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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What are the two different ways that God and angels speak in Scripture, as identified in Book Three?
(a) Figuratively and literally.
(b) With cruelty and kindness.
(c) Of signs and things.
(d) In spiritual terms and human terms.

2. What was the first type of criticism Augustine suggests his work "On Christian Doctrine" would face?
(a) Criticism that his moral demands would be restricted to pagan converts.
(b) Criticism from those who cannot grasp his teaching.
(c) Criticism that blending Greek and Christian philosophies was heretical.
(d) Criticism that his demands for linguistic studies were too exclusive.

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

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 learning only comes through the possession of "special gifts," why do they teach?
(d) 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"?

5. With what prediction does Augustine start "On Christian Doctrine"?
(a) The work will face three kinds of criticism.
(b) Christians will transform society through piety and rhetorical skill.
(c) Christians will gather around a uniform doctrine.
(d) God will assure that the Church will become the primary social force in the world.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Augustine, how can signs become ambiguous?

2. What does it mean that Augustine requires his students to have such broad knowledge to master his course?

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

4. What Scriptural reference does Augustine make to prove his point regarding checking this hazard to learning the fields pertaining to Scripture?

5. What does Augustine call the types of grammar used through Scripture?

(see the answer key)

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