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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. In Part I, Chapter 1, which of the following does Chesterton recommend doing?

2. What does Chesterton say is important when viewing mankind?

3. Who or what does Chesterton credit with the preservation of the true religion of mankind?

4. Chesterton's list of great influential philosophers includes which of the following?

5. According to Chesterton, what do mythologies have the power to do?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain the example Chesterton uses of nomadic peoples to explain the classification of religions.

2. What explanation does Chesterton give for the common themes running through world mythologies?

3. Explain how, according to Chesterton, monotheistic religion becomes polytheistic.

4. How does Chesterton describe the religious experience of the Carthaginians?

5. What simple truth about mankind does Chesterton deduce from his discussion of the cave drawings? What arguments does he make?

6. What is Chesterton's analysis of symbols such as the circle, the swastika, and the cross?

7. Explain how Chesterton says myths are best understood and appreciated. Explain your answer.

8. Explain where, according to Chesterton, we find religion and reason and how they interact.

9. Explain how and why, according to Chesterton, the pace at which things move changes our perception of them.

10. Who, according to Chesterton, are some of the greatest philosophers?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the chapter titled "The Witness of the Heretics" Chesterton talks about Mary Baker Eddy and Christian Science. Write an essay about Christian Science and its founder.

Part 1. Write a short biography of Mary Baker Eddy and what led her to create Christian Science.

Part 2. Provide details about the beginning of Christian Science, including its inception and founding ideologies.

Part 3. How widely is Christian Science practiced today? Explain the spread and evolution of Christian Science.

Essay Topic 2

On page 82 Chesterton refers to Comtism. Auguste Comte's positivistic philosophy states that metaphysics and theology should be replaced by a hierarchy of sciences. Write an essay about the philosophies of Auguste Comte.

Part 1. Who was Auguste Comte? Write a short biography of the man.

Part 2. What philosophy is he known for? Discuss positivism and Comtism.

Part 3. How do the philosophies of Comte differ from the positions of Chesterton?

Part 4. What is your reaction to the philosophies of Comte?

Essay Topic 3

In the chapter titled "War of Gods and Demons", Chesterton explores the reasons that men might make the decisions they do. Write an essay about this concept.

Part 1. Explain Chesterton's point of view and what he says motivates people in such extreme situations.

Part 2. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Part 3. This is a huge human concept and can be found repeatedly throughout literature and popular culture. Show some examples of this concept being explored elsewhere.

(see the answer keys)

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