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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What does Augustine suggest a conception of Christian love will serve for the student?
(a) It will guide the student to become a teacher.
(b) It will help the student understand God's motivation for interacting with creation.
(c) It is integral to proper Scriptural interpretation.
(d) It is integral to applying the principles of community.

3. How does Augustine use the items of his example to illustrate his distinction?
(a) That critics who do not understand show a lack of interest to discover, but those who believe in special gifts use a false faith to rationalize their lack of interest.
(b) The meal is enjoyed, but the pot is used.
(c) That Adam made the choice of sin, but Cain responded out of the impulse passed to him from Adam's choice.
(d) That Lucifer sought to discredit Job's faith, but God realized the depth of Job's convictions.

4. What is the logical inconsistency of the critics that Augustine confronts in the Preface?
(a) If these critics believe they need no training, why are they reviewing Augustine's works?
(b) If learning only comes through community, why does Scripture encourage separation for prayer?
(c) If these critics believe that Scripture can only be learned through "special gifts," and God wants everyone to know scriptures, then why doesn't everyone have "special gifts"?
(d) If these critics believe learning only comes through the possession of "special gifts," why do they teach?

5. What is the second important distinction that Augustine makes in Book One?
(a) The distinction between things and signs.
(b) The distinction between enjoy and use.
(c) The distinction between encouraging and exhortation.
(d) The distinction between Christian love and pagan love.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Augustine, how should a student be affected as he/she becomes proficient in interpreting Scripture?

2. What does Augustine identify as the relationship between all other things and the object of ultimate worship?

3. Why does Augustine expect the method of accessing knowledge he lacks to be successful?

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

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

(see the answer key)

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