Theology Slam is a competition searching for the most engaging voices thinking theologically about the contemporary world.  The competition is open to anyone aged 18-30, and consists of two rounds. For the first round, we are asking you to write 500 words on one of 12 contemporary issues, along with a short video introduction.

Your 500-word piece should:

• Explore the topic at hand from a theological perspective – you are welcome to pick a specific area relevant to the broad topic, or explore the topic as a whole
• Be relevant to everyday life – what does engaging with this theologically mean for Christian discipleship?
• Consider the topic from an explicitly Christian worldview, adhering to an understanding of faith as set out in the Apostles’ Creed
• Be able to be expanded into a 7-10 minute talk, should you be shortlisted for the final
• NOT include footnotes – this is not an academic essay!

Your introductory video should:

• Be no more than 90 seconds long
• Introduce who you are
• Explain why you are interested in the topic you have chosen

The topics available are:

• Theology and Mental Health
• Theology and #MeToo/Time’s Up
• Theology and the Environment
• Theology and Artificial Intelligence
• Theology and the Gig-economy
• Theology and Social Media
• Theology and Migration
• Theology and Political Tribalism
• Theology and Netflix
• Theology and Good Disagreement
• Theology and Disability
• Theology and Consumerism

These submissions will be judged according to the criteria outlined above. Three finalists will be chosen, and invited to participate in the second round, which includes a half-day session with a public-speaking trainer, followed by delivering a 7-10 minute presentation at the Theology Slam Live Final. This presentation will be an expanded version of your original 500-word entry, and will be followed by a short time of Q&A with the audience. This talk – and the responses to the questions – will be judged by our esteemed panel, consisting of Eve Poole, John Swinton, Mark Greene, and Isabelle Hamley.

Please complete the form below and paste your 500 word-written piece and your recorded submission here titled with your name followed by ‘_vid’ or ‘_doc’.  The deadline for entries of all three parts of your submission (form, 500-word piece, and video) is 11.59pm on 7^th December 2018. Finalists will be notified via email by the second week of January 2019, with training taking place at a mutually convenient time in February 2019.

The three finalists will all receive free public speaking coaching and a chance to present to and receive feedback from some of the top theologians and communicators in the Christian world. The winner will receive a collection of books worth up to £200 and have their 500-word entry published in the Church Times.

Any questions, please email theologyslam@hymnsam.co.uk

Terms and Conditions:

The competition begins on the 28^th September, and is open for entries until 7^th December 2018. Only one entry is permitted per person. There is no cash alternative offered for the prize(s). Applicants from throughout the UK and Ireland are accepted, but finalists must cover their own travel expenses to/from London. All finalists must attend the live event on the evening of 7^th March 2019. The promoter is SCM Press and they will own the copyright to any entries submitted.