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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 can things deeply hidden in memory be recalled?

2. What does the study of the Platonist do for his study of Christian scripture?

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

4. What is one definition of evil?

5. What tempts Augustine in this part of his life?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Augustine say about formlessness?

2. What does Augustine say about writing his confession?

3. What does Augustine say about the heavens?

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

5. What does Augustine decide to do by the end of Book VII and how does his mother feel about his decision?

6. What does Augustine decide to do at the beginning of Book IX? How does he do it?

7. Discuss the idea Augustine had about the beginning of all and on time.

8. Augustine says why people hate the truth. What does he say about the truth?

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

10. By the beginning of Book VII, how does Augustine begin to think of God?

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

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 3

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?

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