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The Academy's library guide

A library with no walls

Some of the best theological writing ever published is free to read online. These are the collections we trust, and how to use them well in your coursework.

The Bible

Classic texts and theology

Articles and study

Writing

How to write a theology essay

  1. 1Read the question twiceUnderline what it asks you to do: explain, compare, evaluate, or apply. Answer that, and only that.
  2. 2Start with the textRead the passage itself in more than one translation before any commentary. Note what it says, to whom, and why.
  3. 3Then read widelyUse the essential reading on your module's list first, then at least two other voices, including one you may disagree with.
  4. 4Plan before you writeA one-line answer to the question, then three or four points that support it, each with its evidence.
  5. 5Write plainlyShort paragraphs, one idea each. Quote Scripture accurately and give the reference. Explain any term your reader may not know.
  6. 6Conclude and checkSay what you have shown. Then check the word count, the references, and the integrity declaration before you hand it in.

References

How to cite your sources

Use footnotes in this form unless your lecturer asks otherwise. What matters most is that a reader could find exactly what you used. The patterns below show the shape; the details are placeholders.

A book
John Stott, The Cross of Christ (Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press, 1986), 133.
A chapter in an edited book
A. Author, “Title of the Chapter,” in Title of the Book, ed. B. Editor (City: Publisher, Year), 45–60.
An article online
A. Author, “Title of the Article,” Journal Name 12 (1998): 33–48, https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/...
Lecture notes
Academy of Influence International, “Systematic Theology, Lesson 3,” lecture notes, 2026.
Scripture
Give the book, chapter and verse in the text, and name the translation once: Romans 8:28 (BSB).

Read the Academy’s academic integrity policy before you hand anything in.