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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 specific date does Nicholas say is one of the worst days?

2. What does the Christian gospel focus on telling Christians?

3. What author, in writing about the death of his wife was plainly angry with God?

4. Where is it written "Why do you permit yourself to suffer, O God? If the death of the devout costs you dear, why do you permit it?"

5. What nations does Nicholas mention when he thinks about what it would be like to be a member of a people whose national existence is under attack?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who are the mourners?

2. Why does Nicholas say that his loss is Eric's as well?

3. Does Nicholas believe that God reveals himself?

4. Is Nicholas angry at God because of Eric's death?

5. Why didn't Nicholas plunge back into his work?

6. How is what the Stoics said different from what Jesus said about mourning?

7. What metaphor does Nicholas use to explain faith?

8. In what respects does man mirror God?

9. In Section 8, what is said about what it means to be human?

10. Why does Nicholas say God suffers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss why it is more difficult to bury a child than to bury one's parents. Do you think that Nicholas' position is true? Why or why not? Include textual references in your essay.

Essay Topic 2

Using examples from "Lament for a Son," discuss how Nicholas believes the family can live faithfully and authentically now that Eric is gone.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss why Nicholas chose a lamentation to express the pain he felt regarding Eric's death. Use examples from the book.

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