Essay contest to discuss topic “The Bible is the supreme authority for Christians”

The Institute of Theology and Liberal Arts at St Mary’s University in Twickenham (England) has announced the subject of this year’s third annual essay writing contest.

The competition invites Year 12 students in English and Welsh schools to prepare an essay on the topic: “The Bible is the supreme authority for Christians.” Now in its third year, the contest offers a prize of £250 for the winning essay, with five runners-up receiving book voucher prizes worth £20.

“We’re looking forward to reading this year’s entries,” said Dr Jacob Philips, the Director of the Institute. “I’d like to wish everyone taking part the best of luck. Every year myself and my fellow panellists have the pleasure of reading the thoughtful and creative essays submitted by students from across England and Wales, and I’m sure this year will be no different.”

Last year’s competition focused on the proposition, “Euthanasia is wrong.” In his video address at the award ceremony, Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster, who serves as the Chancellor of St Mary’s, noted that the topic was particularly challenging and spoke to the nature of human suffering.

Students interested in taking part in this year’s competition can do so on the University’s Website.

Originally founded on the initiative of Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman, St Mary’s is generally recognised as the first Catholic University in the United Kingdom since the Reformation. In addition to the Institute of Theology, the school boasts Academic Faculties of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences; and of Sport, Health and Applied Sciences, and offers a wide variety of undergraduate degrees.