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01 Introduction 02 Baptist 03 Church of the Brethren 04 Episcopal / Anglican 05 Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) 06 Lutheran 07 Methodist 08 Orthodox 09 Presbyterian 10 Roman Catholic 11 Society of Friends (Quaker) 12 United Church of Christ (UCC/Congregational) 13 Other Denominations, Sects and Religious Groups 14 Ecumenism 
01 Searching by Subject 02 Denominational Subject Headings 03 Ecumenism Subject Headings 
01 Using Databases to Find Articles 02 Databases for Finding Articles 03 Print Indexes for Journal Articles 04 Other Indexes for Journal Articles 05 Church, Denominational and Ecumenical Journals: Electronic 06 Church, Denominational, Ecumenical Journals: Print 
01 Introduction 02 Church, Denominational, and Ecumenical Databases 
01 Searching on the Internet 02 Submit a Web Site! 03 Tutorials 04 Anglican/Episcopal 05 Baptist 06 Disciples of Christ 07 Eastern Orthodox 08 Lutheran 09 Mennonite 10 Pentecostal/Charismatic 11 Presbyterian/Reformed 12 Roman Catholic 13 Seventh-Day Adventist 14 Society of Friends (Quaker) 15 United Church of Christ 16 Unitarian / Unitarian-Universalist 17 Ecumenical 
01 What are Primary Sources 02 Yale Manuscript and Archival Repositories 03 Databases for Locating Archival and Manuscript Materials 04 Guides to Archival Repositories Beyond Yale 05 Primary Sources: Roman Catholic Papal, Episcopal and Conciliar Documents 06 Primary Sources: Roman Catholic Documents on Social Justice 

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Church / Denominational / Ecumenical Resources 

Last update: Jun 29th, 2009 URL: http://guides.divinitylibrary.yale.edu/cde  Print Guide  RSS Updates

Finding Background Information             Print Page
  
 

Introduction

There are several good reference resources to get you started researching specific churches, denominations and ecumenical issues.

Click on one of the links below to find suggested background resources such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, and bibiliographies for the following:

 

Baptist

 

Church of the Brethren

 

Episcopal / Anglican

 

Latter-Day Saints (Mormon)

 

Lutheran

  • Historical Dictionary of Lutheranism - Günther Gassmann
    Call Number: BX8007 G37X 2001 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
    This encyclopedic dictionary of Lutheranism provides the user with relatively concise but comprehensive definitions of key issues, themes, topics and persons relevant to the history of Lutheranism. Arrangement is alphabetical and cross-references are indicated by bold typeface. Bibliographies do not accompany each entry, but there is an extensive bibliography for the work as a whole. There are a few problems with the way topics are listed. For example, there is no entry under “Missouri Synod” (and no cross-reference to a different listing); however, looking under “Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod” will bring up the desired information, but it is not obvious that this would be how one should search for this topic. The bibliography is organized topically. Information about the three authors is provided at the end of the volume. A chronology of Lutheran history is also provided. Authorship of each entry is indicated by initials. The dictionary also includes entries on some of the more important Lutheran theologians such as Pannenberg and Kierkegaard. This is a good reference tool for Lutheran history, and the bibliography especially would be extremely helpful to students working on issues in Lutheranism.
  • The A to Z of Lutheranism - Günther Gassmann
    Call Number: BX8007 .G36 2007
  • World Lutheranism: a Select Bibliography for English Readers - Donald L. Huber
    Call Number: Z7845 L9 H83X 2000 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
 

Orthodox

 

Presbyterian

 

