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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. The soul must endure periods of trial, testing, and what else to reach its final state of union with God as described by St. John?

2. What happened to Jeremias and Moses after being infused with the wisdom of God?

3. What does the garment of charity provide for the wearer, as described by the author?

4. What happens on the first step of the ladder, according to Book II, Chapter XIX?

5. In Book II, Chapter XXIII, what does the devil give the believer that stays with him disturbing the soul for a long period of time?

Short Essay Questions

1. 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?

2. How does St. John conclude his book in the final chapter?

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

4. As discussed in Book II, Chapter XXIV, when will the soul finally find peace and rest? Why?

5. Why does the author say that people who have never passed through the dark night understand spiritual freedom?

6. How can a soul reach the sixth step on the secret ladder, as written in Book II, Chapter XX? What do men receive while on this step?

7. Why is the experience of the dark night and the spiritual ladder called "secret," as explained by the author?

8. 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?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Angels are mentioned throughout the text of Dark Night of the Soul and have specific qualities described by St. John. Please respond to the following with examples from the text that support your answer:

1) How are angels portrayed in the text with similar qualities as humans?

2) How does an angel become closer to God in spirituality?

3) What do both angels and humans experience which provides them with a commonality?

Essay Topic 2

The pain that occurs during the dark night is very intense and the author describes three types of pain that happens to the soul during this time. With examples from the text, please respond with examples to the following:

1) What are the three types of pain a soul experiences while going through the dark night of spirituality?

2) What causes this pain to occur?

3) Why is this pain required for the soul in order to emerge from the dark night?

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?

(see the answer keys)

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