The story that shapes us: biblical theology as a lens on practical theology

ABSTRACT The role of the Bible within practical theology and Christian formation more generally continues to be a topic of debate. In this article, I explore the use of the Bible in practical theology through the lens of biblical theology, a sibling discipline that is also concerned for the role of Scripture in the life of faith. As well as describing differences between the disciplines, I seek to show how biblical theology offers some distinct challenges to the way in which many practical theologians use the Bible. I also trace key themes within biblical theology in the work of three British practical theologians, all of whom attend closely to the breadth of the story that Scripture tells.