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 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.
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780521880923Publication Date: 2011Encyclopedia of Christian Theology by The Encyclopedia of Christian Theology, translated from the French Dictionnaire Critique de Théologie 2nd Edition, features over 530 entries, contributed by 250 scholars from fifteen different countries. Alphabetically arranged entries provide the reader a critical overview of the main theological questions and related topics, including concepts, events, councils, theologians, philosophers, movements, and more. Hailed as a "masterpiece of scholarship," this reference work will be of great interest and use for scholars, students of religion and theology as well as general readers.
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9781579582500Publication Date: 2004Evangelical Dictionary of Theology by This bestselling reference tool has been a trusted resource for more than 25 years with over 165,000 copies sold. Now thoroughly updated and substantially revised to meet the needs of today's students and classrooms, it offers cutting-edge overviews of key theological topics. Readable and reliable, this work features new articles on topics of contemporary relevance to world Christianity and freshened articles on enduring theological subjects, providing comprehensive A-Z coverage for today's theology students. The author base reflects the increasing diversity of evangelical scholars. Advisory editors include D. Jeffrey Bingham, Cheryl Bridges Johns, John G. Stackhouse Jr., Tite Ti nou, and Kevin J. Vanhoozer.
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780801039461Publication Date: 2017New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis Set by A standard and widely-used reference work for nearly 40 years, the New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis 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 instead of previous order according to English topics; this ensures that individual Greek words are not discussed in isolation from one another and are easy to access * Expanded to include additional Greek words and concepts not covered in the original work, NIDNTTE includes nearly 800 entries covering over 3,000 Greek words * Discussions have been revised to be in line with modern scholarship and bibliographies are updated * Corrections have been made to inconsistencies and omissions in earlier versions * 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. For example, under the English word "Anger, Wrath," there is a list of thirteen Greek words that are related to that topic. * Significant changes have been made in the presentation and discussion of linguistic details * and much more!
Call Number: EbookISBN: 0310276195Publication Date: 2014The 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: 2015Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms by Beginning to study theology is like stepping into a conversation that has been going on for two thousand years.How do you take part in this conversation--or even make sense of it--if you don't understand the vocabulary or know the contributions made by other participants?The Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms is the perfect companion to your theological studies. Among its three hundred-plus definitions areEnglish terms, from accommodation to wrath of Godforeign terms, from a posteriori to via mediatheological movements and traditions, from the Alexandrian School to Wesleyanismtheologians, from Anselm of Canterbury to Ulrich ZwingliHere is an affordable and easily accessible resource for your theological readings, lectures and writing assignments. It's a must-have for every theological student.
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780830814497Publication Date: 1999The Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms, Second Edition by This second edition of the Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms provides a comprehensive guide to nearly 7,000 theological terms--1,000 more terms than the first edition. McKim's succinct definitions cover a broad range of theological studies and related disciplines: contemporary theologies, biblical studies, church history, ethics, feminist theology, global theologies, hermeneutics, liberation theology, liturgy, ministry, philosophy, philosophy of religion, postcolonial theology, social sciences, spiritually, worship, and Protestant, Reformed, and Roman Catholic theologies. This new edition also includes cross-references that link readers to other related terms, commonly used scholarly abbreviations and abbreviations for canonical and deuterocanonical texts, an annotated bibliography, and a new introductory section that groups together terms and concepts, showing where they fit within particular theological categories. No other single volume provides the busy student, and the theologically experienced reader, with such easy access to so many theological definitions.
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780664259761Publication Date: 2014
Bible Dictionaries and 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.
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: EbookISBN: 9780385193511Publication Date: 1998Collins Greek-English Dictionary Find English meanings to Greek words.
Call Number: EbookISBN: 978000722427Publication Date: 2011A Concordance to the Greek Testament by This book provides a full list of each greek word in the New Testament and all of the verses in the NT that use that word. Requires knowledge of Greek alphabet to use.
