Academic Faithfulness

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Most Christian college students separate their academic life from church attendance, Bible study, and prayer. Too often discipleship of the mind is overlooked if not ignored altogether. In this lively and enlightening book, two authors who are experienced in college youth ministry show students how to be faithful in their studies, approaching education as their vocation.

This revised edition of the well-received The Outrageous Idea of Academic Faithfulness includes updates throughout, two new substantive appendixes, personal stories from students, a new preface, and a fresh interior design. Chapters conclude with thought-provoking discussion questions.

Read an excerpt here.

Endorsements:

“What does discipleship have to do with learning? How do I follow Jesus as a student? What does the Lord require of me at university? This marvelous book answers just these sorts of questions. It’s one of a kind, an expansive vision of Christian learning written not for professors but for students. Best of all, this is a book that can profit students in any educational context, secular or religious. Buy a box of these and give them to every high school senior you know.” — James K. A. Smith, Calvin College

“This is the sort of book that should be read by Christian students going to college and studied in campus fellowship groups. It provides clear and accessible guidelines as to how to relate one’s faith to academics. I hope it will be widely used.” — George Marsden, author of The Outrageous Idea of Christian Scholarship

“As you get ready to plunge into college, add this book to your reading list. It will help you navigate the common landmines that can trip up your faith, and it will give you the tools you need to sprint ahead.” — Kara Powell, executive director, Fuller Youth Institute

“The most difficult transition in the life of faith is from high school to college. This book will prove valuable for any student who gives it the time it deserves. Read and listen, I say.” — Scot McKnight, author of The Jesus Creed

“This book addresses numerous timely issues related to the place of academics in the life of the Christian student. Nothing I have seen yet addresses these particular issues with a combination of theological depth and easy accessibility that mark this book.” — Walt Mueller, president, Center for Parent/Youth Understanding

“Deep yet easily accessible, this book reminds us why we study.” — Kelly Monroe Kullberg, author of Finding God Beyond Harvard: The Quest for Veritas

“Probing yet playful, The Outrageous Idea of Academic Faithfulness is full of wisdom for those who yearn for their learning to move beyond mere labor to true love.” — Steven Garber, director, The Washington Institute for Faith, Vocation, and Culture; author of The Fabric of Faithfulness

“Few Christian books for college students even mention the central aspect of college life–academics and course work. This one is on that short list of must-reads, essential for grooming Christian faithfulness in the college years.” — Byron K. Borger, Hearts & Minds Bookstore

“An outstanding book about how Christian students can learn to be faithful to their Lord in their studies. Those who read it–students and teachers alike–will reap genuine dividends.” — David Naugle, Dallas Baptist University; author of Worldview: The History of a Concept

“Opitz and Melleby’s wonderfully outrageous little book will tickle, inspire, challenge, and encourage students to gain a real life–not just grades, degrees, and jobs.” — Quentin J. Schultze, Calvin College; author of Here I Am: Now What on Earth Should I Be Doing?