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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. Augustine wrote that the critics he mainly focuses on in the Preface base their positions on what belief?
(a) Resistance to accept new ideas.
(b) Fear of losing their influence.
(c) That they already understand Scripture.
(d) A misapplication of Scripture.

2. What does Augustine encourage his critics to remember in the Preface?
(a) To be wary of falling into the trap of heresy.
(b) To practice the rhetorical skills he embraces to make criticism more effective.
(c) To remember experiencing learning for themselves.
(d) To patiently contemplate his points before they make a judgment.

3. Who does Augustine suggest has the ability to know the Truth?
(a) All minds.
(b) Minds God endowed with special gifts.
(c) Illuminated minds.
(d) All minds joined in community.

4. According to Augustine, how should a student be affected as he/she becomes proficient in interpreting Scripture?
(a) He/she will help to apply the principles of community.
(b) He/she will help in developing an understanding of God's motivations.
(c) He/she will help develop a student's teaching skill.
(d) He/she will increase the love that one feels.

5. What is the step that Augustine identifies an individual should take before entering into a proper relationship with God?
(a) An individual must sell all possessions and give the money to the Priest.
(b) An individual must repent of their sins and be baptized.
(c) An individual must leave their mother and father and cleave to the Church.
(d) An individual's eyes must be purged and God's plan and healing must be followed.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the second important distinction that Augustine makes in Book One?

2. What is the primary tool for interpretation for the critics that Augustine primarily focuses on in the Preface?

3. How does Augustine characterize the argument that his teaching is not needed because it comes from a human source?

4. What are the three things that Augustine claims that interpretations of Scripture should build up?

5. To what does Augustine compare his distinction of things?

Short Essay Questions

1. How many types of criticism does Augustine predict he will face over "On Christian Doctrine"?

2. Why does Augustine believe that God will aid him in his teaching about learning and communicating Scripture?

3. What are the tasks of the orator according to Cicero?

4. What is Augustine's view of "special gifts"?

5. How does Cicero detail an orator speaking in proportion with the gravity of the subject matter?

6. What does Augustine recommend to the pastor who cannot acquire the skill of rhetoric?

7. What topic does Augustine address in Book Three?

8. What must a student keep in check while learning the subjects that Augustine recommends?

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

10. What is a point that Augustine makes about the love of God that confronts his critics that claim "special gifts" needed to interpret scripture?

(see the answer keys)

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