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780567010216Publication Date: 1978Dictionary of Paul and His Letters by IVP Bible Dictionary series Print copy available in Reference collection: BS2650.2.D53 1993 ECPA Gold Medallion The Dictionary of Paul and His Letters is a one-of-a-kind reference work. Following the format of its hightly successful companion volume, the Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, this Dictionary is designed to bring students, teachers, ministers and laypeople abreast of the established conclusions and significant recent developments in Pauline scholarship. No other single reference work presents as much information focused exclusively on Pauline theology, literature, background and scholarship. In a field that recently has undergone significant shifts in perspective, the Dictionary of Paul and His Letters offers a summa of Paul and Pauline studies. In-depth articles focus on individual theological themes (such as law, resurrection and Son of God), broad theological topics (such as Christology, eschatology and the death of Christ), methods of interpretation (such as rhetorical criticism and social-scientific approaches), background topics (such as apocalypticism, Hellenism and Qumran) and various other subjects specifically related to the scholarly study of Pauline theology and literature (such as early catholicism, the center of Paul's theology, and Paul and his interpreters since F. C. Baur). Separate articles are also devoted to each of the Pauline letters to hermeneutics and to preaching Paul today. The Dictionary of Paul and His Letters takes its place alongside the Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels in presenting the fruit of evangelical New Testament scholarship at the end of the twentieth century--commited to the authority of Scripture, utilizing the best of critical methods, and maintaining dialogue with contemporary scholarship and challenges facing the church. Reference volumes in the IVP Bible Dictionary Series provide in-depth treatment of biblical and theological topics in an accessible, encyclopedia format, including cross-sectional themes, methods of interpretation, significant historical or cultural background, and each Old and New Testament book as a whole.
Call Number: EbookPublication Date: 1993Dictionary of the Old Testament - Pentateuch by A 2003 LOGOS Book Award Winner!An ECPA 2003 Gold Medallion Finalist!The first five books of the Old Testament lay the foundation on which the rest of Scripture stands. Its great themes, epochal events and towering figures set down vectors on which the biblical story is played out. The very shape of the rest of the Old Testament would collapse were the Penteteuch to be removed. The structure of New Testament thought would be barely intelligible without it.Here we meet the great ancestral figures of Israel--Abraham, Isaac and Jacob--and the towering figure of Moses, whose presence dominates four of these five books. The creative act of God, the paradisal garden, the exile of Adam and Eve, the judgment of the great flood, the call of Abraham from among the nations, the covenant of Abraham, the exodus from Egypt, the giving of the law at Sinai, the plan of the tabernacle, the varied experiences of Israel in the wilderness, and the announcement of the covenant blessings and curses--all of these and more contribute to a work of world-formative power. This dictionary explores the major themes and contours of the Pentateuch.Behind and beneath the grandeur of the Pentateuch, issues of historicity have both puzzled and beckoned. But whereas in the mid-twentieth century many English-speaking scholars were confident of archaeological support for the patriarchal accounts, the climate has now changed. In the most extreme cases, some contemporary scholars have radically challenged the antiquity of the ancestral stories, arguing for their final composition even as late as the Hellenistic era. This dictionary examines and weighs the historical issues and poses possible solutions.The documentary hypothesis, the former reigning critical consensus, is now widely rumored to be on life support with no heir apparent. Meanwhile, conservative scholars reconsider what indeed a claim to Mosaic authorship should entail. This dictionary offers an assessment of the array of questions surrounding these issues and considers some possible ways forward for evangelical scholarship.At the same time, there has been a fruitful turning to the nature, message and art of the received text of the Pentateuch. Literary studies of brief episodes, sprawling sagas, complex narrative and even the fivefold composition of the Pentateuch itself have delivered promising and exciting results. This dictionary offers both appreciative panoramas and close-up assessments of these developments and their methods.The Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch is the first in a four-volume series covering the text of the Old Testament. Following in the tradition of the four award-winning IVP dictionaries focused on the New Testament and its background, this encyclopedic work is characterized by close attention to the text of the Old Testament and the ongoing conversation of contemporary scholarship. In exploring the major themes and issues of the Pentateuch, editors T. Desmond Alexander and David W.Baker, with an international and expert group of scholars, inform and challenge through authoritative overviews, detailed examinations and new insights from the world of the ancient Near East.The Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch is designed to be your first stop in the study and research of the Pentateuch, on which the rest of the Bible is built.
