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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. Based on Augustine's Preface, what is the perception of critics toward learning?

2. What doctrine does Augustine introduce to explain how Truth can be seen?

3. What basic fact do the critics discussed in the Preface ignore by discounting teaching from Augustine and others?

4. What does Augustine claim to be the central law of love and the message of Christianity?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What inference can be made from the extensive training that Augustine recommends to interpret Scripture?

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

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

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

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

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

7. What does Augustine claim is one of the causes of a sign's ambiguity?

8. What relationship does Augustine write humans should have with God? What does Augustine write must humans do before they can enter this relationship?

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

10. What does Augustine recommend as the best method for acquiring rhetorical skill?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Book Three, Augustine examines the natures of God, man, sin and lust. Give a review of what Augustine taught on these three areas, how they compare and contrast to modern perceptions on the same three areas, and whether you agree with Augustine's positions and why you do or do not. Cite recognizable examples from modern times and history to support your view.

Essay Topic 2

In Book Two, Augustine identified challenges of translating the original languages of Scripture into the Roman-Latin language of his day. Explain the difficulty with translating older English versions of the Bible, such as the King James version, into the type of terms and phrases that students use today. How can translating the Bible from old English style to modern jargon be done while preserving the integrity of Scripture?

Essay Topic 3

Augustine demands his students to pursue moral purification. As modern students, you are required to adhere to institutional rules at home, school and jobs. Compare obedience to rules to the standards Augustine sets for moral purification. How does obedience to rules help to bring one to seek moral purification? Can moral purification contribute to someone being more obedient to institutional rules? How? Can moral purification lead someone to be defiant of institutional rules? Why or why not?

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