View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Book II, Chapter XVII, who is given the knowledge of the divine?
(a) No one.
(b) Only priests.
(c) Everyone.
(d) Not everyone.

2. Who does the author use as an example of the yearning for God that takes place in the second night of darkness?
(a) Rachel.
(b) Mary, mother of Jesus.
(c) Ruth.
(d) Mary Magdalene.

3. In Dark Night of the Soul, the soul praises the darkness from which it has escaped what?
(a) Sensual affections.
(b) Mortal sin.
(c) The danger zone.
(d) God's wrath.

4. St. John describes the soul feeling as if it is losing ground when in reality it is just doing what?
(a) Becoming more godlike.
(b) Committing sin.
(c) Separating from the body.
(d) Exploring new territory.

5. What happens at the same time the soul is yearning for God in Book II, Chapter XI?
(a) The love of friends gives comfort.
(b) The fire of God burns the soul.
(c) The forces of evil burn the soul.
(d) The comfort of God gives peace.

6. What is the main topic of discussion in Book II, Chapter XV?
(a) A chapter from the Bible.
(b) The author's beliefs on marriage.
(c) The second stanza of the poem.
(d) The first stanza of the poem.

7. The author states that people can only move on the ladder when they have a feeling of what for themselves?
(a) Forgiveness.
(b) Contempt.
(c) Strength.
(d) Pride.

8. What are souls on the sixth step granted, according to St. John?
(a) Eternal life.
(b) Magical powers.
(c) Things which they ask for.
(d) Immense wealth.

9. In Book II, Chapter XXIII, what does the devil give the believer that stays with him disturbing the soul for a long period of time?
(a) Access to hell.
(b) Addictions to sin.
(c) Painful memories.
(d) Horrible thoughts and visions.

10. Who does the author cite as someone who has seen the spiritual ladder?
(a) Joseph.
(b) Jacob.
(c) Jeremias.
(d) Moses.

11. How does the author compare God's trail as He leads the soul on the journey through the dark night?
(a) A dive off a cliff.
(b) The circle of life.
(c) A walk on the sea.
(d) The flight of a bird.

12. When is a person supposed to start climbing the secret ladder?
(a) After death.
(b) After passing through the dark night.
(c) When first believing in God.
(d) Directly after birth.

13. From what does the garment of hope protect the soul, according to Book II, Chapter XXI?
(a) Things of the world.
(b) God's love.
(c) God's wrath.
(d) The seven deadly sins.

14. What does the garment of charity provide for the wearer, as described by the author?
(a) A pleasing soul for God.
(b) Protection from sin.
(c) Release from guilt.
(d) Obedience to God.

15. How does the author conclude his work?
(a) Describing the author's own plans to achieve divinity.
(b) Describing ways to atone for sin.
(c) Describing the properties gained through passing through the dark night.
(d) Describing the way the devil will try to seduce believers after reading the book.

Short Answer Questions

1. The use of the term "dark night" throughout Dark Night of the Soul by St. John is an example of what?

2. According to St. John, on what step does the soul seek to do something worthy of God without any favor from God?

3. What does the author call things that stop the human soul from seeking God?

4. What happens to human senses, according to the author, when a human is in the darkness?

5. What state does St. John say the soul is in when it has a chance to escape from bondage of the world?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 586 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample