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This test consists of 5 short answer questions and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Book Three, Augustine argues that since holy men from scripture receive evil language from God because of their condition, how should the passages with such language be read?

2. Why does Augustine claim that Christian students fall into the trap that prevents them from separating themselves from pagans?

3. What are the two different ways a Scriptural passage can be considered, according to Book Three?

4. What is a requirement of Augustine's disciples?

5. Since Augustine regards his disciples as "divinely instituted," what responsibility falls on his students?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Augustine begins training his students to interpret scripture with an examination of "things." He differentiates "things" that are to be used from things that are to be enjoyed. Use an example that Augustine used in "On Christian Doctrine" to make a Venn diagram comparing things that are used with things enjoyed. Write an essay on your diagram and identify the standard that Augustine uses to determine how things are to be used and enjoyed properly. Conclude the essay with the steps you would have to take to use and enjoy things based on Augustine's standards.

Essay Topic 2

Augustine writes that God uses, rather than enjoys, humans and that the extent of His use of each human is based upon the depth of love those humans have for God. Detail how a student can translate their love of God to commitment to the study course that Augustine lays out. Explain how a student motivated by the love for God will respond to guidance from the sources for learning that Augustine recommends and how doing such can prepare a student to guide a community to seek proper and intelligent Scriptural interpretation.

Essay Topic 3

In Book Two, Augustine identifies seven virtues that lead to the development of wisdom. Analyze how the seven virtues contribute to the strengthening of each other and how they build toward gaining what Augustine defines as wisdom.

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