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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 IX, what is required for a man to possess for his soul to be illuminated with divine light?

2. In Dark Night of the Soul during the dark night, the soul learns that by itself it is what?

3. In Book I, Chapter II, what sin do beginners exhibit when they choose leaders who agree with their views?

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

5. What does the spirit of a man search for in the darkness?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Book II, Chapter X, how does the divine fire of God teach about the state of souls in purgatory?

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

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

4. How does the author compare divine light to sunlight?

5. How does a soul feel while experiencing the dark night and what happens during any period of rest in the dark night in Book II, Chapter VII?

6. How does St. John say a person changes when his spirit becomes united with God and how does his understanding of love change?

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

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

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

10. How does a Christian feel during the three kinds of pain that afflict him when the divine and human meet in one during the dark night, according to the author?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The use of analogies within Dark Night of the Soul is abundant. St. John often re-describes his explanations by comparing the experience with an analogy. By using support from the text, respond with an essay to the following:

1) Name and define at least three analogies used within Dark Night of the Soul.

2) What is the author's purpose in using analogies within his writing? What does the reader gain from reading the analogies?

Essay Topic 2

After completely passing through the two dark nights of spirituality, a proficient Christian is at last unified with God. St. John explains that there are three properties that the soul gains as a result of passing through the purification of the dark night. Write an essay answering the following by using supporting examples from the text:

1) What are the three properties the soul gains after being purified by the dark night?

2) Do the senses or sin affect the spirit after the dark night has passed within a person's life?

3) How does a soul become transformed by these three properties? What does that mean in a Christian's relationship with God?

Essay Topic 3

The knowledge and the experience of the dark night, as well as the ladder of spirituality, are considered secret. These occurrences are even defined as indescribable. With supporting examples, answer the following:

1) Why are the experiences of the dark night and the ladder of spirituality labeled as secret?

2) How does a person learn of the secret things from God? How does God leave no trail of his teachings?

3) Why are there no words to describe the learning the soul gains after passing through the dark night?

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