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780830817818Publication Date: 2002The Essential Bible Dictionary by If you are looking for a Bible study tool that is compact, easy to understand, and does not require a Bible degree to use, then the Essential Bible Dictionary is for you. In addition to defining words, places, people, and the many themes of the Bible, this concise reference work is: -Visually stimulating, with full-color images and illustrations.-Ideal for use in devotions or personal Bible study-A storehouse of information, providing essential information regarding the world of the Bible. -Organized A - Z -Filled with charts, maps, and sidebars that bring the everyday world of the Bible to life.At a special value price, the Essential Bible Dictionary makes a wonderful gift for all ages that will provide insights into the world of the Bible for years to come. For use with any translation of the Bible, and presented in full-color, this is the most up-to-date, trusted resource for devotions, personal Bible study, and teaching.
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780310278214Publication Date: 2011The Macmillan Dictionary of the Bible by A reference guide to the Bible, including breakdowns of the structure of each book and quick-reference lists of well-known passages. The text aims to feature every significant character, location, institution, event and concept in the Bible.
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780333648056Publication Date: 2003Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words by For years, Vine's Expository Dictionary has been the standard word study tool for pastors and laypeople, selling millions of copies. But sixty-plus years of scholarship have shed extensive new light on the use of biblical Greek and Hebrew, creating the need for a new, more accurate, more thorough dictionary of Bible words. William Mounce, whose Greek grammar has been used by more than 100,000 college and seminary students, is the editor of this new dictionary, which will become the layperson's gold standard for biblical word studies. Mounce's is ideal for the reader with limited or no knowledge of Greek or Hebrew who wants greater insight into the meanings of biblical words to enhance Bible study. It is also the perfect reference for busy pastors needing to quickly get at the heart of a word's meaning without wading through more technical studies. What makes Mounce's superior to Vine's? The most accurate, in-depth definitions based on the best of modern evangelical scholarship Both Greek and Hebrew words are found under each English entry (Vine's separates them) Employs both Strong's and G/K numbering systems (Vine's only uses Strong's) Mounce's accuracy is endorsed by leading scholars
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780310859703Publication Date: 2009New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis Set by A standard and widely-used reference work for nearly 40 years, the New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis 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 instead of previous order according to English topics; this ensures that individual Greek words are not discussed in isolation from one another and are easy to access * Expanded to include additional Greek words and concepts not covered in the original work, NIDNTTE includes nearly 800 entries covering over 3,000 Greek words * Discussions have been revised to be in line with modern scholarship and bibliographies are updated * Corrections have been made to inconsistencies and omissions in earlier versions * 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. For example, under the English word "Anger, Wrath," there is a list of thirteen Greek words that are related to that topic. * Significant changes have been made in the presentation and discussion of linguistic details * and much more!
Call Number: EbookISBN: 0310276195Publication Date: 2014The New Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible by The most complete coverage of theological topics This dictionary is the definitive starting point for research on any topic, place or person in the Bible, with emphasis on the crucial theological concepts. Based on the NRSV. Unparalleled quality of information Written by 900 scholars, experts in their fields, from 40 nations and a variety of perspectives and diverse theological commitments. Totally new entries 7100 fresh, original articles. Also contains 1300 distinct cross-reference entries. Balanced and relevant content For any pastor, rabbi, preacher, teacher, or student who is preparing to serve the congregation. Theological content and thorough discussion of various interpretations is tailored for congregational use. It will become your most trusted companion!
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780687333462Publication Date: 2009The 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: 2015Ultimate 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.
