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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. How does Chesterton say a myth must be appreciated?

2. What does Chesterton say of the dark side of paganism or mythology?

3. What parallel does Chesterton draw with the uniqueness of the Christian church?

4. What does Chesterton label as the biggest weakness of science in trying to understand the origins of man?

5. What does Chesterton say about the idea of reincarnation?

Short Essay Questions

1. Summarize Chesterton's explanation of the battle between Carthage and Rome.

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

3. What concept regarding civilization and barbarism throughout history does Chesterton refute? What does he say?

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

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

6. How does Troy and the Iliad enter into Chesterton's argument?

7. Explain the significance that Chesterton gives the cave drawings regarding the nature of the cave man.

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

9. How does Chesterton refute the statement that prehistoric man "wore no clothes"?

10. What does Chesterton mean when he refers to the "demons"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Chesterton discusses at length the metaphor of the key. Write an essay about the way in which religion is, or is not, like a key.

Part 1. Summarize Chesterton's statements regarding religion being like a key.

Part 2. Agree or refute his metaphor, and provide reasons for your position.

Part 3. Provide concrete examples or experiences to back up your position.

Essay Topic 3

In the chapter "The Demons and The Philosophers" Chesterton spends quite a bit of time describing aspects of Confucianism and Buddhism. Write an essay about either Confucianism or Buddhism or both.

Part 1. Who was the man behind the religion? When and where was he born? What did he do during his lifetime?

Part 2. What are some of the fundamental ideologies, practices, and beliefs?

Part 3. Do you agree with Chesterton that this set of beliefs is a mere philosophy or is it a religion? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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