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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. One of the lectures presented in Part II, Essay 5, "Two Lectures" suggests that evolution is what?

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

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

4. The general condition of mankind according to Christianity is which of the following?

5. How does Lewis regard scientific progress?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What problem does Lewis identify in the rules discussed in Part IV, Letter 1, "Conditions for a Just War"?

4. What is Lewis' opinion about Christian literature?

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

6. According to Lewis' writings in Part II, Essay 1, "Dangers of National Repentance", what dangers does national repentance present?

7. Why did Lewis believe that the Nazi emphasis on Nordic myth was absurd?

8. Explain some of the problems that Lewis sees as challenges to Christianity in England.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Prayer is an essential part of almost every world religion. Lewis emphasizes that idea that in Christianity, many believe that God can be implored to intervene directly in the world, either miraculously or subtly, and that failure to pray can have a bearing on the outcome of an event.

1) Discuss Lewis' opinion about the importance of prayer in Christianity and other major religions.

2) Explain the typical Christian beliefs about prayer and the ways that God can be asked to intervene.

3) Describe the miraculous and mundane ways that Lewis states Christians believe God can and does intervene in human affairs.

4) Discuss the "paradox of prayer" that Lewis describes, and explain how he is able to resolve the paradox.

Essay Topic 3

Bulverism is the flawed argumentative technique of assuming that the opponent is wrong and then merely explaining how that person came to that flawed belief. Although this technique may sway audiences, and even cause a person to question their beliefs, it does nothing to determine the relative truth of an issue.

1) Explain the concept of Bulverism, how it is employed, and why it is flawed as a method of argument.

2) Discuss some of the common uses of Bulverism in debate, including a discussion of particular subjects that are especially vulnerable to this type of attack.

3) Speculate as to why a person might resort to Bulverism, and whether or not one who argues in this way is arguing honestly and in good faith.

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