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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Augustine, of the different forms through which the grammar types show themselves, which is, by definition, the most difficult to interpret?
(a) The riddle because it often requires an answer that was even hidden in the day it was given.
(b) The sarcasm because it is often undetectable unless the intended tone of the writer is examined.
(c) The catachresis because of its "misuse or strained use of words, as in a mixed metaphor, occurring either in error or for rhetorical effect."
(d) The poem because it relies heavily on metaphor, hyperbole, and enigma.

2. What does Augustine call signs that are only used to express and transmit thoughts?
(a) Signs that are words.
(b) Signs that are things.
(c) Given signs.
(d) Natural signs.

3. By making the demands of understanding Scripture difficult, who was Augustine criticizing?
(a) Those who believe that only studying the life of Christ was sufficient to understand Scripture.
(b) His detractors believed Scripture could be interpreted easily through special gifts.
(c) Those who felt that Scripture could be interpreted through current events.
(d) Those who believe that learning information outside of the Bible leads to heresy.

4. How does Augustine say a student should treat any evil actions or speech from characters Scriptures praise as holy?
(a) They must be treated as a poor interpretation and a study of the language and history of the passage must be examined.
(b) As figurative language.
(c) As a blasphemy against God and the character's holiness must be considered as revoked by God.
(d) As an announcement from God of impending judgment.

5. Upon what does Augustine say the student of Scripture must rely during his studies?
(a) The student must rely heavily on experts.
(b) The student must rely on experience.
(c) The student must rely on translations of manuscripts of Scripture.
(d) The student must rely heavily on manuscripts of Scripture.

6. How can recommendations Augustine makes from Book Three prevent students from falling into the trap that misleads them?
(a) Augustine warns against allowing the increased knowledge of students from developing into pride.
(b) Augustine devotes much of Book Two to detailing the demands on the serious student of Scripture.
(c) Augustine recommends that students learn the culture, language, and history from the periods that Scripture was written to develop the skill to interpret Scripture intelligently.
(d) Augustine painstakingly differentiates between signs and things to guide students away from misapplying both.

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

8. What is ironic about the fact that Augustine referred to Tyconius' "Book of Rules" as being useful for the interpretation of Scripture?
(a) Tyconius was a Greek philosopher and Augustine was wary of Greek philosophers.
(b) Augustine eschewed rules that do not originate from Scripture.
(c) Tyconius was a Donatist and much of "On Christian Doctrine" is written to address points of disagreement between Augustine and Donatists.
(d) Tyconius was ruled a heretic for taking liberties in the examination of Scripture.

9. Why does Augustine suggest that God would use confusing signs?
(a) Because God wants his community to work through things and signs.
(b) Because God wants students to examine Scripture so they can discover His illuminated truth.
(c) Because humans find grasping the nature of things by analogy more satisfying.
(d) Because God wants students to understand the context of words.

10. What was the topic of Book Three?
(a) Learning as a discipline to prove Christian convictions.
(b) Learning how to overcome critics with well-reasoned and complete prose.
(c) Learning how to handle unknown or unfamiliar signs.
(d) Learning the philosophy of Classic Greeks as a key to Scriptural interpretation.

11. What are the two different ways a Scriptural passage can be considered, according to Book Three?
(a) They can be considered as details of things or details of signs.
(b) They can be considered culturally or historically.
(c) They can be considered figuratively or literally.
(d) They can be considered linguistically or grammatically.

12. What ethical principle of the Bible does Augustine require for students to use as a guide for interpretation of Scripture?
(a) The principle of the omnipotence of God.
(b) The principle of original sin.
(c) The principle of God's authority over judgment.
(d) The principle of love.

13. What does Augustine call the types of grammar used through Scripture?
(a) Syntax.
(b) Tropes.
(c) Rudiments.
(d) Dialects.

14. Why does Augustine claim that words as signs are difficult to understand?
(a) Because God created with words and wants believers to know their impact.
(b) Because God provides Scriptural complexity to satisfy a hard-working mind.
(c) Because words as signs are only understood within a scriptural context.
(d) Because God inspires believers to master tongues and interpret signs.

15. According to Augustine in Book Three, what is a condition that affects holy men and God's commands of them?
(a) They have spent time studying God's law and know how to apply his harsh language within the context of His judgment.
(b) They from Scripture became so because God had more direct communication with them.
(c) They discern the signs given by God that appear evil.
(d) They can commit great sins.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the two categories of signs Augustine identifies in Book Two?

2. What does Book Three state is the purpose of God or angels using condemning terms?

3. According to Augustine in Book Two, in order for the student to become an effective teacher, what two skills must the student master?

4. Since Augustine regards his disciples as "divinely instituted," what responsibility falls on his students?

5. What does Augustine state the student must do once the figurative and literal passages have been separated from each other?

(see the answer keys)

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