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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 happens to Verecundus before his death?

2. What does Augustine think would happen if there was really a kingdom of light versus a kingdom of darkness?

3. If two people both believe in the word of God, what can be fruitful?

4. Why does Simplicianus have to stop teaching rhetoric?

5. What does scripture not discuss?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Augustine say is the use of the senses in dealing with time?

2. What is Alypius' view of Jesus and what is Augustine's?

3. What is the story Augustine hears from Ponticianus and what does the story do to Augustine?

4. What does Augustine say about formlessness?

5. What does Augustine think about the Manicheans and why is he angry at them?

6. Augustine says why people hate the truth. What does he say about the truth?

7. What does Augustine say about the past, future and present?

8. Who is Victorinus and what has he done in his life?

9. What happened at the church in Milan and what Christian tradition was started there?

10. What does Augustine decide to do at the beginning of Book IX? How does he do it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Augustine's struggles for self-development intensify as he reaches young manhood. He is sunk into sin and lustful behavior. This is the turning point in Augustine's narrative, since it sets up the conflict that will follow and must be resolved by him.

1. What do you think this statement (He is sunk into sin and lustful behavior) means? Use examples from the book to support your answer.

2. Discuss what you believe Augustine's conflict was that he had to resolve.

3. Do you believe Augustine's behavior as a young man would be viewed in the same way in today's world? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

In book V, Augustine wants to move to Rome, in Italy. He hears that the students are much more disciplined there. In Carthage, students would walk in and out of class during a lecture and certain students would be very disruptive. Augustine hears that this type of behavior is not tolerated at schools in Rome.

1. Compare and contrast students in that age to those in the present day.

2. What do you think it means to be a "student?" Give examples and think about this idea "outside the box." Can you relate your ideas to Augustine as a student?

3. What do you think it means to be a "teacher?" Give examples and think about this idea "outside the box." Can you relate your ideas to Augustine as a teacher?

Essay Topic 3

In Book III, Monica, Augustine's mother, tries to get Augustine to stop his wrong religious beliefs and life, but can't get him to change. Discuss the following ideas:

1. What are the pitfalls of one person trying to persuade another to believe the way the person believes?

2. Why do you think Monica is so desperate to have Augustine convert to her religion?

3. Obviously, parents behave in a similar fashion then as now, i.e., not "allowing" their adult children to go their own way. Do you think Monica is wrong in this?

(see the answer keys)

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