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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. How would you characterize Augustine in this Book?

2. Who is Fautus?

3. In what does Augustine try to be honest?

4. At what age does Augustine decide to become a philosopher?

5. On what does Augustine eventually blame his actions?

Short Essay Questions

1. What gives Augustine an excuse to continue following his baser desires?

2. What did Augustine wonder about in relationship to God and the world and what are a couple of the questions he asked?

3. What are Augustine's reflections on life and death?

4. How does Monica feel about Augustine moving and how does he get around her?

5. What does Augustine say about his "sins" as a schoolboy and his teachers reaction to them?

6. Augustine says he wrote Confessions for what reason?

7. What type of religion ensnares Augustine's interest?

8. Who teaches Augustine about astrology and what does he say?

9. How has Augustine solved the problem of his lust and what is the result of this solution?

10. What type of job does Augustine do and where does he get his money?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Book III, Augustin, in reading the philosopher Cicero's book, called Hortensius, first finds in himself the love for truth, or from the Greek derivation, philosophy.

1. Do you think Augustine at this point in his life sees any conflict between philosophy and religion? Why or why not?

2. Do you think later in his life Augustine sees any conflict between philosophy and religion? Why or why not?

3. At the point of Book III, what do you think Augustine sees as the purpose of philosophy? Does this change when he becomes a Christian?

Essay Topic 2

To show their goodness, and what they learn from the Scriptures, men need to help their neighbor, not just in small matters. In this way, men bear gifts as also fruit for the goodness of God. Augustine calls on men to help their neighbors, clothe the naked, and in that way strengthen their ability to know and contemplate God.

1. Do you agree with the above statement? Why or why not?

2. Do you think the above statements supports those who advocate for helping others less fortunate, such as the homeless or orphans? Why or why not?

3. Given that helping those less fortunate is a part of every major religion, do you think it might be an instinct bred in human DNA? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

There is no harm in having different interpretations of the Scriptures, at least as long as various heresies are avoided, according to Augustine. If two people both believe in the word of God, it can even be fruitful to have a debate about different interpretations of the Scriptures.

1. Why do you think different people have different interpretations of religious writings?

2. Do you think different interpretations of writings apply to writings other than religious ones? Explain your reasoning.

3. Discuss the problem with language and why it might lead to different interpretations of the same writings.

(see the answer keys)

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