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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 do gang members think they will lose if they leave their home turf?

2. How does Gwen see his initial conversions?

3. What incident from Dave's childhood gave him inspiration to continue his mission in New York?

4. What entire gang came forward for conversion the last night?

5. How does Dave feel about his initial conversions?

Short Essay Questions

1. What event with Dave's life is scheduled to occur at the same time as the rally? How does she feel about Dave being in New York?

2. What did Dave do with what his mother said and how did some of the people in his home town react to him? How did his mother's words help him?

3. How did many of the girls of the gang members feel about Dave converting them and what did they do about it? Why do you think the girls reacted this way?

4. What idea is formed after Dave talks to Ortez's congregation? Do you think it was a good idea?

5. What did Dave do on his first visit to the courthouse and how did that come out? Were you surprised at the outcome?

6. How does his attempts to find the parents go at first and what gives him his first break through? Do you think him "stumbling" onto the front door of the father is an amazing coincidence?

7. What did he tell his congregation and how did they respond? Do you think this was the reaction most congregations would have?

8. What does the author describe at the beginning of the book and what does he feel he should do? Do you think he seemed ignorant about the circumstances?

9. How does Dave feel about his first two conversions and what does his wife say? What do you think she meant by her statement to him?

10. What happens at Dave's first attempt at street preaching? Why do you think it helped him with his mission?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Most literature, whether fiction or non-fiction have themes. Discuss one of the following:

1. Define theme and give an example of it from your favorite book or movie and discuss it thoroughly.

2. Thoroughly discuss two of the themes you believe are present in the Cross and the Switchblade.

3. If you were writing a memoir of your life, what are two themes you think would evolve? Discuss them with examples illustrating the themes.

Essay Topic 2

In chapter 7, Wilkerson doubts the sincerity of the religious conversion of two of a gang's members. Discuss one of the following:

1. Why do you think Wilkerson doubts these conversions? Is he vindicated in his doubts? Or do they turn out to be sincere? How can one know if a conversion is sincere?

2. There is a concept in our culture called "jailhouse conversions;" in other words, men/women who are incarcerated or face incarceration finding religion and suddenly changing. There have been numerous high-profile examples of this situation. Research and discuss one of them. (Two to consider: Look up Karla Faye Tucker in Texas or Colson of the Watergate group.)

3. What is the process of conversion to Christianity? To some other religion or cause? Why do you think people "convert"? Discuss thoroughly.

Essay Topic 3

The author of THE CROSS AND THE SWITCHBLADE is still alive today and still involved in Christian evangelism. Sometimes when reading a somewhat autobiographical piece, it is useful to learn more about the author. Discuss one of the following:

1. Compare/contrast David Wilkerson's growing up with that of one of the most prominent members of the street gangs.

2. Discuss some of the major beliefs that Wilkerson holds. Analyze and respond to these beliefs.

3. What is Wilkerson doing today? Are there any surprises? How do you feel about how his ministry has evolved? Discuss thoroughly.

(see the answer keys)

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