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9781535934718Publication Date: 2019
Handbooks on Theology and 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 Pentecostalism is one of the fastest-growing religious movements in the world. Groups in the United States dominated early Pentecostal histories, but recent global manifestations have expanded and complicated the definition of Pentecostalism. This volume provides a nuanced overview of Pentecostalism's various manifestations and explores what it means to be Pentecostal from the perspectives of both insiders and outsiders. Leading scholars in the field use a multidisciplinary approach to analyze the historical, economic, political, anthropological, sociological and theological aspects of the movement. They address controversies, such as the Oneness-Trinity controversy; introduce new theories; and chart trajectories for future research. The Cambridge Companion to Pentecostalism will enable beginners to familiarize themselves with the important issues and debates surrounding the global movement, while also offering experienced scholars a valuable handbook for reference.
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9781107007093Publication Date: 2014Multicultural Ministry Handbook by Outreach Magazine Book Award winner The world is becoming increasingly diverse. More and more of our neighbors are from a variety of cultures, ethnicities and cultural backgrounds. But most churches are still culturally homogenous and do not represent every tribe and tongue. What can we do to minister more effectively to our multicultural society? David Anderson and Margarita Cabellon bring together an experienced team of practitioners to share best practices for multicultural ministry. First they lay out the biblical rationale for multicultural community as God's vision for his people. Then key leaders share personal journeys and practical ideas for multicultural leadership development, worship, children's ministry, outreach and much more. Drawing on the pioneering expertise of Bridgeway Community Church and BridgeLeader Network, the contributors present a holistic and multifaceted portrait of what a dynamic, grace-filled and diverse ministry can look like. Our tribalized world is crying out for healing. Discover how you can minister to others as agents of God's reconciliation and hope.
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780830838448Publication Date: 2010The Oxford Handbook of Evangelical Theology by Evangelical theology is a burgeoning field. Evangelicals have been growing in numbers and prominence worldwide, and the rise to academic prominence of evangelical historians, scripture scholars, ethicists, and theologians - many of whom have changed the face of their disciplines - hasdemonstrated the growing maturity of this movement's intellectual leaders. This volume surveys the state of the discipline on topics of greatest importance to evangelical theology. Each chapter has been written by a theologian or scholar who is widely recognized for his or her published work and isconsidered a leading thinker on that particular topic. The authors critically assess the state of the question, from both classical and evangelical traditions, and propose a future direction for evangelical thinking on the subject.
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780195369441Publication Date: 2010Oxford Handbooks Online Oxford Handbooks Online is an outstanding collection of the best Handbooks areas across many different subject areas. Search by theological topic or book of the Bible. One of the most prestigious and successful strands of Oxford’s scholarly publishing, the Handbook series contains in-depth, high-level articles by scholars at the top of their field.Each Handbook offers thorough introductions to topics and a critical survey of the current state of scholarship, creating an original conception of the field and setting the agenda for new research. Handbook articles review the key issues and cutting-edge debates, as well as providing arguments for how those debates might evolve.
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780190273576The Oxford Handbook of Systematic Theology by The Oxford Handbook of Systematic Theology brings together a set of original and authoritative accounts of all the major areas of current research in Christian systematic theology, offering a thorough survey of the state of the discipline and of its prospects for those undertaking researchand teaching in the field. The Handbook engages in a comprehensive examination of themes and approaches, guiding the reader through current debates and literatures in the context of the historical development of systematic theological reflection. Organized thematically, it treats in detail thefull array of topics in systematic theology, as well as questions of its sources and norms, its relation to other theological and non-theological fields of enquiry, and some major trends in current work. Each chapter provides an analysis of research and debate on its topic, identifying andinterpreting options and laying out the basis for the reader to explore the territory, asking: What are the critical issues? How have these issues developed and been expounded? What are current prospects? The focus is on doctrinal (rather than historical) questions, and on major (rather thanephemeral) debates. The aim is to stimulate readers to reach theological judgements on the basis of consideration of the range of opinion. Drawn from Europe, the UK, and North America, the authors are all leading practitioners of the discipline. Readers will find expert guidance as well ascreative suggestions about the future direction of the study of Christian doctrine.
Call Number: EbookISBN: 9780199245765Publication Date: 2007The 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