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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Preface.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the primary tool for interpretation for the critics that Augustine primarily focuses on in the Preface?
(a) Investigating commentaries produced closer to the time of the authors of Scriptures.
(b) A "special gift" from God.
(c) Intense study of Scripture.
(d) Trial and error application to the situations for which they need Scriptural guidance.

2. Upon what does Augustine focus most of his efforts in the Preface of "On Christian Doctrine"?
(a) Criticism from those who believe it is not needed.
(b) Criticism from those who refuse or are unable to apply it.
(c) Criticism that his demands for linguistic studies were too exclusive.
(d) Criticism from those who claim that Augustine relied too much on training and not enough on divine guidance.

3. Of these influences on individual thought, which does Augustine claim Scripture teaches are negative to Christian thought?
(a) The devil can mislead someone to think that a Christian knows more than they do.
(b) Land owners can convince Christians that the blessings of God are demonstrated through material riches.
(c) A spouse can distract a Christian with the "needs of this world."
(d) A Rabbi can distract a Christian from the "Final Propitiation."

4. What is the problem for the critics that Augustine addresses in the Preface when they choose to teach?
(a) If these critics believe that Scripture can only be achieved through "special gifts", isn't God's power of communicating limited out side of his act to give the gifts?
(b) If these critics believe that understanding Scripture can only be achieved through the application of "special gifts", doesn't their effort to teach expose their students to personal bias that might interfere with their "special gifts"?
(c) If God only communicates the truth of Scripture through those who have "special gifts", is not God limiting his communication with the pagan who has not received such gifts?
(d) If these critics believe students of Scripture can only receive understanding through "special gifts", why do they attempt to teach about "special gifts"?

5. What setting does Augustine recommend for sound Scriptural learning?
(a) An ecclesiastical structure.
(b) Human communities.
(c) A private audience with a well-trained Priest.
(d) A properly sanctioned site of Scriptural education.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the two main tools that God uses to teach men what to do, as identified by Augustine?

2. What does Augustine consider as God's typical means of delivering His illumination?

3. What is the main difference between the system of learning that Augustine advocates and that advocated by the critics he focuses on in the Preface?

4. What does Augustine recommend to avoid the negative influences on individual thought?

5. When Augustine focuses on one of the types of criticism he expects to receive, what does he suggest to the reader?

(see the answer key)

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