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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. Who does Dave encounter after getting his first signature?

2. How did Dave's church help him in his quest?

3. What was Dave's occupation?

4. What does Dave get from his church when he decides to return to New York?

5. Who believes two spiritual advisers would be confusing?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Dave decide he needed to do when he arrived in New York? Does this appear to be a wise decision?

2. What does Dave think would give the gang members the best chance at change? What does he think the gang members need to do? Do you agree with his thoughts?

3. What was Dave trying to do at the beginning of Chapter 4 and why? Do you think he was being unrealistic?

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

5. How will Dave be able to fund a rally? Explain why someone of faith might say this is a case of "God will provide."

6. What does Dave conclude about motivations for gang activity? Do you think you think there could be other reasons?

7. 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?

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

9. Who does Dave visit on his way home and what is he told? Do you think it was good for Dave to hear?

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

The author believes that absolute, trusting faith in the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit can, and will, bring about total and life-affirming transformation in those who profess it. Discuss the following:

1. How do you think David Wilkerson would define faith?

2. What are some ways Wilkerson uses faith in the beginning of his ministry to the gangs of New York?

3. Do you think Wilkerson's faith is misplaced? Why or why not?

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

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.

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