View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When is the only time a soul can ascend to the sixth step?
(a) By God's invitation.
(b) After fasting.
(c) Before becoming baptized.
(d) After death.

2. In what kind of way would the soul respond to God's love if the senses were not numbed?
(a) Grateful.
(b) Impure.
(c) Deceitful.
(d) Joyous.

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

4. Why does the soul become secure after passing through the dark night, according to St. John?
(a) It has forgiven God's mistakes.
(b) It has found itself.
(c) It has become strong in sin.
(d) It has become like God.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. 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?

2. The soul must endure periods of trial, testing, and what else to reach its final state of union with God as described by St. John?

3. With what are the spirits in purgatory purged?

4. In Book II, Chapter XX, what does the soul learn on the tenth step?

5. According to St. John, people who have never experienced a dark night do not understand what this feels like?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is this unification achieved with God, according to Book II, Chapter XXIV?

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

3. How can a soul reach the sixth step on the secret ladder, as written in Book II, Chapter XX? What do men receive while on this step?

4. How can a soul reach the final step on the secret ladder? What happens on this step?

5. What is the author discussing in the second stanza of his poem from the prologue that is further explained in Book II, Chapter XV?

6. 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?

7. How can the soul experience the presence of God while in the dark night, as described by the author in Book II, Chapter XIII?

8. How does St. John describe the trail that God walks as He leads the soul on its journey through the darkness?

9. In Book II, Chapter XV, why does the soul praise the darkness that causes so much pain?

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 806 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample