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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. Without passing through the dark night, the author says that people are still what of their natural desires and wants?

2. St. John describes the soul feeling as if it is losing ground when in reality it is just doing what?

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

4. 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?

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

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 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?

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

4. In Book II, Chapter XI, what does the author say the soul will want to do after it has received the love for God?

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

6. What is St. John's explained purpose for writing the book Dark Night of the Soul in Book II, Chapter XXII?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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