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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Augustine wrote that the critics he mainly focuses on in the Preface base their positions on what belief?
(a) Fear of losing their influence.
(b) Resistance to accept new ideas.
(c) That they already understand Scripture.
(d) A misapplication of Scripture.

2. What doctrine does Augustine introduce to explain how Truth can be seen?
(a) The doctrine of "community vision" is achieved when individuals join their desires to seek eternal truths illuminated by God.
(b) The doctrine of "special gifts of seeing" that God grants when individuals seek eternal truths illuminated by God.
(c) The doctrine of "things and signs" helps an individual know which things and signs illuminate eternal truths.
(d) The doctrine of the "inner eye" that can see eternal truths even when tainted by sin because it is illuminated by God.

3. What was the third type of criticism that Augustine suggests "On Christian Doctrine" would face?
(a) Criticism from those who claim that Augustine relied too much on training and not enough on divine guidance.
(b) Criticism from those who believe it is not needed.
(c) Criticism that his demands for linguistic studies were too exclusive.
(d) Criticism from those who cannot grasp his teaching.

4. What are the two primary reasons that Augustine devotes his time to those questions?
(a) The Christian conception of Christ's deity explains His resurrection and authority over forgiveness.
(b) The two commandments of Christianity to love God and to love one's neighbor.
(c) Because Scriptural infallibility affirms God's role in miracles and prophesy.
(d) God's omnipotence establishes His authority over creation and judgment.

5. What is an important distinction that Augustine teaches students to understand through three Books of "On Christian Doctrine?
(a) The difference between "special gifts" and talents.
(b) The difference between "things" and "signs."
(c) The difference between original sin and human nature.
(d) The difference between sins of omission and original sin.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Augustine, what are competing influences on an individual's thinking?

2. With what prediction does Augustine start "On Christian Doctrine"?

3. What is Augustine's attitude toward those who have a "special gift" for interpretation from God?

4. What does Augustine encourage his critics to remember in the Preface?

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

(see the answer key)

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