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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. When the souls on earth are purged, with what do they become infused, according to Book II, Chapter XII?
(a) Guilt and suffering.
(b) Freedom and pain.
(c) Grace and redemption.
(d) Love and wisdom.

2. According to St. John, how many believers will reach the union with God without going through trials?
(a) Some women.
(b) Only priests.
(c) All men.
(d) None.

3. Who else can descend and ascend upon the spiritual ladder besides men, according to Book II, Chapter XIII?
(a) Children.
(b) Angels.
(c) Devils.
(d) Animals.

4. What is St. John's purpose in using repetition throughout Dark Night of the Soul?
(a) To show off his writing skills.
(b) To help the reader predict the next chapter's subject matter.
(c) To show his authority over the reader.
(d) To aid the reader's understanding.

5. Once a soul has received the love from God after the dark night, it will only want to do what, as described by St. John?
(a) Work for and love God.
(b) Pray for forgiveness.
(c) Pray for other's forgiveness.
(d) Commit sins.

Short Answer Questions

1. St. John describes the soul feeling as if it is losing ground when in reality it is just doing what?

2. Why, according to St. John, does God give the devil access to the life of a believing Christian?

3. In Book II, Chapter XI, the soul would miss the spiritual love and affection of what if it was to go away?

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

5. In Book II, Chapter XXI, what color represents the garment of faith?

Short Essay Questions

1. As discussed in Book II, Chapter XXIV, when will the soul finally find peace and rest? Why?

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

3. In Book II, Chapter XXIII, what does the devil know about what is happening to a soul during the dark night and what does the devil do about it?

4. 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?

5. In Book II, Chapter XVIII, how does the soul move upon the spiritual ladder?

6. In Book II, Chapter XVI, why does the author say that it is necessary for man to learn to walk in the darkness?

7. How does St. John of the Cross use Mary Magdalene as an example of a soul passing through the second night of darkness?

8. 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?

9. In Book II, Chapter XI, what does the author say the soul will want to do after it has received the love for God?

10. In Book II, Chapter XXI, what are the colors of the disguise of the soul on the secret ladder, and what do they represent?

(see the answer keys)

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