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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.
Short Answer Questions
1. Since Augustine regards his disciples as "divinely instituted," what responsibility falls on his students?
2. What does Augustine identify as a necessary subject that a student must learn to understand Scripture?
3. Why does Augustine claim that words as signs are difficult to understand?
4. By the end of Book Two, Augustine devoted much of this text to refuting critics who believe Scriptural interpretation comes simply. What does this infer of Augustine's methods of debate?
5. What are the two different ways that God and angels speak in Scripture, as identified in Book Three?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
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.
Essay Topic 2
Augustine claims that reading Scripture by itself is sufficient to tea scripture. If this is so, please defend reasons for a student devoting themselves to the time for study to learn to interpret Scripture. Does Augustine's claim about the self-sufficiency of Scripture support those who claim "special gifts" are needed to interpret Scripture? In your opinion is the type of work Augustine requires to interpret Scripture more necessary today than in Augustine's time or less so? Why?
Essay Topic 3
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.
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This section contains 505 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) |
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