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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. How will studying this subject help in understanding Scripture?
(a) Understanding the regional accents of the time will help interpret phrases and word variations.
(b) Understanding the grammar of languages will help interpret the prose and poetry of Scripture.
(c) Understanding the dialects of the time will help to interpret discussions and analogies of Scripture.
(d) Understanding the metaphors of the time will help bring deeper meaning to signs and parables.

3. According to Augustine, how should misunderstood signs become understood?
(a) By committing the misunderstood words or expressions to memory.
(b) By examining the context in which things appear as signs.
(c) By considering how the used thing is accepted by the community.
(d) By examining the use of the word that appears to be a thing.

4. What hazard does Augustine state must one keep in check as they learn of the fields pertaining to Scripture?
(a) The pride develops with great learning.
(b) The accuracy of translations against original manuscripts.
(c) Eschatology against Scriptural language to prevent heresy.
(d) The consistency of what are considered to be signs against traditional interpretations.

5. What is the difference between the time that God might deliver what seems to be an evil command in the Old Testament and the current time, according to Augustine?
(a) They were taken by those who recorded God's law directly from the source.
(b) They were taken by those who clearly understood God's signs.
(c) They could not be done without sinful intent at the time of Augustine's writing.
(d) They were taken by people to whom God gave his orders directly.

6. What Augustine accomplished with his first three books from "On Christian Doctrine"?
(a) He set out an intimidating course of study that only the serious student of Scripture will be willing to consider.
(b) He established a beginning set of exegetical principles.
(c) He left out important details that could be useful in the interpretation of Scripture.
(d) He identified the difference between his line of reasoning and those who criticize his views.

7. How does Augustine state a student should consider an evil command given to its intended target?
(a) As a sign that God will exercise an act of judgment.
(b) That God is becoming intolerant of defiance against his laws.
(c) As being good for the individual or group at the time.
(d) That God requires that his will be followed.

8. What does Augustine state signs are regardless of whether they want to be?
(a) Natural signs.
(b) Given signs.
(c) Signs that are things.
(d) Signs that are words.

9. What form do these grammar types take?
(a) Hyperbole, riddle, song, and parable.
(b) Prose, poem, dissertation, and story.
(c) Poem, metaphor, sarcasm, and hyperbole.
(d) Allegory, enigma, parable, and catachresis.

10. Even though Augustine does not mention this subject directly, what will his students need to master to understand languages?
(a) Dialects.
(b) Regional accents.
(c) Grammar.
(d) Metaphors.

11. What are the two categories of signs Augustine identifies in Book Two?
(a) Natural signs and given signs.
(b) Signs that are given through special gifts and signs that are given through angels.
(c) Signs that can be used and signs that can be enjoyed.
(d) Signs that are things and signs that are words.

12. What is the most important step Augustine's students must take to avoid the trap he sees in interpretation?
(a) Students need to submit themselves to the process of purging their selfish desires.
(b) Students need to submit themselves to the scrutiny of a wise teacher who can dissuade them from becoming prideful.
(c) Students need to differentiate the love for God from the love for things common among the pagans.
(d) Students need to devote themselves to studying the subjects Augustine recommended in Book Two.

13. What Scriptural reference does Augustine make to prove his point regarding checking this hazard to learning the fields pertaining to Scripture?
(a) "I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are written in this book."
(b) "Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God."
(c) "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness."
(d) "Knowledge puffs up but love builds up."

14. What does Augustine recommend as methods for handling the topic in Book Three?
(a) Seclusion from secular temptations to allow for the maturation of the "inner eye" as methods of handling the problem of book two.
(b) Exclusive study of Scripture and submission to the proper guidance from church officials as methods of handling the problem of book two.
(c) Strict adherence to the dietary laws of Israel and understanding of prophecy as methods of handling the problem of book two.
(d) Theological virtue and great learning as methods of handling the problem of Book Two.

15. Why does Augustine claim that Christian students fall into the trap that prevents them from separating themselves from pagans?
(a) They consider their ability to absorb knowledge as a special gift that makes them closer to God.
(b) They do not have the discipline to understand that seclusion is intended for purging human weakness and not for self-absorption.
(c) They read Scriptural passages according to their own cultural and historical biases.
(d) They are too eager to misapply signs to inappropriate events and situations.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the two general confusions that Augustine says come from Christians who do not differentiate themselves from pagans?

2. What type of language from Scriptural characters must be taken literally, according to Augustine?

3. What does Augustine say the student pass through if he/she will be able to understand Scripture?

4. What does Augustine identify as a necessary subject that a student must learn to understand Scripture?

5. According to Augustine, to whom are commands from Scripture intended?

(see the answer keys)

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