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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 is Augustine a paradox within himself?

2. What does Hortensius promote?

3. What is the name of a book Augustine wrote that he later lost?

4. What does Alypius finally give up doing?

5. What about Augustine are both of his parents proud?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Augustine's initial conversion to Christianity come about?

2. How does Augustine feel about the Christianity he comes in contact with and what does he observe about the morals of Christians?

3. What does Augustine fear about the effect of studying pagan myths when he was young?

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

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

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

7. What does Augustine believe about the men in the Bible and how does he apply that to people in general?

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

9. Where does Augustine want to move and why?

10. What does Augustine's parents want for him?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In book V, Augustine wants to move to Rome, in Italy. He hears that the students are much more disciplined there. In Carthage, students would walk in and out of class during a lecture and certain students would be very disruptive. Augustine hears that this type of behavior is not tolerated at schools in Rome.

1. Compare and contrast students in that age to those in the present day.

2. What do you think it means to be a "student?" Give examples and think about this idea "outside the box." Can you relate your ideas to Augustine as a student?

3. What do you think it means to be a "teacher?" Give examples and think about this idea "outside the box." Can you relate your ideas to Augustine as a teacher?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

In book VII, Augustine rejects astrology after speaking to an old man Vindicianus, and also due to the arguments of his friend Nebridius. They both say that the predictions of astrologists are purely a matter of chance, plus taking into account a person's condition, wealth, and circumstances. Discuss one of the following ideas:

1. What do you think Augustine's Christian beliefs would say about the concept of astrology? Use examples from the text and your own knowledge.

2. Why do you think many people in those times believed in astrology? Do you think the people who believe in astrology today do so for the same reasons?

3. Do you think science has disproved the validity of astrology? Why or why not? Discuss thoroughly.

4. What do you think about the thoughts of Augustine's two friends who say that the predictions of astrologists are purely a matter of chance, plus taking into account a person's condition, wealth, and circumstances?

(see the answer keys)

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