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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. According to St. John, what strong desire does a new Christian experience?

2. In Dark Night of the Soul, what does the soul wait for in the second night of darkness?

3. St. John says that the dark night causes the soul to gain a healthy respect for what?

4. Beside the feelings of poverty, what is necessary to completely purge the spirit?

5. What is not encouraged to grow in a sensual friendship, according to Book I, Chapter IV?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What are some of the benefits described in Book I, Chapter XIII of a soul that has been purified by the dark night?

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

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

5. What does St. John say causes the sin of wrath and how does a believer allow this to become a sin in his life?

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

7. How must a believer react when first realizing he has entered the dark night, according to Book I, Chapter X?

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

9. In Book I, Chapter III, what are the symptoms of the sin of avarice?

10. How does God determine how severe a person's trial will be through the dark night?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a separation between the will and the emotions within a person. St. John describes this separation as the reason why the soul can journey through the dark night. Respond with supporting examples:

1) How is the will free from emotions within a human?

2) Why does the soul recognize what it needs and the will of a person does not?

3) How is the separation of the will and the emotions required for a person to pass through the dark night?

Essay Topic 2

There are many benefits a soul will gain when first entering into the dark night. The lessons that the soul is taught during this time is the way to unification with God. Using supporting examples, answer the following questions:

1) What does the soul learn while first entering into the dark night?

2) What is the benefit of a soul understanding it is weak and miserable?

3) What does the phrase "growing up in Christ" mean in relation to the soul?

Essay Topic 3

St. John of the Cross was a very important person in the reformation of the Carmelite order of the Church and has been extremely influential in the history of the Christian faith. Please respond to the following with supporting facts:

1) How did St. John's life influence his faith?

2) How did St. John's faith influence his career?

3) What was St. John's purpose in writing Dark Night of the Soul?

(see the answer keys)

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