View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. The author states that people can only move on the ladder when they have a feeling of what for themselves?

2. How many steps are on the ladder of love?

3. The use of the term "dark night" throughout Dark Night of the Soul by St. John is an example of what?

4. St. John says that the knowledge of the divine come to the soul in what way?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. In Book II, Chapter XIX, what happens on the first three steps of love on the secret ladder?

3. How does St. John of the Cross use Mary Magdalene as an example of a soul passing through the second night of darkness?

4. In Book II, Chapter XVI, why does the author say that it is necessary for man to learn to walk in the darkness?

5. In Book II, Chapter XXI, what are the colors of the disguise of the soul on the secret ladder, and what do they represent?

6. From where does St. John say the image of the spiritual ladder is derived?

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

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. In Book II, Chapter XII, how does the desire of God influence understanding and love on a believer passing through the dark night?

10. How can the soul experience the presence of God while in the dark night, as described by the author in Book II, Chapter XIII?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

There are seven points that the author describes about the understanding of divine fire. This fire is special and consumes and purifies the soul at the same time. Use supporting examples to respond to the following:

1) List at least four understandings of divine fire that St. John describes in Dark Night of the Soul.

2) How is divine fire of the soul similar to a log burning in a real fire?

3) How does the comparison of divine fire to a real fire illustrate the concept of a soul burning in purgatory?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 954 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample