View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Augustine relate Truth and God?

2. When Augustine focuses on one of the types of criticism he expects to receive, what does he suggest to the reader?

3. How does Augustine expect to get the knowledge that he lacks?

4. What is the second important distinction that Augustine makes in Book One?

5. What does Augustine consider as God's typical means of delivering His illumination?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What topic does Augustine address in Book Three?

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

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

5. What is Augustine's focus in Book Two?

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

7. What is a technique that Augustine uses to determine the meaning of a passage that cannot be discovered by simply reading the passage?

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Augustine begins training his students to interpret scripture with an examination of "things." He differentiates "things" that are to be used from things that are to be enjoyed. Use an example that Augustine used in "On Christian Doctrine" to make a Venn diagram comparing things that are used with things enjoyed. Write an essay on your diagram and identify the standard that Augustine uses to determine how things are to be used and enjoyed properly. Conclude the essay with the steps you would have to take to use and enjoy things based on Augustine's standards.

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 requires his students to be motivated by the Christian commands to love God and to love their neighbors. Explain which is easier to show, love of God or love of neighbors. Identify how each is demonstrated and how love of one can contribute to showing love for the other.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 876 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample