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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. According to St. John, how many believers will reach the union with God without going through trials?
2. The author says that the first step on the ladder is similar to the way a person acts when they are in the early stage of what?
3. In Dark Night of the Soul, the soul praises the darkness from which it has escaped what?
4. 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?
5. From what does the garment of hope protect the soul, according to Book II, Chapter XXI?
Short Essay Questions
1. In Book II, Chapter XVI, why does the author say that it is necessary for man to learn to walk in the darkness?
2. From where does St. John say the image of the spiritual ladder is derived?
3. 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?
4. Why does the author say that people who have never passed through the dark night understand spiritual freedom?
5. 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?
6. What are the three properties the soul gains after passing the dark night, as described in Book II, Chapter XXV?
7. What is St. John's explained purpose for writing the book Dark Night of the Soul in Book II, Chapter XXII?
8. 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?
9. 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?
10. Why is the experience of the dark night and the spiritual ladder called "secret," as explained by the author?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
The seven deadly sins recognized by the Catholic Church are said to be an evil influence in a beginning Christian's life. St. John wrote how a new believer was strongly influenced by these sins in Dark Night of the Soul. Write an essay answering the following with support:
1) What are the seven deadly sins that plague a beginning Christian's life as described by St. John?
2) How do these sins influence the way a person acts in relationship to one's faith in Christianity?
3) How are these sins overcome in a person's life?
Essay Topic 2
The second night of darkness inflicts even greater pain upon the soul than the first night. Answer the following questions with supporting examples:
1) Why is the second night of darkness even more painful than the first?
2) What happens to the soul after periods of rest during this night? Why?
3) What examples from the Bible does St. John use to help illustrate the pain of the second night of darkness?
Essay Topic 3
The soul becomes transformed after passing through the dark night and starts to yearn and becomes overwhelmed with the power and depth of God. Answer the following with supporting examples:
1) How does the soul act after receiving a love for God after passing through the dark night?
2) Why does the soul enter into a restless state after understanding the power of God's love?
3) Why would the soul miss the spirit of God if it were ever to leave?
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This section contains 1,017 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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