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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 does the author call things that stop the human soul from seeking God?

2. According to St. John, how many believers will reach the union with God without going through trials?

3. What does St. John say is the purpose of the garment of faith?

4. How does the author compare God's trail as He leads the soul on the journey through the dark night?

5. What can a soul not see beyond until it has been properly purged?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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 XXI, what are the colors of the disguise of the soul on the secret ladder, and what do they represent?

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

6. 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?

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

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

9. 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?

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

The use of analogies within Dark Night of the Soul is abundant. St. John often re-describes his explanations by comparing the experience with an analogy. By using support from the text, respond with an essay to the following:

1) Name and define at least three analogies used within Dark Night of the Soul.

2) What is the author's purpose in using analogies within his writing? What does the reader gain from reading the analogies?

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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