1. 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 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"?
(c) If learning only comes through community, why does Scripture encourage separation for prayer?
(d) If these critics believe learning only comes through the possession of "special gifts," why do they teach?

2. According to Augustine in Book Three, what is the purpose of Scripture in reporting the condition that affects holy men?
(a) The discernment of holy men is reported in Scripture to remind students of the work that needs to be done to understand the history and culture of holy men.
(b) The direct communication that holy men had with God is reported so current students will approach Scripture with the reverence it deserves.
(c) The sins of holy men are reported in Scripture so individuals never think they are too great to sin.
(d) The knowledge of law possessed by holy men is reported in Scripture to guide students to approach God's communication with the same zeal.

3. What does Augustine say the student pass through if he/she will be able to understand Scripture?
(a) Stages of spiritual purification and understand the need for God and Christian virtues.
(b) The purging of unclean spiritual occupations that are too common in the pagan cultures.
(c) Rigorous physical and mental challenges to prove to God the seriousness of the desire to learn.
(d) A 40-day period of seclusion and fasting so they can better know the mind of Christ.

4. What is an apparent contradiction regarding Augustine's expectation of students to interpretation and an omission from his commentaries in "On Christian Doctrine"?
(a) Augustine criticizes the Donatists yet he uses their theology on which to base "On Christian Doctrine."
(b) Augustine demands his students to spend time in seclusion and study, but does not call for the same from teachers.
(c) Augustine writes that the understanding of the principles of Christian love are sufficient to begin the interpretation of Scripture, but he spends more time examining Old Testament law.
(d) Augustine expects his students to investigate the intentions of the authors of Scripture, but he does not detail his intentions in choosing the issues on which he focuses.

5. What is the doctrine that Augustine claims critics of human teaching defend?
(a) That God will communicate through the in dwelling of the Holy Spirit.
(b) That God will communicate the meaning of Scripture through "special gifts."
(c) That God will communicate through signs and symbols.
(d) That God will communicate through tongues.

Short Answer Questions

1. 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?

2. What was the topic of Book Three?

3. How will studying this subject help in understanding Scripture?

4. How does Augustine say a student should treat any evil actions or speech from characters Scriptures praise as holy?

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

(see the answer key)

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