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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. How does Augustine characterize the argument that his teaching is not needed because it comes from a human source?
(a) It is intolerant.
(b) It is being logically inconsistent.
(c) It is responsible for allowing "babes in the Faith being devoured by the wolves of the world."
(d) It is being heretical.

3. What does Augustine reason is the consequence to human teaching if learning comes from Divine gifts?
(a) That Divine gifts work as a validation of human teaching.
(b) That human teaching becomes a validation of Divine gifts.
(c) That there is no point to human teaching if learning only comes through Divine gifts.
(d) That Divine gifts become the standard against which all teaching is measured.

4. How does Augustine expect to get the knowledge that he lacks?
(a) He will extensively study in the library at Hippo Regius.
(b) He will collaborate with members of his church community.
(c) He will confer closely with other learned Priests.
(d) God will give him the knowledge that he lacks.

5. What is the primary tool for interpretation for the critics that Augustine primarily focuses on in the Preface?
(a) Investigating commentaries produced closer to the time of the authors of Scriptures.
(b) Intense study of Scripture.
(c) Trial and error application to the situations for which they need Scriptural guidance.
(d) A "special gift" from God.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was the first type of criticism Augustine suggests his work "On Christian Doctrine" would face?

2. What setting does Augustine recommend for sound Scriptural learning?

3. Of these influences on individual thought, which does Augustine claim Scripture teaches are negative to Christian thought?

4. How does Augustine relate Truth and God?

5. In Augustine's example, how can something used also be enjoyed?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Augustine suggest that the critics he focuses on in the Preface do not believe his teaching is necessary?

2. What categories does Augustine use to define spheres of natural knowledge?

3. According to Augustine, how are words as signs difficult to understand?

4. What three virtues do students need to teach Scripture?

5. According to Augustine, for whom are written commands in Scripture intended?

6. How does Augustine suggest interpretations of Scripture should affect the subject about which he wants to answer many questions and how should that affect the student seeking to interpret Scripture?

7. What subjects does Augustine recommend that students lea to interpret scripture?

8. What does Augustine focus on in Book Four?

9. What does Augustine identify as the purpose of giving a sermon?

10. What is the illustration Augustine uses to show the difference between things "enjoyed" and things "used"?

(see the answer keys)

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