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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. What is the term given to a spiritual experience beyond words?
(a) Ecstasy.
(b) Unimaginable.
(c) Futile.
(d) Ineffable.

2. To what is the secret ladder a reference, as mentioned in Book II, Chapter XV?
(a) The ladder of sin.
(b) The ladder of living faith.
(c) The path to becoming like God.
(d) The stairs to heaven.

3. What does that author say the soul finds after passing through the dark night?
(a) Joy and wealth.
(b) Honor and glory.
(c) Strength and divine powers.
(d) Peace and rest.

4. To what can the fifth step of the ladder of love be compared?
(a) A priest and God.
(b) Children and parents.
(c) A starving person and food.
(d) A husband and wife.

5. In what other way does the author describe the passions of man being at rest?
(a) Imprisoned.
(b) Tortured.
(c) Aroused.
(d) Asleep.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what form is the image of the spiritual ladder first found in the Bible?

2. St. John writes that souls on earth are purged with the fire of what?

3. Without passing through the dark night, the author says that people are still what of their natural desires and wants?

4. What stanza from "Stanzas of the Soul" is featured in Book II, Chapter XXV?

5. In Book II, Chapter XVII, who is given the knowledge of the divine?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does a purifying fire of love affect the souls of humans and angels in relation to a closeness with God as described by the author?

2. From where does St. John say the image of the spiritual ladder is derived?

3. Why is the experience of the dark night and the spiritual ladder called "secret," as explained by the author?

4. In Book II, Chapter XIX, what happens on the first three steps of love on the secret ladder?

5. In Book II, Chapter XII, how does the desire of God influence understanding and love on a believer passing through the dark night?

6. What does St. John explain about his poem, "Stanza of the Soul," in Book II, Chapter XXII?

7. Why does a soul have to wear a disguise as it ascends the secret ladder?

8. How does St. John conclude his book in the final chapter?

9. What does St. John say happens on the fourth step of love of the secret ladder? Why does the soul not want favor from God?

10. Why must the soul become numb to natural desires to receive God's strength and a union with God, according to Book II, Chapter XVI?

(see the answer keys)

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