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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Book II, Chapter IV, what is purged on the second night of darkness?

2. St. Johns states that believers react to God similarly to what?

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

4. Where do the afflictions of the second night of darkness affect a man, as stated in Book II, Chapter VII?

5. What is the topic of the prologue?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Dark Night of the Soul, what is spiritual sloth?

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

3. What happens during the first night of the dark night, as discussed in Book II, Chapter III?

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

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

6. Why does the author quote the sufferings of Job and Jeremias in Book II, Chapter VII?

7. How does the author describe the condition of beginners on their journey of faith?

8. What are the three types of pain that result from human and divine meeting in one, as discussed in Book II, Chapter VI?

9. Why must the soul face the darkness even though there is only misery there, as described in Book II, Chapter IX?

10. In Book II, Chapter V, what reasons are given for the dark night to be named "dark" and not "light"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

While a believer is on the secret ladder of spirituality, the soul must wear a disguise. St. John is very specific in his depiction of the disguise and its purpose. Respond with supporting examples to the following:

1) What is the purpose of the disguise the soul wears while on the ladder? Can a soul reach unity with God without wearing a disguise?

2) List and define the different layers of the disguise as related by St. John.

3) What do each color and layer of the disguise represent?

Essay Topic 2

The soul becomes transformed after passing through the dark night and starts to yearn and becomes overwhelmed with the power and depth of God. Answer the following with supporting examples:

1) How does the soul act after receiving a love for God after passing through the dark night?

2) Why does the soul enter into a restless state after understanding the power of God's love?

3) Why would the soul miss the spirit of God if it were ever to leave?

Essay Topic 3

The light of divine illumination comes only after a soul has experienced the dark night. St. John explains divine light by referencing the rays of sunlight. Respond to the following with supporting examples:

1) What is divine light?

2) Explain how divine light acts similarly to sunlight.

3) Why does divine light only illuminate within a soul that has passed through the dark night?

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