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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 doctrine does Augustine introduce to explain how Truth can be seen?
(a) The doctrine of "things and signs" helps an individual know which things and signs illuminate eternal truths.
(b) The doctrine of the "inner eye" that can see eternal truths even when tainted by sin because it is illuminated by God.
(c) The doctrine of "special gifts of seeing" that God grants when individuals seek eternal truths illuminated by God.
(d) The doctrine of "community vision" is achieved when individuals join their desires to seek eternal truths illuminated by God.

2. How does Augustine use the items of his example to illustrate his distinction?
(a) That Lucifer sought to discredit Job's faith, but God realized the depth of Job's convictions.
(b) The meal is enjoyed, but the pot is used.
(c) That critics who do not understand show a lack of interest to discover, but those who believe in special gifts use a false faith to rationalize their lack of interest.
(d) That Adam made the choice of sin, but Cain responded out of the impulse passed to him from Adam's choice.

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

4. What are the three things Augustine identifies as how God inspires His children?
(a) The promise of His return, His illuminated truths, and signs.
(b) Signs, things, and enjoyment.
(c) His illuminated truths, special gifts, and signs.
(d) His death, resurrection, and promise of return.

5. What is the problem for the critics that Augustine addresses in the Preface when they choose to teach?
(a) If these critics believe that understanding Scripture can only be achieved through the application of "special gifts", doesn't their effort to teach expose their students to personal bias that might interfere with their "special gifts"?
(b) If these critics believe that Scripture can only be achieved through "special gifts", isn't God's power of communicating limited out side of his act to give the gifts?
(c) If God only communicates the truth of Scripture through those who have "special gifts", is not God limiting his communication with the pagan who has not received such gifts?
(d) If these critics believe students of Scripture can only receive understanding through "special gifts", why do they attempt to teach about "special gifts"?

Short Answer Questions

1. What other subject does Augustine addresses in Book Three and Book Four?

2. According to Augustine, how should a student be affected as he/she becomes proficient in interpreting Scripture?

3. How are things separated by Augustine?

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

5. What does Augustine identify as the relationship between all other things and the object of ultimate worship?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Augustine require that a speaker treat Scriptural interpretation?

2. What does Augustine identifies as three things that students need to use to develop responsible interpretations of Scripture?

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

4. What does Augustine require that Christian speakers should avoid, but focus on?

5. Why does Augustine suggest that Christians should learn to use rhetoric?

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

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

8. What are the criticisms that Augustine predicts he will face over "On Christian Doctrine"?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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