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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. What does the faithful begin doing under the guidance of Ambrose?

2. How can memory make you unhappy?

3. What is the heaven of heavens?

4. If two people both believe in the word of God, what can be fruitful?

5. From what is a human being, no matter how saintly, never fully free?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the story Augustine hears from Ponticianus and what does the story do to Augustine?

2. Why does Augustine feel a sort of schizophrenia?

3. What does Augustine say about his mother's upbringing and some of her behaviors as a married woman?

4. How does Augustine describe wisdom?

5. What is Alypius' view of Jesus and what is Augustine's?

6. What does Augustine say about the past, future and present?

7. What happened at the church in Milan and what Christian tradition was started there?

8. What does Augustine say about music and pleasure?

9. What does Augustine say about the heavens?

10. What does Augustine say about memory?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

In Book IX, Augustine is still angry with the Manicheans, because for so long he used their excuse of a man's soul being divided between a soul of darkness and a soul of light. Now, Augustine sees that all of his actions are his soul's responsibility. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Augustine is finally "growing up" when he realizes he is responsible for the choices he makes? Why or why not?

2. Do you think that the people who are influenced by others to commit immoral or evil acts are ultimately responsible for their own actions?

3. What about evil actions that a person commits in order to save his/her own life? Is there any justification for those choices a person might make?

Essay Topic 3

In Book III, Augustine wonders on the lack of even the basic morality of observance of the Ten Commandments in his vicinity.

1. Of what do you think Augustine believes basic morality consists? Give examples from the text and your personal experience.

2. Do you think Augustine sees a lack of morals because he himself suffers from that lack? In other words, is Augustine projecting his own lack of morals on those around him? Why or why not?

3. Research the ten commandments and choose the two you think Augustine has the most difficulty at this point in his life keeping. What are they? Give examples to demonstrate why you think he does not keep those commandments.

(see the answer keys)

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