Roman Catholic

  • Our Sunday Visitor’s ... Catholic Almanac
    Call Number: AY81 R6 C3 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
    Includes much miscellaneous information, e.g. annual survey of news, ecclesiastical calendar, glossary of terms in Catholic use, directory of information, etc. (Balay).
  • A Catholic Dictionary of Theology
    Call Number: BR95 C27 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
    This is a projected 4 volume encyclopedia of theology; 3 volumes have appeared so far. The work reflects the perspectives and interests of Vatican II and presents an authoritative statement of Catholic faith and doctrines along with the sources from which they are based in scripture and tradition. Excluded are entries dealing with Catholic discipline and Canon Law. Each entry is accompanied by a bibliography. A list of contributors is provided. The work is also illustrated. This work is valuable for getting the Catholic perspective on different issues, although it is less accessible than Collinge’s The A to Z of Catholicism. Also, since some of the volumes first appeared in the 1960s, it is somewhat dated especially on some of the more recent issues in Roman Catholicism, especially since the official position of the church has changed on a number of issues since Vatican II. It would be more useful for historical perspective than to get the current Catholic position, and should be supplemented by other works.
  • Dictionary of American Catholic Biography - John J. Delaney
    Call Number: BX4670 D45 1984 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
    This is a single volume biographical dictionary providing concise biographical sketches of prominent Catholic men and women. Most of the information is derived from secondary rather than primary sources. Information provided includes the date and place of birth, education, important positions held, activities, examples of significant work, and finally date and place of death of the individual. Entries are arranged alphabetically and are relatively brief. There are no bibliographies provided. There is no index. A timetable of events in American Catholic history is provided, and a list of Catholic presidents and cabinet members, supreme court justices and deceased American cardinals. This work provides basic information but is lacking in any in depth discussion of the individuals. Also, some individuals one would to be in a Catholic biographical dictionary are conspicuously absent (Mary Daly, David Tracy, as examples). This resource is good mainly for the basic biographical information it provides.
  • Modern Catholic Encyclopedia - edited by Michael Glazier and Monika K. Hellwig
    Call Number: BX841 .M63X 2004
    A one-volume reference work intended for general readers in English-speaking countries, written by scholars from America, Canada, Australia, Britain, and Ireland. Intended to "give a succinct and contemporary view to the beliefs, practices, and history" of Catholics, a generation after Vatican Council II. Emphasis is placed on contemporary Catholic figures, and also "modern queries and questions." In light of the fact that Scriptural study has become "an accepted and vital part of everyday Catholic life...important biblical and theological topics are given preferred treatment" (Pref.).
  • New Catholic Encyclopedia
    Call Number: BX841 .N44 2003 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
    The standard reference work on matters relating to Catholicism, this new edition is a revision of the 1967 version. It incorporates material from the 15 original volumes and from the periodic supplementary volumes that were added over the years. Entries have been edited to include the latest information and research, and hundreds of new entries have been added. It covers the doctrine, organization, and history of Christianity in general and includes information about persons, institutions, cultural phenomena, religions, philosophies, and social movements that have affected the Roman Catholic Church. Articles are written from and reflect a distinctively Roman Catholic perspective and highlight traditional Catholic theology and dogma. Articles are arranged alphabetically by topic. Maps, charts and other illustrations are included throughout. Cross-references are indicated by small caps and by “see” and “see also” references. An index is provided in Vol. 15. Articles are signed and include brief bibliographies.
  • The HarperCollins Encyclopedia of Catholicism - general editor, Richard P. McBrien
    Call Number: BX841 H36 1995 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
    Intended for a general readership. 4,200 entries of varying lengths, arranged alphabetically. Wide coverage of topics, including Catholic theology, doctrine, biblical scholarship, history, culture, ministries, governing structures, worship, sacramental life, spirituality, literature, art, and canon law. 280 contributors and 17 associate editors representing "a wide range of specializations, interests, and experiences on the academic, professional, and pastoral spectra and also a wide range of religious affiliations on the ecumenical and interfaith spectra" (Intro.).
  • Dictionary of Papal Pronouncements, Leo XIII to Pius XII, 1878-1957 - Compiled by Sister M. Claudia
    Call Number: BX873.7 C3 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
  • Historical Dictionary of Catholicism - William J. Collinge
    Call Number: BX945.2 C65 1997
  • The A to Z of Catholicism - William J. Collinge
    Call Number: BX945.2 C65 2001 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
    This work is arranged alphabetically by topic and provides very clear and accessible information on various aspects of Roman Catholicism. Most entries are ½ page to 1 page in length. There are over 500 topics covered. Many of the entries cover controversial topics (homosexuality, ordination of women, abortion) but the author provides a very fair coverage of both sides of the issue, as well as presenting the arguments supporting the Catholic position. Cross-references within each entry are indicated by an asterisk, while boldface within the text indicates either a major division of the subject or a subordinate topic. This is a very accessible text for the general user and is a good resource for getting a direct and lucid account of basic Catholic teachings and positions. The Introduction provides a historical account of the history of the Roman Catholic Church. There is a bibliography provided for the work as a whole listing mainly general works on Catholicism, but there are no bibliographies for each entry. There are several appendixes providing a list of the popes (Appendix 1), the ecumenical councils (Appendix 2), the documents of Vatican II (Appendix 3), papal encyclicals (Appendix 4), and prayers used in the Church (Appendix 5). There is an index provided.
  • Encyclopedia of the Vatican and Papacy - edited by Frank J. Coppa
    Call Number: BX955.2 E54 1999 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
  • Official Catholic Directory
    Call Number: Oversize BX845 C5 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
    Contains a large amount of useful and detailed directory, institutional, and statistical information about the organization, clergy, churches, missions, schools, religious orders, etc. of the Catholic Church in the U.S. and its possessions. Coverage varies. (Balay).
  • International Index of Catholic Biographies - compiled by Stephen J. Brown
    Call Number: Z7837 B88 1935 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
  • Guide to the Encyclicals of the Roman Pontiffs from Leo XIII to the Present Day (1878-1937) - compiled by Sister M. Claudia Carlen
    Call Number: Z7838 E5 C3 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
  • Papal Pronouncements, a Guide, 1740-1978 - Claudia Carlen
    Call Number: Z7838 P53 C37 1990 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
    Intended as a companion to Papal Encyclicals. Entries are arranged chronologically by date of transmission. Each entry includes the title (the first several words of the original text), document type, approximate word count, audience or occasion of delivery, and also a statement of content followed by a brief, descriptive abstract. List of documents referred to is not exhaustive; where possible, English translations are indicated. A general Subject, Author, and Title index is provided.
  • The Guide to Catholic Literature
    Call Number: Oversize Z7837 .G9
 

Society of Friends (Quaker)

 

United Church of Christ (UCC/Congregational)

 

Other Denominations, Sects, and Religious Groups

  • Atlas of American Religion: the Denominational Era, 1776-1990 - William M. Newman, Peter L. Halvorson
    Call Number: Folio BR515 N49X 2000 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
    This is an atlas of maps of the lower 48 U.S. states showing both the concentration of specific religious groups as well as the growth over time for each group. For each denomination or sect, there is a shaded map showing (by numerical category) the total adherents of that group by county. Another map is provided showing geographic change county 1850, 1890, 1952, 1990. Unfortunately, the atlas does not provide a single map showing the relative concentration of all the groups covered in comparison to one another, and each map uses a different scale, which makes comparison difficult. There is a considerable amount of text as well, mainly describing briefly the beliefs and historical growth of each group covered. The Atlas completely ignores Islam, as well as Asian traditions such as Buddhism or Hinduism. Thus, its focus is on Christian sects and denominations, as well as Judaism, although Judaism is treated as a single group and not broken down into its various forms (i.e., Orthodox, Conservative, Hasidic, etc.).
  • Adherents.com
    Internet Resource. Provides statistical information on over 4,200 religions, denominations, churches, religious bodies, faith groups, tribes, cultures, and movements. Data are derived from census data, polls, surveys and organizational reports.
  • Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA)
    Internet Resource. ARDA allows you to interactively explore the highest quality data on American and international religion using online features for generating national profiles, GIS maps, church membership overviews, denominational heritage trees, tables, charts, and other reports. Over 450 surveys and other data collections are available for online preview and virtually all can be downloaded free of charge.
  • CESNUR, Center for Studies on New Religions
    Internet Resource. CESNUR is a network of independent but related organizationsof scholars in various countries, devoted to promote scholarly research in the field of new religious consciousness, to spread reliable and responsible information, and to expose the very real problems associated with some movements, while at the same time defending everywhere the principles of religious liberty.
  • Hartford Institute for Religion Research
    Internet Resource. The Hartford Institute for Religion Research is devoted to sociological research in the area of religion. The site provides information about various Institute research projects on issues such as women and religion, congregations, religion and the family, etc. Links to articles by leading scholars in the sociology of religion are also included, as well as bibliographies, syllabi, and other scholarly resources.
  • The Pluralism Project - Committee on the Study of Religion, Harvard University
    Internet Resource. The Project studies and documents the growing religious diversity of the United States, with a special view to its new immigrant religious communities. Recounts the project’s history and offers access to an events calendar, project affiliates, images, and related articles. Lists advisors and includes project research. Provides access to project files, bibliographies, syllabi, and a directory of religious centers. Links to the committee and university home pages and to other religious resources.
  • America’s Alternative Religions - edited by Timothy Miller
    Call Number: BL2525 A55 1995 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
  • Religion in Twentieth Century America - Randall Balmer
    Call Number: BL2525 B35X 2001
  • Handbook of Denominations in the United States - Frank S. Mead
    Call Number: BR516.5 M38 1995 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
  • Bibliography of Religion in the South - Charles H. Lippy
    Call Number: Z7778 S59 L56 1985 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
 

Ecumenism

  • Dictionary of the Ecumenical Movement - edited by Nicholas Lossky
    Call Number: BX6.3 .D53 2002 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
    This is an illustrated encyclopedic dictionary published by the World Council of Churches, a leading ecumenical organization. The focus is on the ecumenical movement of the 20th century. The arrangement is alphabetical by topic and articles are signed; however, bibliographies are not always provided for each entry, and there is no bibliography for the work as a whole. The articles vary from large surveys of major doctrinal themes in ecumenism to brief entries providing quick reference for a specific term. An index of subjects and an index of names are provided. A list of contributors is also provided, indicating the article for which the contributor is responsible. Cross-references are indicated by an asterisk.
  • Historical Dictionary of Ecumenical Christianity - Ans Joachim van der Bent
    Call Number: BX6.3 V36 1994 (Trowbridge Reference Room)
 

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