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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. As described in Book II, Chapter II, what are deeply rooted in the spirit of a person and must be removed by the purging of the soul?
(a) Habitual imperfections.
(b) Spiritual imperfections.
(c) Mortal sin.
(d) The seven deadly sins.

2. A peaceful time with God will spark the spirit of what, according to the author?
(a) Contempt for sin.
(b) Love in the soul.
(c) God's mercy.
(d) Peace.

3. In Book II, Chapter IV, what is purged on the second night of darkness?
(a) All unclean thoughts.
(b) All mortal sins.
(c) Only the sensual part of the soul.
(d) Both parts of the soul together.

4. St. John says that it becomes clear which parts are purified and which are still not purified during what time in the dark night?
(a) The beginning.
(b) The darkest point.
(c) Periods of rest.
(d) The end.

5. St. John says that in periods of affliction during the dark night, the soul may feel as if what will never go away?
(a) Anger.
(b) God.
(c) Pain.
(d) Sin.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to St. John, what happens when beginners try to build their own spirituality instead of waiting on God?

2. What does the spirit of a man search for in the darkness?

3. What does the author say the devil uses against beginners who have pride?

4. What is not encouraged to grow in a sensual friendship, according to Book I, Chapter IV?

5. St. John says that the dark night causes the soul to gain a healthy respect for what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some of the benefits described in Book I, Chapter XIII of a soul that has been purified by the dark night?

2. In Book I, Chapter XI, what is the Christian's new desire upon being ignited with the spirit of love?

3. In Dark Night of the Soul, what is the difference between habitual imperfections and actual imperfections?

4. What is the purpose of the Dark Night of the Soul as described in the prologue?

5. How does St. John say a person changes when his spirit becomes united with God and how does his understanding of love change?

6. In Book II, Chapter X, how does the divine fire of God teach about the state of souls in purgatory?

7. In Book I, Chapter XII, what is the main benefit for the soul as it travels through the night of darkness?

8. What does the author say is the sign that the dark night has begun?

9. How does the author compare divine light to sunlight?

10. What does St. John say must change in a person in order for the divine and the human to exist within the same person?

(see the answer keys)

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