Introduction to Online Theological Reference Resources
The ORU Library has thousands of resources that support our theological degrees. While we cannot provide all of our resources in electronic form, this guide provides a selection of some of our best theological reference sources that can help you with your research.
Theological research usually begins with getting definitions of words, theological concepts, or information on individuals you want to study. This is done through reference works such as academic dictionaries, encyclopedias and handbooks. From there, you can pursue more focused studies in books and journal articles about your topic. This guide will help you with suggestions of scholarly reference materials available to online learners.
If you need more help, you can email us at librarian@oru.edu or use the chat button to chat with a librarian.
This guide a great source for the Seminar in Theological Research students.
Theological Dictionaries
A theological dictionary is designed to give you definitions of theological concepts found in the Bible and/or theological works. For example, "sovereignty" is a concept in theology, even though the word is not used often in the Bible. Same is true for "Trinity." These give you some basic understandings of how the word or concept is used in theological circles.
If you want to find more options, simply expand the box "Books, Ebooks, and Media" on the home page and in the search box type "theological dictionary". On the results page, change the dropdown from View Entire Collection to Ebooks and click on Search.
The Cambridge Dictionary of Christian Theology by Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780521880923Publication Date: 2011
New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis Set by Call Number: EbookISBN: 0310276195Publication Date: 2014
The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible and Theology by
The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible and Theology (OEBT) is a new encyclopedic treatment of major theological issues and themes in the Bible that surpasses all similar reference works in scope and significance. Leading scholars provide extensive overviews of key topics, offering analyses of the trajectory and reception history of theological issues as well as critical assessment of Near Eastern and Greco-Roman antecedents for Old and New Testament perspectives. While many entries address the Bible's historical context, including traditional theological perspectives on creation, sin,covenant, grace, and forgiveness, others are more rooted in modern issues, featuring biblical perspectives on contemporary concerns such as wealth and poverty, gender/race discrimination, and market economics.The two-volume OEBT contains 168 entries ranging in length from 2,000 to 8,000 words. With bibliographic references and suggestions for further reading, each entry affords students and scholars a comprehensive topical and methodological summary of the topic that serves as both a go-to reference anda starting point for original research. The OEBT's distinctive approach and range of entries make it a unique resource that fills a void in biblical scholarship.
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780199858699Publication Date: 2015
Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms by Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780830814497Publication Date: 1999
The Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms, Second Edition by Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780664259761Publication Date: 2014
Bible Dictionaries & Word Study Resources
Word studies look at the definitions and uses of words in the Biblical text. Most in-depth word studies require knowledge of Greek and Hebrew in order to use a lexicon. However, a Bible dictionary also discusses how words are used and the background meanings of words.
If you want to find more options, simply expand the box "Books, Ebooks, and Media" on the home page and in the search box type "Bible dictionary". On the results page, change the dropdown from View Entire Collection to Ebooks and click on Search.
- Bible Hub Online Interliner BibleIf you need help knowing what Greek word is used in a Bible verse, you can begin here. From there, you may be able to look up words in a Lexicon.
Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch by Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780830817818Publication Date: 2002IVP Bible Dictionary series
Also available in print: opens new windowBS1225.52.D53 2003 Reference
The Macmillan Dictionary of the Bible by Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780333648056Publication Date: 2003
Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words by Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780310859703Publication Date: 2009- New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis Set by Call Number: EbookISBN: 0310276195Publication Date: 2014
The New Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible by Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780687333462Publication Date: 2009- The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible and Theology by Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780199858699Publication Date: 2015
Handbooks on Theology & Other Topics
Handbooks provides scholarly level information on a variety of topics, very much like a theological dictionary. This could include theological topics, related perspectives on issues, or individuals in history. The Oxford Handbook Series provides a large variety of handbooks on many different disciplines in theology. For example, topics range from scripture and hermeneutics to faith and reason, creation, Jesus Christ, Israel and salvation, eschatology, worship, and politics.
If you want to find more options, simply expand the box "Books, Ebooks, and Media" on the home page and in the search box type "handbook and theology". On the results page, change the dropdown from View Entire Collection to Ebooks and click on Search.
The Cambridge Companion to Pentecostalism by Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780521188388Publication Date: 2014
The Oxford Handbook of Evangelical Theology by Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780195369441Publication Date: 2010
The Oxford Handbook of the Bible and American Popular Culture by Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780190461416Publication Date: 2020
The Oxford Handbook of Systematic Theology by Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780199245765Publication Date: 2007
The Routledge Handbook of Pentecostal Theology by
Research on Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity has increased dramatically in recent decades, and a diverse array of disciplines have begun to address a range of elements of these movements. Yet, there exists very little understanding of Pentecostal theology, and it is not uncommon to encounter stereotypes and misperceptions. Addressing this gap in current research, The Routledge Handbook of Pentecostal Theology is an exceptional reference source to the key topics, challenges, and debates in this growing field of study and is the first collection of its kind to offer a comprehensive presentation and critical discussion of this subject. Comprising over forty chapters written by a team of international contributors, the Handbook is divided into five parts: Contextualizing Pentecostal Theology Sources Theological Method Doctrines and Practices Conversations and Challenges. These sections take the reader through a comprehensive introduction to what Pentecostals believe and how they practice their faith. Looking at issues such as the core teachings of Pentecostalism concerning Spirit baptism, divine healing, or eschatology; unique practices, such as spiritual warfare and worship; and less discussed issues, such as social justice and gender, each chapter builds towards a nuanced and global picture of the theology of the Pentecostal movement. The Routledge Handbook of Pentecostal Theology is essential reading for students and researchers in Pentecostal Studies, World Christianity, and Theology as well as scholars working in contemporary Religious Studies.
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9781138580893Publication Date: 2020
