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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. The author writes that the yearning for God will leave the soul in what state?
(a) Guilty.
(b) Restless.
(c) Innocent.
(d) Comfortable.

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

3. In what is the soul enveloped before passing through the dark night?
(a) A collection of angels.
(b) Evil demons.
(c) A pit of despair.
(d) A cloud of darkness.

4. What is the purpose for writing Dark Night of the Soul that St. John describes?
(a) To spread the word of God.
(b) To help women.
(c) To teach others.
(d) To make money.

5. In Book II, Chapter XXIV, in what state is the soul when the soul is united with divine wisdom after passing through the dark night?
(a) Purgatory.
(b) Perfection.
(c) Sinfulness.
(d) Atonement.

Short Answer Questions

1. 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?

2. What does the soul do on the second step of the ladder of love, according to Book II, Chapter XIX?

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

4. In Book II, Chapter XXIII, why is the soul traveling in concealment through the dark night?

5. What does a believer wear to protect his thoughts from the desires of the world?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the three properties the soul gains after passing the dark night, as described in Book II, Chapter XXV?

2. What is St. John's explained purpose for writing the book Dark Night of the Soul in Book II, Chapter XXII?

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

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

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

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

8. What did God do with Job during the dark night that allowed the devil access to his life, as explained by the author?

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

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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