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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. With what word in the scriptures is Augustine particularly fascinated?

2. Where does Augustus go for the Vintage holiday?

3. To what does Augustine come to think the predictions of astrologists are due?

4. What do we remember when we are sad?

5. How does Victorinus become a Christian?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What does Augustine say about formlessness?

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

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

5. What does Augustine say about writing his confession?

6. How does Augustine see different interpretations of Scripture?

7. Why does Augustine feel a sort of schizophrenia?

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

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

10. What does Augustine say about the heavens?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The concept of evil is one that Augustine writes about throughout his Confessions. Discuss one of the following ideas:

1. What are the different ways Augustine defines evil as he changes? Give specific examples.

2. Do you view the actions of Augustine as a young man as evil? Why or why not? Use specific examples from the text and discuss the examples in depth in relation to the question.

3. Do you believe most people have a concept of evil, even those who might be considered truly evil by a general consensus across cultures? Briefly explain what might be a universal concept of evil.

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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