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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. In general, the efforts of figures from Nordic mythology would best be considered which of the following?

2. In the analogy that Lewis uses in Part II, Essay 6, "Meditation in a Toolshed", observing the sun from the cracks of light in the roof of a toolshed is compared to what method of learning and knowing?

3. One theory about ethics and philosophy is that they grew out of what?

4. In the analogy that Lewis uses in Part II, Essay 6, "Meditation in a Toolshed", how can humans observe the "sun" directly?

5. Which of the following is NOT one of the reasons Lewis gives for rejecting the concept of females serving as priests?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Lewis believe that an outside-in perspective is impossible to attain?

2. How does Lewis feel about the Anglican church allowing Catholic-like invocation of the saints?

3. Why is Lewis opposed to giving all men a "right to happiness"?

4. According to Lewis, how might vivisection be justified?

5. Why does Lewis reject the creation of a Christian political party?

6. Why is Lewis opposed to the commercialism of Christmas?

7. What is Lewis' opinion about Christian literature?

8. What kind of compulsions does Lewis argue against?

9. According to Lewis' writings in Part II, Essay 10, "Modern Translations of the Bible", how do translations of the bible change over time?

10. According to Lewis' writings in Part II, Essay 2, "Two Ways with the Self", what apparent contradiction exists in Christianity regarding self-love, and how is it resolved?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Dogma is the more or less unchanging set of beliefs and rules that establish and maintain a religion's identity. Although often vehemently despised by materialist thinkers and liberal churches, Lewis contends that dogma is an important component of faith and essential for a mature religion.

1) Explain what dogma is, especially in the Christian church, and how and why is remains unchanging. Explain one element of Christian dogma that has not changed significantly in a very long time.

2) Discuss the problems that outsiders, liberal thinkers, and materials have with dogma.

3) Explain how dogma aids a religion in maintaining its cohesion, and explain Lewis' suggestion that dogma's unchanging nature is a strength, and not a weakness.

Essay Topic 2

The theory of humanitarian punishment emphasizes rehabilitation and therapy for criminals. Although many can empathize with this approach, Lewis contends that there are significant practical problems that it can lead to.

1) Explain the humanitarian theory of punishment and how it differs from traditional method of punishment. What type of punishment would most criminals prefer to have brought against them?

2) Discuss some of the reasons that Lewis gives to explain why the humanitarian theory is embraced and supported. What apparent advantages does it have?

3) Explain in detail Lewis' argument against this approach to punishment, and describe the problems that he associates with it.

Essay Topic 3

Lewis recognizes the supreme importance of a human being's right to pursue happiness, but he loudly opposes anyone's explicit right to happiness itself.

1) Discuss the concepts of a "right to happiness" and a "right to pursue happiness" according to Lewis, and explain their differences.

2) Explain Lewis opinion regarding the importance of the right to pursue happiness within a free, democratic, and capitalist society.

3) Explain the way that Lewis believes that attempting to guarantee a right to happiness will lead inexorably to severe social problems.

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