Encountering God's Word

Book excerpt: Studying the Bible in an academic institution can be very different from studying it in a church service or house group, but for all Christian readers the fundamental task is the same: to understand, and to live out, the meaning of the text as fully as possible. Nevertheless, formal courses in universities and theological colleges will require students to learn information and evaluate opinions that can appear to be of little consequence for most other readers of the Bible. Furthermore, Christians can be confronted with essentially non-Christian worldviews that conflict with their basic convictions; evangelicals will grapple with other Christian perspectives, or with tough questions within their own presuppositions about the nature and content of the Bible. This collection provides an introduction to academic study of the Bible, with the particular needs of evangelical students in mind. These essays are intended to complement standard texts and lecture courses, and offer accessible, up-to-date surveys of key issues, along with valuable orientation and advice.