Summary:
Religio Laici (1682) is a philosophical and theological poem by John Dryden that explores the nature of faith, reason, and the role of the Church. The title means “The Religion of a Layman” in Latin. In the poem, Dryden defends Anglicanism against Catholicism and Protestant dissenters, arguing that the Church of England provides a rational and balanced approach to Christianity. He emphasizes that human reason alone is insufficient for salvation and that divine revelation, as interpreted by the Church, is necessary for true faith. The poem reflects Dryden’s religious beliefs before his later conversion to Catholicism.
1. : What is the primary theme of Religio Laici?
(A) The superiority of Catholicism
(B) The justification of faith and reason in religion
(C) The corruption of the Church
(D) The rejection of all religious beliefs
2. : What does the title Religio Laici mean?
(A) The Religion of the Church
(B) The Religion of the People
(C) The Religion of a Layman
(D) The Religion of the King
3. : Which religious position does Dryden defend in the poem?
(A) Catholicism
(B) Protestant Dissent
(C) Anglicanism
(D) Atheism
4. : What does Dryden argue about human reason in religion?
(A) It is the only reliable source of truth
(B) It is useful but insufficient without divine revelation
(C) It should be rejected entirely
(D) It is superior to faith
5. : Which literary device is predominantly used in Religio Laici?
(A) Satire
(B) Allegory
(C) Metaphor and argumentation
(D) Irony and paradox
6. : Why did Dryden write Religio Laici before converting to Catholicism?
(A) To attack the Catholic Church
(B) To defend the rationality of Anglicanism
(C) To promote religious skepticism
(D) To support Protestant dissenters
7. : What does Dryden say about divine revelation?
(A) It is unnecessary for faith
(B) It should be ignored in favor of reason
(C) It is essential for religious understanding
(D) It is only for the clergy
8. : How does Dryden view religious extremism in the poem?
(A) He fully supports it
(B) He warns against it and advocates for moderation
(C) He believes it is necessary for true faith
(D) He praises religious radicals
9. : In which poetic form is Religio Laici written?
(A) Blank verse
(B) Heroic couplets
(C) Free verse
(D) Sonnet sequence
10. : What is Dryden’s main argument in favor of the Anglican Church?
(A) It balances reason and faith
(B) It rejects all forms of tradition
(C) It follows strict logic
(D) It is free from human errors