the hotel.
The chauffeur expresses his excitement about having Matt as a guest.

Matt's Phone Call with Kitty

Kitty is shocked and dismayed by Matt's actions on the show.
Kitty worries about the consequences of Matt's statements.
Kitty asks Matt to avoid drinking heavily after the show.

Matt's Experience at the Granada Room

Matt watches the Tonight Show broadcast in the Granada Room.
The people in the bar are mostly insurance salesmen.
The room is filled with noise and commotion.

Matt's Confrontation with the Texas Man

A large, aggressive man approaches Matt in the bar.
The man is angry about Matt's comments on the show.
The man punches Matt, knocking him unconscious.

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Description

Join us for a quiz about Matt Lawrence's recent appearance on The Tonight Show. Discover insights into his journey as a mystery novelist, his new book 'The Christ Commission', and the challenges he faced during his book tour. Test your knowledge on his literary influences and the themes explored in his works.