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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Chesterton, how do mythologies differ from religion?

2. What place does Chesterton say was the center of antiquity?

3. What does Chesterton imply made the difference in the battle of Carthage and Rome?

4. If men were like other animals, what does Chesterton argue that we should see?

5. Which of the following is NOT one of the elements Chesterton says are popularly believed to be the root of religion?

Short Essay Questions

1. To what depiction of the cave-man does Chesterton most object and why?

2. What parallel does Chesterton make between social structure and cannibalism? Explain.

3. Summarize Chesterton's explanation of the battle between Carthage and Rome.

4. How does Chesterton describe the religious experience of the Carthaginians?

5. Explain where, according to Chesterton, we find religion and reason and how they interact.

6. How does Chesterton define the view of non-Christians who live in a Christian society?

7. Explain how Chesterton uses Egypt and Babylon to further his arguments.

8. Explain how, according to Chesterton, monotheistic religion becomes polytheistic.

9. How does Chesterton refute the idea that religion came from people's experiences with authority, dreams, and the cycles of life?

10. How does Troy and the Iliad enter into Chesterton's argument?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the chapter titled "God and Comparative Religion", Chesterton refers to the Book of Job as one of the cornerstones of the world. Write an essay about the Book of Job.

Part 1. What is the Book of Job? When was it written and by whom? Where does it remain as religious text?

Part 2. Summarize the Book of Job, including the content of the conversations.

Part 3. What primary and important topics or themes are discussed in the book? Why are they pivotal?

Part 4. What is your personal belief regarding some of these topics. Do you feel the Book of Job offers valuable and useful insight? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Chesterton thoroughly analyzes the meanings behind the nativity of Christ. Pick another scene from religion, life, or literature and do the same with it.

Part 1. Explain the scene and where it came from.

Part 2. What elements are full of meaning? What do they signify or mean?

Part 3. You must have chosen this scene because it has some particular impact or beauty. Why did you choose it? Why is it important to you?

Essay Topic 3

Chesterton uses cave paintings as the basis for a general statement about mankind.

Part 1. Write a brief introduction to cave paintings. When and where were they created? What do they depict?

Part 2. What does Chesterton assert about cave paintings?

Part 3. How does Chesterton use cave paintings as a way to refute some of the scientific theories of his time?

Part 4. What general conclusion about mankind does Chesterton make? What is his logic in reaching this conclusion?

(see the answer keys)

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