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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. What is the first property gained by the soul after passing through the dark night?

2. What does the second property of passing through the dark night allow the soul to see in the darkness, according to Book II, Chapter XXV?

3. In Book II, Chapter XII, what does the spirit of wisdom and love also affects?

4. What does the author say the soul experiences, even during the dark night?

5. In Book II, Chapter XII, what--more than understanding--will be imparted to the soul because of the will of God?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why must the soul become numb to natural desires to receive God's strength and a union with God, according to Book II, Chapter XVI?

4. How is this unification achieved with God, according to Book II, Chapter XXIV?

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

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

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

8. In Book II, Chapter XXIII, what does the devil know about what is happening to a soul during the dark night and what does the devil do about it?

9. Why does a soul have to wear a disguise as it ascends the secret ladder?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The length of the dark night of spirituality and how much pain a soul has to endure is different for every person. Using supporting examples, please respond with an essay to the following:

1) Why does the duration of the dark night and the amount of pain experienced by a soul vary from person to person?

2) Who has the final say in the duration and intensity of the dark night?

3) What is the fate of a soul who is chosen to have extremely intense darkness?

Essay Topic 2

There are ten steps on the secret ladder of spirituality, as described by St. John in Dark Night of the Soul. The soul begins to climb this ladder after passing the dark night. Respond to the following questions with examples that support your answer:

1) From where does the imagery of the spiritual ladder come?

2) What are the ten steps on the ladder?

3) How does a soul reach the last step on the ladder? What does that say about the divine properties of the ladder?

Essay Topic 3

There are signs that a person's soul is starting to enter the dark night; however these signs are sometimes confused with a soul that is suffering from a sinful existence. Answer the following questions with supporting examples:

1) What are the symptoms a person's soul experiences when beginning to enter into the dark night?

2) What are some of the signs a person is suffering from a sinful existence and not really entering into the dark night?

3) How many people truly enter the dark night? Why?

(see the answer keys)

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