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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. Which of the following does Lewis NOT see as a major adversary for Christian philosophy?

2. In the title of the essay in Part II, Essay 12, "God in the Dock", the term "in the dock" refers to a condition in which what happens?

3. The problems discussed in Part II, Essay 12, "God in the Dock" mainly stem from criticisms of Christianity from what quarter?

4. Lewis fears that doctrinal issues will be settled with changes in what?

5. Overall, Lewis feels that vivisection should be treated in what way?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the problem in the village described in Part IV, Letter 5, "A Village Experience"?

3. What practical reasons does Lewis give to reject the idea of women serving as priests?

4. According to Lewis' writings in Part II, Essay 15, "Before We Can Communicate", what challenges do Christians face in dealing with non-believing Englishmen?

5. What does Lewis find lacking in the "Liberal" or "Modernist" churches?

6. Why does Lewis believe that the decline of religion occurring at his time was less dramatic than it appeared?

7. What kind of compulsions does Lewis argue against?

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

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

Lewis explains that self-love is a complicated subject for Christians. He states that Jesus' commandment to "love thy neighbor as yourself" is an important contribution of the faith, and it implicitly encourages love of the self. However, he suggests that Christians are also commanded to avoid excessive greed, worldliness, and other symptoms of self-love.

1) Explain the reasons that Lewis gives to suggest that Christians are conflicted over the subject of self love, and discuss why this conflict is more prevalent in Christianity than in other faiths.

2) Discuss some of the dangers that Lewis explains that Christians face in practicing either excessive or insufficient self-love.

3) Explain Lewis' opinion on the subject of self-love within Christianity and discuss the way that he believes Christians should resolve this problem.

Essay Topic 2

Punishment is of major interest to Lewis. He believes strongly in punishment based on "deserts" and believes that the type of punishment a society metes out can have a profound impact on its character and future.

1) Discuss the nature and importance of punishment according to Lewis. What are its aims, and why must it exist in a civilized society?

2) Explain how Lewis believes the concept of punishment is related to the concept of repentance. Detail any similarities between the two.

3) Describe some of the types of punishment that Lewis discusses in the book and explain how he believes these types of punishments will shape the society that practices them.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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