Exploring how the Bible may be appropriately used in practical and public theology, this book looks at types of modern practical theology with specific emphasis on the use of the Bible. It also offers a framework for a biblically informed practical theology which draws on the writer's experience and invites the readers to engage their own.

Contents: Introduction; Part I Using the Bible - the Reader of Multiple Texts: Introduction; The text of the Bible and the text of life; Putting ourselves in the picture; A tale of two traditions. Part II John Ruskin: ’To See Clearly... is Poetry, Prophecy, and Religion All in One’: Introduction; ’Our national archangel’; Ruskin’s biblical interpretation; On seeing clearly; On prophetic seeing. Part III The Bible and Theology in the Public Sphere: Introduction; A resignation and an interview: the Bible and corporate finance; A crisis and a judgement call: the Bible and international conflict; Towards a biblically informed practical and public theology; Bibliography; Index.

A Yankee Book Peddler US Core Title for 2013 Classified as 'Research Essential' by Baker & Taylor YBP Library Services ’In this groundbreaking book Zoë Bennett brilliantly sketches the public theology of John Ruskin and skilfully uses it to illuminate practical theology and biblical hermeneutics. It is an outstanding contribution, not only to public theology but also to theology more generally. Calling on a wide array of interpretative skills, she illuminates a subject of pressing concern in a readable and compelling manner and demonstrates the value of historical study for the development of critical reflection. The study of John Ruskin, the Bible and theology will never look the same again.’ Christopher Rowland, Queen's College, Oxford, UK ’...a tantalising mix of autobiography, reflections from students and others, details of the doctorate course she leads on practical theology, John Ruskin and contemporary reflections on corporate finance and international conflict...’ Reader