THEO 104 QUIZ 7 STUDY GUIDE WITH FULL
SOLUTIONS 2026
◉ what are the major sections of book 8? Answer: - final inner
conflict (augustine's divided will)
- influence of ambrose & simplicianus
- conversation w alypius
- visiting ponticianus (story of st antony)
- crisis in the garden
- "pick up and read"
- conversion w/ alypius
◉ what is the final inner conflict (augustine's divided will) in book
8? Answer: knows truth intellectually (god is real, evil is privation &
christ is way) but cannot give up sinful habits especially lust. soul is
being torn in 2: 1 part wanting god, other still attached to pleasure
(calls this "agonizing war within my heart")
◉ what is the influece of ambrose, simplicianus & victorinus in book
8? Answer: visits simplicianus (father of bishop ambrose) & tells
story of his wanderings in error. also tells story of victorinus
(famous roman rhetoric who died christian)
, ◉ what is the story of victorinus? Answer: read many philosophers'
ideas but until he was of advanced yrs he took up worship of idols &
sacrilegious rites (defended these for many yrs). not ashamed to
become servant of Christ (read holy scripture & all christian books
investigated w special care. simplicianus said he was not christian
until saw him in the church of christ (at first didn't want to bc afraid
be "denied by christ before the holy angels" but eventually went)
◉ why is the story of victorinus important to augustine? Answer:
shows even great intellectuals humbled themselves before christ &
inspired to follow example. becomes ashamed so many others (less
educated, young & poor) embracing faith readily while he faced
indecision
◉ what is the conversation with alypius in book 8? Answer:
unemployed lawyer & close friend to help him thru inner crisis &
help w/ advice bc good at public speaking. encourages him & shares
own insight abt self-control & moral discipline (both reflect on how
still are overwhelming desires)
◉ what is the visiting of ponticianus in book 8? Answer: north
african official ponticianus visits augustine & alypius & notices a
book of paul's letters. tells 2 stories:
- conversion of st antony (heard gospel & immediately gave life to
god)(similar to drunk beggar where augustine questioning lifestyle
& model he sees himself as)
SOLUTIONS 2026
◉ what are the major sections of book 8? Answer: - final inner
conflict (augustine's divided will)
- influence of ambrose & simplicianus
- conversation w alypius
- visiting ponticianus (story of st antony)
- crisis in the garden
- "pick up and read"
- conversion w/ alypius
◉ what is the final inner conflict (augustine's divided will) in book
8? Answer: knows truth intellectually (god is real, evil is privation &
christ is way) but cannot give up sinful habits especially lust. soul is
being torn in 2: 1 part wanting god, other still attached to pleasure
(calls this "agonizing war within my heart")
◉ what is the influece of ambrose, simplicianus & victorinus in book
8? Answer: visits simplicianus (father of bishop ambrose) & tells
story of his wanderings in error. also tells story of victorinus
(famous roman rhetoric who died christian)
, ◉ what is the story of victorinus? Answer: read many philosophers'
ideas but until he was of advanced yrs he took up worship of idols &
sacrilegious rites (defended these for many yrs). not ashamed to
become servant of Christ (read holy scripture & all christian books
investigated w special care. simplicianus said he was not christian
until saw him in the church of christ (at first didn't want to bc afraid
be "denied by christ before the holy angels" but eventually went)
◉ why is the story of victorinus important to augustine? Answer:
shows even great intellectuals humbled themselves before christ &
inspired to follow example. becomes ashamed so many others (less
educated, young & poor) embracing faith readily while he faced
indecision
◉ what is the conversation with alypius in book 8? Answer:
unemployed lawyer & close friend to help him thru inner crisis &
help w/ advice bc good at public speaking. encourages him & shares
own insight abt self-control & moral discipline (both reflect on how
still are overwhelming desires)
◉ what is the visiting of ponticianus in book 8? Answer: north
african official ponticianus visits augustine & alypius & notices a
book of paul's letters. tells 2 stories:
- conversion of st antony (heard gospel & immediately gave life to
god)(similar to drunk beggar where augustine questioning lifestyle
& model he sees himself as)
