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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. Who is Adeodatus?

2. Though Augustine is proficient in learning the sciences and philosophy of his time what is he unable to formulate?

3. Who does Augustine arrange to marry?

4. Upon what does Augustine wonder?

5. Which of Augustine's friends laughed at predicting the future through stargazing?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Augustine foreshadow about philosophy and himself?

4. Basically, what is Confessions about?

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

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

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

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

9. What did Augustine write about that involved a theft of pears and how did he feel about it?

10. What intensifies as Augustine grows into a young man and of what type of behavior does he indulge?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Though Augustine admits that he benefited from his studies of Latin and Greek literature, he resents how he was led astray morally by some of the stories. When he read of Zeus engaging in fornication and being powerful, it also made him want to do these deeds. So, already in boyhood, Augustine sees the struggle to form his moral judgment and not be led astray by popular stories or opinion.

1. Do you agree with Augustine's assertion about the influence the Greek and Latin literature had on his behavior? Why or why not?

2. In today's society there are people who assert that reading books about violent acts cause people to commit violent acts. Do you agree with this idea? Why or why not?

3. How do you think this idea of Augustine's about being led astray has influenced the justice system of the western world?

Essay Topic 2

Augustine's struggles for self-development intensify as he reaches young manhood. He is sunk into sin and lustful behavior. This is the turning point in Augustine's narrative, since it sets up the conflict that will follow and must be resolved by him.

1. What do you think this statement (He is sunk into sin and lustful behavior) means? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Discuss what you believe Augustine's conflict was that he had to resolve.

3. Do you believe Augustine's behavior as a young man would be viewed in the same way in today's world? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 3

Augustine believes that the most of the men who play prominent roles in the Bible were not totally righteous. Discuss the following ideas:

1. What do you think the word "righteous" means within the context of this book?

2. Can an imperfect "messenger" deliver a "perfect" message?

3. Is it realistic to expect any human to be perfectly righteous?

(see the answer keys)

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