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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. Besides concrete detail, what else does the mind remember?

2. Why does Augustine believe it is not the motion of the heavenly bodies that determines the length of a day?

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

4. Who is Simplicianus?

5. What does Simplicianus say Victorinus has to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Augustine say is the use of the senses in dealing with time?

2. Explain why Augustine rejects astrology.

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

4. What does Augustine say about writing his confession?

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

6. What does Augustine say about the heavens?

7. What does Augustine say about music and pleasure?

8. Who is Victorinus and what has he done in his life?

9. How does Augustine see different interpretations of Scripture?

10. What does Augustine think about the Manicheans and why is he angry at them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 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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