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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. How does Augustine use the items of his example to illustrate his distinction?
(a) 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.
(b) That Adam made the choice of sin, but Cain responded out of the impulse passed to him from Adam's choice.
(c) That Lucifer sought to discredit Job's faith, but God realized the depth of Job's convictions.
(d) The meal is enjoyed, but the pot is used.

2. What are the three things that Augustine claims that interpretations of Scripture should build up?
(a) Special gifts, community, and signs.
(b) The inner eye, love, and illuminated truth.
(c) Faith, hope and love.
(d) Hope, signs, and the inner eye.

3. How does Augustine describe humans?
(a) Humans are above things because they use them.
(b) Humans are things that are subject to the laws of God.
(c) Humans are things that can "enjoy," love and "use" things.
(d) Humans are things that use language as a symbol.

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

5. How does Augustine relate Truth and God?
(a) God created truth, but humans misuse things to reject truth.
(b) God creates things and Truth, but the way humans use things and accept Truth determines whether humans enjoy the experience.
(c) God creates things and things can be used to prove truth.
(d) Truth is based upon an unchanging standard and God is that unchanging standard.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was the second type of criticism that Augustine suggests "On Christian Doctrine" would face?

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

3. Who does Augustine suggest has the ability to know the Truth?

4. With what prediction does Augustine start "On Christian Doctrine"?

5. What are the two main tools that God uses to teach men what to do, as identified by Augustine?

Short Essay Questions

1. Augustine supports students learning in a certain human gathering. What are these human gatherings called and what can students get from them that they cannot get from "special gifts"?

2. What are some types of tropes that Augustine discusses?

3. What does Augustine focus on in Book Four?

4. What does Augustine identify as a trope and how does it affect interpretation of Scripture?

5. Why does Augustine begin his differentiation of the items that students must learn in the fashion which he does?

6. Why does Augustine claim the topic of Book Three is so difficult?

7. What is Augustine's focus in Book One?

8. What doctrine do Augustine's critics apply to interpreting Scripture?

9. What does Augustine claim an interpreter must consider regarding the author of Scripture to make a correct interpretation?

10. Upon which type of critics does Augustine focus his attention in the preface?

(see the answer keys)

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