Nicky Cruz and David Wilkerson: The Cross and the Switchblade Encounter Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What crimes were the Mau Maus involved in?

Drug trafficking and arson

Identity theft and cyber crimes

Drugs, alcohol consumption, and fighting rival gangs (correct)

Robbery and extortion

How did Nicky initially react when he met David Wilkerson?

He shook his hand politely

He spat at him and threatened to kill him (correct)

He invited him for a meal

He asked him to join the gang

What did David Wilkerson tell Nicky when he spat at him?

"I will leave the gang's turf immediately"

"You were right to spit at me"

"Let's fight it out"

"Jesus prayed for their forgiveness" (correct)

How did the other gangs mainly respond when David Wilkerson invited Nicky and the Mau Maus to a meeting?

They made fun of David Wilkerson and his belief in Jesus Signup and view all the answers

Where did Nicky go back to in the Summer of 1960 to talk to his former gang about Jesus?

Mau Maus' turf Signup and view all the answers

What positive change did Nicky help Maria achieve?

Changing her life from being a drug-addict and thief Signup and view all the answers

What was Nicky Cruz's original nickname as a child?

Sweetie Pie Signup and view all the answers

What type of criminal activities was Nicky Cruz involved in as he grew up?

Burglary, theft, muggings, and attempted murder Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Nicky Cruz at the mass revival meeting led by Billy Graham in 1958?

He was converted to evangelical Christianity Signup and view all the answers

What was the focus of Nicky Cruz's religious ministry after his conversion?

Focusing primarily on youth outreach Signup and view all the answers

Where was Nicky Cruz born?

New York City Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary focus of Cruz's initial ministry?

Youth outreach and engagement Signup and view all the answers

What was the title of Cruz's autobiography that became a best-seller in 1963?

The Cross and the Switchblade Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the group called 'The Teenagers' that Cruz formed?

To help teenagers struggling with gang life Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary criticism of Cruz's conversion story in 'The Cross and the Switchblade'?

It did not align with the timeline of Billy Graham's ministry Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary criticism of Cruz's evangelism methods?

They used fear and the threat of hell to convert people Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Mau Maus Street Gang

The Mau Maus were a street gang in New York City in the 1950s, involved in drugs, drinking, and fighting rival gangs.
Many members were arrested for violent crimes, including stabbing rival gang members.

Nicky Cruz's Life

Nicky Cruz was born on August 7, 1940, in New York City.
He grew up in poverty, with abusive parents who engaged in criminal activities.
He joined the Latin Kings gang at age 8 and adopted the nickname "Sweetie Pie," later changing it to "Bobby Sweet" and eventually "Nicky Cruz."
By age 18, he was involved in burglary, theft, muggings, and attempted murder.

Conversion to Christianity

In 1958, Nicky Cruz attended a mass revival meeting led by Billy Graham, which changed his life.
He decided to follow Christ and began preaching in the streets, eventually addressing a crowd of thousands at the 1959 New York City Crusade.

Ministry Work

Nicky Cruz established Youth for Christ clubs, providing a safe space for teenagers to engage in religious activities.
He formed a group called The Teenagers, aimed at young people struggling with gang life.
The Teenagers became a model for youth-oriented evangelism across the United States.

Books and Television

In 1963, Nicky Cruz wrote his autobiography, "The Cross and the Switchblade," which became a best-seller.
The book was later turned into a movie in 1970, starring Pat Boone and Ernest Borgnine.

Family Life and Personal Details

Nicky Cruz married his wife, Anne, in December 1963, and they had five children together.
He has a son from a previous relationship.

Controversies and Criticisms

Some have questioned the accuracy of Nicky Cruz's conversion story, pointing out inconsistencies and discrepancies.
Critics have accused him of using fear to convert people and of not disclosing his criminal past more openly.
His initial ministry was criticized for its association with the Moral Rearmament movement, a controversial organization with a history of links to right-wing politics and anti-Semitism.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the encounter between Nicky Cruz, a former Mau Mau member, and David Wilkerson, a preacher, that eventually led to a transformation in Nicky's life. Learn about their initial meeting, the challenges they faced, and the impact it had on Nicky Cruz.