Keeping your balance

Theological and religious studies raise special challenges for Christian students. Academic and devotional life, scholarship and personal faith, the intellectual and the practical all need to be balanced and integrated. Cherished or deeply-held beliefs may be called into question - perhaps by new understanding of the Bible, perhaps in intellectually hostile settings. Such challenges can be stimulating, but can also be disorientating or distressing. This collection of essays offers help and advice, for those studying in universities and in theological colleges. The first two contributions provide some general orientation. The next sketches the contours of an evangelical approach to theology. This leads to an exploration of 'faith and certainty', some guidelines for maintaining a devotional life and some perspectives on preaching. The concluding essay revisits key themes and offers further reflections.