Learning for the Love of God

“Papers and professors, labs and lectures. Few Christian books for college students even mention the central aspect of college life—academics and course work. This one, though, lays it all out, brings it all together. It is easy to read, fun, funny, and full of robust insight. There is nothing like it in print. Students who desire to truly live out the implications of their faith in the classroom setting will find this book to be an extraordinary help; campus ministers or faithful faculty wanting to assist their young friends in serving Christ in the classroom will want to have a stack of these on hand to pass out. It is on that short list of must-reads, essential for grooming Christian faithfulness in the college years.”

Byron K. Borger

“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. Their message is deeply biblical and splendidly relevant for today’s learners and, truth be told, teachers.”

Quentin J. Schultze

“Deep yet easily accessible, this book reminds us why we study. Many students want to play a part in the great Story—redeeming all of life and building the kingdom in a hurting world. Such outrageous vision requires the wisdom and brilliance of the Creator in every field and discipline. The humility of a true scholar yields not only purpose but also curiosity and delight as we rejoice in the glory of God on the far side of every question.”

Kelly Monroe Kullberg

“From their own years as students and teachers, Melleby and Opitz have written a wonderfully imaginative guide for university students who want something more from their studies. Probing yet playful, this book is full of wisdom for those who yearn for their learning to move beyond mere labor to true love.”

Steven Garber

“An outstanding book about how Christian students can learn to be faithful to their Lord in their studies. Its biblical moorings, fresh and clear language, and vivid stories give it transformative power. It is pitched at just the right level to reach its target audience. The authors have invested much in writing this insightful book. Those who read it—students and teachers alike—will reap genuine dividends.”

David Naugle

“We need this book! The idea of a Christian worldview has passed into common use, but we seem no closer to living what we supposedly believe. Opitz and Melleby assert—correctly I think—that we won’t ever put legs on a biblical vision for all of life until we begin to learn differently. Other people have asserted the same, but I’ve yet to see anyone else make it so clear how this can be done.”

Daniel Dupee

““Filled with rich insights and probing questions, [this book] encourages students, through its accessible chapters and group discussion questions, to connect their faith with their studies, through all the excitement and trials of academic life.”

Gayle Doornbos

“The authors use key examples from Scripture and pop culture to insightfully maintain the ‘outrageous’ idea that students can use their studies to better connect with God. In addition to these practical insights, Donald Opitz and Derek Melleby offer sound ideas on developing a present-future worldview founded in ‘His Story.’ Their language is both humorous and unassuming, painting clear guidelines for the seasoned Christian as well as the unfamiliar seeker. Each chapter ends with interactive questions and suggestions for further reading to continue the journey. A great gift to college-bound senior or those already pursuing their degrees, the authors have presented a solid and relevant guide useful on both the Christian and secular campus.”

Tony Miles

“[This book] is genuinely written for the average beginning college student, rather than leaning to the highly academic and philosophically inclined. The prose is lively, readable, and very accessible, and is punctuated by anecdotes and comments from students. . . . [The book] point[s] students in the direction of connecting their faith and their learning without prescribing many of the intellectual outcomes. . . . The task of being a Christian scholar is not presented solely in terms of developing Christian concepts and positions, but includes a focus on practices that span the devotional and the educational.”

David I. Smith

“This is an easy-to-read, interesting book encouraging students to take up the challenge of marrying their beliefs in God with the commitments to academics. . . . My favorite question the book asks is, ‘Does God care about academics?,’ and the book builds on that question, seeking to help the reader develop a level of academic study that relies on the truth of God as well as adopting the principles of God.”

Tim Baker

“Opitz and Melleby have written a book that is long overdue. Here is a plea for students to take their academic pursuits as part of their faithfulness to Christ. . . . The book provides a map of what it means ‘to take every thought captive to Christ’—in their own words, a ‘fitness campaign for the Christian mind.’ It is a book that pastors, youth leaders, and parents should place in the hands of every starting college freshman. . . . The next step is getting them to actually read it. If they do, they will be exposed to a vision of college life beyond their wildest dreams.”

David John Seel