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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is a major challenge in dealing with the topic addressed in Book Three?
(a) The sinful nature of the human filter can interfere with the interpretation of Scripture at any stage of investigation.
(b) Understanding the difference between signs given to groups and signs given to individuals can only be achieved after study of the languages in which languages were written.
(c) Often figurative language is used to represent both God and angels and this language must be investigated in its original form, not translations.
(d) The meanings of Scriptural phrases that contain ambiguous signs can often be changed with misplaced punctuation.

2. According to Augustine, for what reason should one love oneself?
(a) One should only love oneself if they have seen illuminated truth.
(b) One should only love oneself on account of God.
(c) One should only love oneself if God endowed him with understanding for interpretation.
(d) One should only love oneself if they can discern signs from things.

3. What are the primary possessions of the student of Scripture, according to Augustine in Book Two?
(a) Special gifts, things, and signs.
(b) Illuminated truth, the inner eye, and faith.
(c) Faith, hope, and love.
(d) Love, illuminated truth, and the inner eye.

4. What was the second type of criticism that Augustine suggests "On Christian Doctrine" would face?
(a) Criticism from those who refuse or are unable to apply it.
(b) Criticism from those who face punishment if they try to apply it.
(c) Criticism from those who claim too many Christians could not access proper training.
(d) Criticism from those who claim that Augustine relied too much on training and not enough on divine guidance.

5. 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?
(a) Augustine's system requires study and application of rules whereas the critics believe they can understand through special gifts.
(b) Augustine's system of learning requires study in Greek philosophy whereas the critics require researching copies of manuscripts.
(c) Augustine's system requires great expense in accessing the necessary documents of learning whereas the critics allow for the interpretation of the spirit through tongues.
(d) Augustine's system requires finding a qualified Priest to hand down the official teaching of the Church whereas the critics allow free interpretation.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Augustine claim that words as signs are difficult to understand?

2. What does Augustine suggest a conception of Christian love will serve for the student?

3. According to Augustine in Book Three, what is the purpose of Scripture in reporting the condition that affects holy men?

4. What are the two types of signs in Book Two?

5. Books One, Two, and Three focused on interpreting Scripture. Upon what did Augustine focus for Book Four?

(see the answer key)

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