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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. What should be the nature of the relationship between humans and God according to Augustine?

4. What is an important distinction that Augustine teaches students to understand through three Books of "On Christian Doctrine?

5. What does Augustine conclude are the only things that can be enjoyed?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What topic does Augustine address in Book Three?

3. 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"?

4. What is the source if an individual knows more than they actually know and how does that impact Augustine's effort?

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

6. What term does Augustine apply to the subjects he recommends for study to learn Scriptural interpretation and why does he use this term?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Motivations play an important role in Augustine's requirements for Scriptural interpreters. Identify a scandal involving a modern-day Christian leader and detail how the actions that led to the scandal prove misguided motivations that violated the principles of Christian love as defined by Augustine.

Essay Topic 2

In the Preface, Augustine explains that refusing to learn from trained and experienced human teachers eliminates an aspiring student from benefiting from communities built upon the principles of Christian love. Identify the principles of the Christian love that Augustine promotes and explain the role that the student is to take in relationship of the community and experienced and trained teachers of Scripture.

Essay Topic 3

Augustine devotes the preface to answering criticism he expects to receive from a sect known as the Donatists. Compare Augustine's position to what you know of the Donatists from the preface (those who believe that "special gifts" were necessary to interpret Scripture). What are the benefits of the two beliefs? What are the disadvantages of each? Which system of interpretation do you consider more beneficial to the general public and particularly to the growth and development of the Christian Church. Explain your answer.

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