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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 sarcasm because it is often undetectable unless the intended tone of the writer is examined.
(b) The catachresis because of its "misuse or strained use of words, as in a mixed metaphor, occurring either in error or for rhetorical effect."
(c) The poem because it relies heavily on metaphor, hyperbole, and enigma.
(d) The riddle because it often requires an answer that was even hidden in the day it was given.

2. According to Augustine, to whom are commands from Scripture intended?
(a) Those who reject God's call to action.
(b) Those who live in violation of God's moral standards.
(c) Certain individuals or groups.
(d) Those who can discern signs from things.

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

4. 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.

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 translations of manuscripts of Scripture.
(c) The student must rely on experience.
(d) The student must rely heavily on manuscripts of Scripture.

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

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

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

9. If Augustine sets a standard for how to interpret Scriptural characters literally, and he applies the converse of that standard for interpreting Scriptural character's figuratively, how would that standard be articulated?
(a) A figurative interpretation of a holy Scriptural character will be applied to language and speech that defines how a sign is a thing.
(b) A figurative interpretation of a holy Scriptural character will be applied to language and speech that embraces evil and condemns love or kindness.
(c) A figurative interpretation of a holy Scriptural character will be applied to language and speech that embraces evil and condemns love or kindness.
(d) A figurative interpretation of a holy Scriptural character will be applied to language and speech that describes condemnations on the chosen of God.

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

11. 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) Often figurative language is used to represent both God and angels and this language must be investigated in its original form, not translations.
(c) The meanings of Scriptural phrases that contain ambiguous signs can often be changed with misplaced punctuation.
(d) 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.

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

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

14. 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 differentiate the love for God from the love for things common among the pagans.
(c) Students need to devote themselves to studying the subjects Augustine recommended in Book Two.
(d) Students need to submit themselves to the scrutiny of a wise teacher who can dissuade them from becoming prideful.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. 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?

4. What is the topic of Book Three?

5. In taking the challenge that Augustine presents in Book Three, how should the Christian student differentiate himself from the pagan?

(see the answer keys)

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