He was Born Where?

I've always been a fan of religion classes. They're inspiring, uplifting, beneficial to my salvation, and simply serve their purpose in helping me more fully understand the gospel. We are always taught the grades we receive in religion classes do not reflect the "grade" of our spirituality. While I've for the most part been in harmony with this concept, I will admit that my most recent exam had me wondering if I really am as "spiritual" as I "should" be.

This summer I decided to sign up for a New Testament class. It was a last minute decision, and my rationale revolved around my goal to graduate a semester early. After reading the positive reviews on ratemyprofessor.com, I felt even more assured the addition wouldn't sway me too far from my other classes. On the first day my professor outlined the course and his expectations. I was excited because he seemed personable, and well-learned about the four gospels. And while the homework load seemed intense, his continual jokes throughout the class period had me sure I could meet expectations.

In anticipation for the first exam I was careful to complete all the reading assignments, questions and practice sheets. I read every piece of supplemental instruction recommended. And, I even read the assigned chapters three times more. I was set and ready to go...or so I thought. Confidently I walked to the Grant Building, sure that I had done my best to prepare. Fortunately, there were no lines. I picked up my test, opened the door, and scanned the large testing room for an available seat.

Upon sitting down, I looked at the first question on the exam: Where was Jesus born?

Shoot!

My mind totally blanked. "Uh...C'mon, C'mon you know this!" Again, my mind blanked. For 5 minutes my mind blanked. I scanned the answers:
A.) Caupernaum
B.) Bethlehem-Judah
C.) Bethlehem-David
D.) Nazareth.

While forgetting the birthplace of Jesus is humiliating, I can't help but laugh at the hilarity of it. Even after all the years of Christmas stories and nativities, singing Christmas songs, and talking about Luke 2, I couldn't for the life of my come up with an answer. I knew it had to be either B, C or D. "OK, I know that Jesus grew up in Nazareth but was he born there?" More analysis. "I really want to say Bethlehem, but what if my wrong?" The battle of second guessing myself continued for 30 more seconds. Finally, I chose my answer. By the way, I'm not telling which Bethlehem I chose.

From this experience I could conclude that my spirituality is seriously lacking. After all, what little kid, or LDS person doesn't know that Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem? Or, I could fall back on the argument that multiple choice tests make me super nervous, which is why I totally blanked when I sat down. I'll let my critics decide. As for now, I better read Luke 2 again...just to make sure everything is clear.