About
To find Reference Materials look at print materials in the library and online reference databases. The Reference Collection includes commentaries, handbooks, atlases, theological and religious dictionaries and encyclopedias, and more. Use the library catalog and online full text reference databases to find biblical or theological reference materials.
Browse the Reference Collection (Print Materials in the Library)
Books are shelved in Library of Congress (LC) call number order, so similar subjects will be shelved next to each other.
Use the opens new window Library of Congress Classification Outline (select class B, then your subject area) or the ORU Theology Bookmark that lists general theological and biblical call numbers to identify biblical and theological books in the Reference Collection.
Reference books cannot be checked out; however, some titles may have a duplicate in the main collection that is available for checkout. Search the title you need in the library catalog to see if the book is located elsewhere in the library and availability for checkout. Assistance is available at the the Library Services Desk.
Search the ORU Library Catalog (Print & Online)
opens new window ORU Library Catalog
Try a subject search for your topic. From the list of subjects, click a subject to view the book titles. Change "View Entire Collection" to "Reference Collection."
Try a search for: church*, theolog*, Christian*, religio*, bibl* or missions AND encyclopedia OR dictionary
To get the citation for a book, go to the detailed record in the library catalog, click How do I Cite this?, and then select a citation style, such as Chicago/Turabian: Humanities. Copy/paste/edit the citation, as needed. Always check the citation references for accuracy with the ORU Graduate School of Theology & Ministry Research & Writing Manual and your professor's requirements. (Click the "Citation" tab above for more information,)
Reference Ebooks
The Anchor Bible Dictionary by
Six years in the making, this state-of-the-art dictionary offers the most up-to-date and comprehensive treatment of biblical subjects and scholarship. An essential reference for every serious reader of the Bible. B & W illustrations and line-art throughout.
Call Number: BS440 .A54 2007ISBN: 9780385193511Publication Date: 1998-12-01
The Cambridge Dictionary of Christian Theology by
With over 550 entries ranging from Abba to Zwingli composed by leading contemporary theologians from around the world, The Cambridge Dictionary of Christian Theology represents a fresh, ecumenical approach to theological reference. Written with an emphasis on clarity and concision, all entries are designed to help the reader understand and assess the specifically theological significance of the most important concepts. Clearly structured, the volume is organized around a small number of 'core entries' which focus on key topics to provide a general overview of major subject areas, while making use of related shorter entries to impart a more detailed knowledge of technical terms. The work as a whole provides an introduction to the defining topics in Christian thought and is an essential reference point for students and scholars.
ISBN: 9780521880923Publication Date: 2011-02-24
The Essential Bible Dictionary by
Provides quick and reliable information on the most important people, places, and concepts found in the Bible, as well as explanations for difficult-to-understand terms. The Essential Bible Dictionary is a compact reference tool for any reader of Scripture. Unlike similar Bible dictionaries and study aids, this essential dictionary is designed to streamline Bible reading and comprehension and is focused exclusively on proper nouns and words for which a special biblical usage requires comment. In addition to defining words, places, people, and the many themes of the Bible, you'll find: Full-color images, maps, illustrations, and diagrams throughout. Succinct book overviews (arranged alphabetically) with orientating information on author, content, background, and purpose. Phonetic pronunciation key for each entry. Important cross-references for further study. Ideal for use in devotions or personal Bible study, The Essential Bible Dictionary is a storehouse of information that will bring the everyday world of the Bible to life. Can be used with any translation of the Bible.
ISBN: 9780310278214Publication Date: 2011-08-27
New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis by
A widely-used and beloved reference work for nearly 40 years, the New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis (NIDNTTE) has been thoroughly revised and updated to aid today's pastors, students, scholars, and teachers in their study of the New Testament. Offering a wealth of background and information on the meaning of Greek words in the New Testament-as well as related usage in classical Greek sources, the Septuagint, Jewish literature, and more-this important tool offers the following features: Alphabetical arrangement according to Greek words to ensure that individual Greek words are not discussed in isolation from one another and are easy to access Additional Greek words and concepts not covered in the original work, it offers nearly 800 entries covering over 3,000 Greek words Discussions revised to be in line with modern scholarship and updated bibliographies Updated and added consistency to include-for every entry-all necessary background information from classical Greek, the LXX, and Jewish literature. A helpful semantic domain index now directs the reader to all of the Greek words that have something to do with a particular English word and much more!
ISBN: 9780310276197Publication Date: 2014-11-11Ultimate Bible Dictionary by The Ultimate Bible Dictionary is the perfect tool for those who are beginning to study the Bible. Carefully researched and accessible definitions are designed to provide a quick understanding of a term right up front and then, in many cases, go into more detail for those who want this level of description. The definitions are further enhanced by the large number of colorful maps, photos, and reconstructions of biblical objects placed on the same page spread as the definition they accompany. Carefully researched and accessible definitions Hundreds of colorful maps, photos, and reconstructions Concise trim size that is easy-to-carry Great for personal or group study The optimal size of the Ultimate Bible Dictionary makes it easy-to-carry and easy-to-use in personal study or group activities. This valuable resource will enhance your understanding of the people, places, objects, and events in the Bible for years to come.
ISBN: 9781535934718Publication Date: 2019-05-31
Reference Databases
- Christian Classics Ethereal Library This link opens in a new windowBrowse title lists. Sample Title: opens new windowCatholic Encyclopedia- Includes the Early Church Fathers, a 38-volume collection of writings from the first 800 years of the Church divided into three series: Ante-Nicene (ANF), Nicene and Post-Nicene Series I (NPNF1), and Nicene and Post-Nicene Series II (NPNF2). The Early Church Fathers series are also available in print In the ORU Library, call number section is BR.60...LRC-R., and many are available as ebooks. View a list.- To find other books, try a subject search for Early Church Fathers or Fathers of the Church in the ORU library catalog or an ebook database. Or try an author search for a church father (e.g., opens new windowauthor search - Augustine of Hippo).- Try a phrase search for "Fathers of the Church" in opens new windowEbook Central.
- Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
- Encyclopedia of Ancient Greek Language and Linguistics This link opens in a new window
- Encyclopedia of Hebrew Language and Linguistics This link opens in a new window
- Gale eBooks This link opens in a new windowTo view titles click the More drop menu, then click the Title List icon. Titles include:
• opens new windowContemporary American Religion and
• opens new windowEncyclopaedia Judaica.
Click Advanced in the top menu bar to go to the Topic Finder. - New Pauly: Encyclopedia of the Classical World This link opens in a new window
- Oxford Handbooks Online: Religion This link opens in a new window
- Twentieth Century Religious Thought: Christianity This link opens in a new window