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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. Why does Augustine expect the method of accessing knowledge he lacks to be successful?

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

3. What comes of loving oneself for reasons other than that which Augustine specified?

4. Of these influences on personal thought, which does Augustine claim Scripture teaches can lead a Christian to positive patterns?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What does Augustine identify as the two types of passages interpreted from Scripture?

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

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

8. About what subject does Augustine want to answer many questions in Book One and for what two reasons does he want to answer them?

9. What question does Augustine raise to those who believe that Scriptural interpretation can only be learned from "special gifts"?

10. What does Augustine identify as an important consideration when determining how many ideas words or phrases from Scripture contain?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Augustine wrote after the reign of Constantine who made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. How do you think the role of Christianity in the administration of the Roman Empire affected theological rivalries among Christian leaders? Is it possible that Augustine was motivated by such rivalries to write "On Christian Doctrine"? Why or why not? If a rivalry similar to that between Augustine and the Donatists (those who believed interpretation came from "special gifts") was active today, which side do you believe modern political, religious, and secular leaders would choose and why?

Essay Topic 2

In Book Two, Augustine identifies seven virtues that lead to the development of wisdom. Analyze how the seven virtues contribute to the strengthening of each other and how they build toward gaining what Augustine defines as wisdom.

Essay Topic 3

Augustine wrote of the unchangeable nature of Truth and Wisdom, yet many of the most useful things for learning today, (computers, smart phones, mp3 storage devices, the Internet) change at a rapid pace. Compare learning from Truth and Wisdom. Explain how things that are used for learning today can be used to validate what Augustine defines as Truth and Wisdom, as well as how they can be misused to lead someone away from those virtues.

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