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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. That author writes that during the dark night while purging the soul, a Christian might feel so much pain that is seems as he is where?

2. The dark night refers to the darkness of what?

3. In Book I, Chapter III, what is the rosary made of?

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

5. In Book II, Chapter I, what does the beginning Christian become after passing through the dark night?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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?

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

5. In Book I, Chapter XI, what is the Christian's new desire upon being ignited with the spirit of love?

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

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

8. Describe how the devil uses spiritual activity to place an impure thought in a believer's head, as described in Dark Night of the Soul.

9. What are the symptoms of the sin of pride, according to St. John?

10. In Book I, Chapter VI, why are new believers especially prone to the sin of gluttony?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

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