View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is the soul uncertain of finding its way out in the dark night, according to Book II, Chapter VII?
(a) God has given no direction.
(b) It does not know goodness.
(c) It remembers its evils.
(d) It wants to remain sinful.

2. The soul starts to develop a habit of what during the dark night, as stated in Book I, Chapter XIII?
(a) Strong temptation of sin.
(b) Remembrance of God.
(c) Peaceful sleep.
(d) Identifying sin.

3. On what does the author expound, in Book I, Chapter XI?
(a) The work of another author.
(b) A Bible verse.
(c) God's message to himself.
(d) The poem from the prologue.

4. According to St. John, what happens when beginners try to build their own spirituality instead of waiting on God?
(a) They become frustrated with the progress.
(b) They begin to influence other into sin.
(c) They begin to feel like they no longer need God.
(d) They succeed.

5. What is not encouraged to grow in a sensual friendship, according to Book I, Chapter IV?
(a) True relationships.
(b) Understanding for the other person.
(c) Love for others.
(d) The love of God.

6. To what does St. John compare a new Christian?
(a) A cloud.
(b) A dying flower.
(c) A weed.
(d) A new baby.

7. What is the title of the poem that is introduced in the prologue?
(a) "The Stanzas of the Soul."
(b) "Song of the Soul."
(c) "Song of Songs."
(d) "Mount Carmel."

8. What two things cannot exist in the same person?
(a) Desire and goodwill.
(b) The divine and the natural.
(c) Guilt and pride.
(d) God and the devil.

9. During the dark night, what does the Christian want to do when the spirit of blasphemy descends, according to Book I, Chapter XIV?
(a) Speak out in tongues.
(b) Obey all of God's commands.
(c) Commit suicide.
(d) Speak out loud, blasphemous statements.

10. In Book I, Chapter VIII, what does the first night purify?
(a) Anger.
(b) Mortal sin.
(c) The soul.
(d) The sensual.

11. St. John writes that a person experiencing the dark night might feel as if who has abandoned him?
(a) Neighbors.
(b) His children.
(c) His friends.
(d) His family.

12. What does the spirit of a man search for in the darkness?
(a) Forgiveness.
(b) His soulmate.
(c) His soul.
(d) God.

13. What do beginning Christians feel happens when they grow in faith and deal with suffering for God's sake, according to Book I, Chapter IX?
(a) Their sins worsen.
(b) God suddenly abandons them.
(c) God draws closer to them.
(d) They no longer believe in their faith.

14. In Book I, Chapter VI, what sin are new believers said to be especially prone to because of its sweetness?
(a) Gluttony.
(b) Greed.
(c) Avarice.
(d) Lust.

15. When does the deadening of a person to the presence of sin get refreshed, according to the author?
(a) During a weekly fast.
(b) Whenever in prayer with God.
(c) The second night of purging.
(d) The first night of purging.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Book I, Chapter III, what is the rosary made of?

2. In Book II, Chapter IX, what is required for a man to possess for his soul to be illuminated with divine light?

3. St. John says that almost all beginners will experience what?

4. According to St. John, what kind of day is it when a man searches for God in a divine way instead of a human way?

5. Beside the feelings of poverty, what is necessary to completely purge the spirit?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 560 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample