Useful Reference Tools for Theological Study
St. John’s Seminary
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Guides
to Religious Reference Sources |
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Dictionaries
and Encyclopedias |
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Dictionaries
and Encyclopedias for Theological Disciplines |
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Directories and Sources for Statistical Information |
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Teachings of the Catholic Church |
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Serials |
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Biographical Sources |
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Geographical Sources |
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Abstracts and Indexes |
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Bibliographies |
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Classification of Religious Works |
Library of Congress call numbers (on left) indicate the book is in the Theology Library. Dewey call numbers (on right) indicate the book is in the College Library.
GUIDES TO RELIGIOUS REFERENCE RESOURCES
Johnston, William M. Recent Reference Books in Religion: A Guide for
Students, Scholars, Researchers, Buyers & Readers. Chicago.:
Fitzroy Dearborn, 1998.
Kepple, Robert J., and John R. Meuther. Reference Works for
Theological Research, 3rd ed. Latham, Md.: University Press of
America, 1991.
An updated edition of the previous 1981 edition. This edition contains a new section on computer assisted research in theology. As with the previous edition, this work must be used with McCabe's A Critical Guide to Catholic Reference Books since the authors do not include titles found in this work.
Krupp, R.A. A Primer on Theological Research Tools. Lanham, Md.:
University Press of America, 1989.
Provides an introduction to reference tools for theological studies with question sets aimed at developing theological research skills.
McCabe, James Patrick. A Critical Guide to Catholic Reference Books.
3rd ed. Littleton, Colo.: Libraries Unlimited, 1989.
Lists over 1100 of the most important reference works relating to Catholicism.
Melton, J. Gordon, and Michael A. Koszegi. Religious Information Sources: A Worldwide Guide. New York: Garland, 1992.
Z7751 .M45 In Librarian’s Office.
The most comprehensive and current guide to information sources in religion. Includes information on nonprint sources such as databases, microform and oral history collections, and research centers and professional organizations as well as printed sources for the study of religion. Entries are not annotated.
Wilson, John F., and Thomas P. Slavens. Research Guide to Religious
Studies. Chicago: American Library Association, 1982.
Part one is a collection of essays which survey the field of religious scholarship. Part two lists and annotates major reference books for religious studies.
Guides to Internet/Electronic Resources
Baker, Jason D. Christian Cyberspace Companion: A Guide to the
Internet and Christian Online Resources, 2nd ed. Ada, Mich.: Baker
Books, 1997.
Ref BR99.74 .B35
Fox, Thomas C. Catholicism on the Web. New York: MIS Press,
1997.
Raymond, John. Catholics on the Internet. Roseville, Calif.:
Prima Pub., c2000.
Theological Dictionaries and Encyclopedias
These encyclopedias and dictionaries are some of the general reference tools for theological research. They provide general information, comprehensive surveys of specific topics and bibliographies for additional reading.
The first section includes dictionaries and encyclopedias which discuss the terms and general subjects in theology. While this bibliography emphasizes works which reflect Catholic theology, standard reference books representing the Protestant viewpoint have been included.
The second section lists several major encyclopedias or dictionaries of special disciplines in theology such as moral theology, liturgy or church history.
Terms and General Subjects in Theology
Addis, William, and Thomas A. Arnold. A Catholic Dictionary
Containing Some Account of the Doctrine, Discipline, Rites, Ceremonies,
Councils, and Religious Orders of the Catholic Church. NY: Catholic
Publications Society, 1884.
Rare Book
Angeles, Peter A. Dictionary of Christian Theology.
Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1969.
Beinert, Wolfgang, and Francis Schüssler Fiorenza, eds. Handbook of
Catholic Theology. New York: Crossroad, 1995.
Ref
This translation of the German work published in 1988 covers Catholic theological topics including contemporary theological thought. Each article is broken into five sections addressing the topics from the biblical background, historical perspective, Church teachings and ecumenical perspective, and ending with a systematic reflection. Over fifty tables and charts are included which provide overviews of various topics. Articles are signed and bibliographies of English language materials are included in this edition.
Broderick, Robert C. Catholic Encyclopedia, rev. & updated
ed. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1987.
Includes new terms and practices.
Byrne, Peter, and Leslie Houlden., eds. Companion Encyclopedia of
Theology. London ; New York : Routledge, 1995.
"The aim of this Companion Encyclopedia is to provide as comprehensive a guide as possible to the present state of Christian theology in its Western academic manifestations and in the setting of the modern world." (p. ix)
Catholicisme: Hier, aujourd'hui, demain. Encyclopedie en Sept
Volumes. Paris: Letouzey et Ane, 1947-.
This set provides information on a wide range of topics from a Catholic viewpoint. The coverage is briefer than in the Encyclopedie des Sciences Religieuses produced by the same publisher. The work is currently in progress.
Cross, F. L., ed. Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 3rd
ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 1997.
Includes information about doctrines, movements, bodies, events, holidays, places and people. Particular attention has been paid to councils and their effect. The Eastern Church and faiths that have bearing on Christianity have been included. The third edition takes into account recent developments in theology including topics such as feminist theology, liberation theology and areas of growth in the Church in countries such as Africa, Asia, and South America.
Deedy, John. The Catholic Fact Book. Chicago: T. More Press,
1986.
Eliade, Mircea, ed. Encyclopedia of Religion. New York:
Macmillan, 1987. 16 volumes.
Entries are arranged alphabetically. Use Index volume to find all references to particular subjects. This work follows, but does not supersede, Hastings earlier work, Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics.
Foy, Felician A., and Rose M. Avato. A Concise Guide to the Catholic
Church II, History, Saints, Feasts, Glossary. Huntington, Ind.: Our
Sunday Visitor, 1986.
Glazier, Michael, and Monika K. Hellwig, eds. The Modern Catholic
Encyclopedia. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, c1994.
The aim of this work is to provide "a succinct and contemporary view of the beliefs, practices, and history" (p. xix) of the Church reflecting the vision of Vatican II. This work focuses special attention on the contemporary figures, issues and pastoral needs of the English-speaking world.
Hardon, John A. Modern Catholic Dictionary. Garden City, N.Y.:
Doubleday, 1980.
Herberman, Charles, G., et al., eds. Catholic Encyclopedia: An
International Work of Reference on the Constitution, Doctrine, Discipline
and History of the Catholic Church. New York: Encyclopedia Press,
Inc., 1907. 15 volumes, Index volume and Supplement volume.
For many years, the chief source of information on the Catholic Church in English speaking countries. Still very valuable for historical and fine arts material, medieval literature and philosophy.
Komochak, Joseph A., Mary Collins, and Dermot A. Lane, eds. The New
Dictionary of Theology. Wilmington, Del.: Michael Glazier, 1987.
Presents 24 topics which the editors believe constitute the principle themes of the Christian vision of faith, with other articles relating to these themes.
McBrien, Richard P., gen. ed. The HarperCollins Encyclopedia of
Catholicism. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, c1995.
Intended for a wide audience, this one volume encyclopedia includes over 4000 articles of varying length dealing with the places, figures, terms and traditions associated Catholicism. Many entries are signed and provide cross references to related articles. There are 29 feature articles on topics such as Jesus Christ, the sacraments, and spirituality which provide fuller coverage and bibliographies.
McDonald, William J., et al., eds. New Catholic Encyclopedia.
New York: McGraw-Hill, 1967. 15 volumes and supplements l974, 1979, 1989,
1996.
The emphasis is on the doctrine, history, and organization of the Catholic Church, but it is also useful for literature, arts, and sciences. An excellent source for biographical information and the bibliographies are especially valuable for additional research. Be sure to check the supplements for the latest material.
McGrath, Alister E., ed. The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Modern
Christian Thought. Oxford ; Cambridge, Mass.: Blackwell Reference,
1993.
Available as an e-book.
Entries survey the major themes in Christian thought and the development of ideas in the modern period beginning with the 1700's. Individuals, key writings, and philosophical ideas that have influenced Christian thinking are also discussed. Bibliographies and cross references are included.
Meagher, Paul Kevin, Thomas C. O'Brien, and Consuelo Maria Aherne, eds.
Encyclopedic Dictionary of Religion. Washington, D.C.: Corpus
Publications, 1978, 3 volumes.
Includes 25,000 articles dealing with 20,000 topics of religious interest. Many articles are short, but do include bibliographies. It is especially useful for hagiography and history. Presents a fair and dispassionate discussion of controversial subjects. Is ecumenical in its coverage of beliefs and personalities.
Melton, J. Gordon. Encyclopedia of American Religions. Detroit:
Gale Research.
Describes 2,100 religious bodies currently or previously existing in the United States and Canada including Eastern and Middle Eastern religions.
Metford, JCJ. Dictionary of Christian Lore and Legend. London:
Thames and Hudson, 1983.
Nevins, Albert J., ed. The Maryknoll Catholic Dictionary. 1st American ed. Wilkes-Barre, Pa.: Dimension Books, 1965.
Ref BX841 .M36 Ref 203 M393n
Provides alphabetical arrangement of terms and phrases of the Catholic Church. Additional sections include: Catholic abbreviations, American Martyrology, list of Popes, and list of saints and feast days.
O'Collins, Gerald, and Edward G. Farrugia. A Concise Dictionary of
Theology, Revised and expanded ed. New York: Paulist Press, 1991.
A concise dictionary of key words and phrases used in contemporary theology. Includes biblical, catechetical, ethical, historical, liturgical and philosophical terms. The authors state that their aim is to clarify theological terminology and promote accuracy in its usage. Aimed primarily at Roman Rite Catholics.
Rahner, Karl, and Herbert Vorgrimler. Dictionary of Theology.
New York: Crossroad, 1981.
Provides brief explanations of the most important concepts of Catholic dogmatic theology.
Rahner, Karl, ed. Encyclopedia of Theology: The Concise Sacramentum
Mundi. New York: Seabury, 1975.
An abridgement of Sacramentum Mundi. New materials from Lexikon fur Theologie und Kirche as well as other articles by Rahner have been included.
Rahner, Karl, et al., eds. Sacramentum Mundi: An Encyclopedia
of Theology. New York: Herder and Herder, Inc. 1968-1970. 6 volumes
This set presents current Catholic theological thought. Includes the works of international scholars. A general index is provided in volume 6 and the articles include bibliographies.
Richardson, Alan, ed. A Dictionary of Christian Theology.
Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1969.
The emphasis of this work is theology and philosophy and their interrelationships. It is the work of thirty-six British and American scholars and includes bibliographies and cross references.
Richardson, Alan, and John Bowden, eds. The Westminster Dictionary
of Christian Theology. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983.
Smith, Jonathan Z., gen. ed. The HarperCollins Dictionary of
Religion. [San Francisco]: HarperSanFrancisco, 1995.
Published by HarperCollins in conjunction with the American Academy of Religion, this one volume work includes over 3000 articles written by over 300 international scholars. The articles of varying length cover the significant concepts and terms found in the major and lesser known world religions. Eleven feature articles are interspersed throughout the alphabetical body of the work: Religions of Antiquity, Buddhism, Chinese Religion, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Japanese Religion, Judaism, New Religions, The Study of Religion, and Religions of Traditional Peoples. Longer entries include cross references. Intended for both the scholar and general use.
Stravinskas, Peter M.J., ed. Our Sunday Visitor's Catholic
Encyclopedia. Huntington, Ind.: Our Sunday Visitor, 1991.
A dictionary of the beliefs and teachings of the Church with emphasis on church history, the sacraments, liturgy and pastoral theology. Thirty-nine scholars contributed to this work; however, individual articles are not signed.
Vacant, A., and E. Mangenot. Dictionnaire de Theologie Catholique.
Paris: Letouzey and Ane, 1930-1950-
Provides more complete coverage of topics in Catholic theology than English language Catholic encyclopedias. The set is very useful for researching scholastic and medieval philosophy.
Dictionaries and Encyclopedias for Theological Disciplines
Canon Law
Beal, John P., James A. Coriden, and Thomas J. Green, eds. New
Commentary on the Code of Canon Law. New York ; Mahwah, N.J.: Paulist
Press, c2000.
"An entirely new and comprehensive commentary by Canonists from North America and Europe, with a revised English translation of the Code" (cover). This work was commissioned by the Canon Law Society of America,
The Canon Law Society of Great Britain and Ireland in association with The Canadian Canon Law Society.
The Canon Law: Letter & Spirit: A Practical Guide to the Code of
Canon Law. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, c1995.
Huels, John M. The Pastoral Companion: A Canon Law Handbook for
Catholic Ministry. Chicago, Ill.: The Franciscan Herald Press, c1986.
"The purpose of The Pastoral Companion is to provide ministers and students with a handy reference on Church laws and brief commentary on topics pertinent to Catholic ministry, especially parish and liturgical ministry." (p xi).
Nax, R. Dictionnire de Droit Canonique, Contenant Tous les Termes du
Droit Canonique avec un Summaire de l'Histoire et des Institutiones et de
l'etat actue de la Discipline. Paris: Letouzey et Ane, 1935-1965. 7
volumes.
Based on the 1917 Code, this is the largest reference work on canon law. It includes articles on historical topics, terms, biographies and practices pertaining to canon law as well as references to earlier codes.
Church History
Barrett, David B., ed. World Christian Encyclopedia: A Comparative
Study of Churches and Religions in the Modern World AD 1900-2000. New
York: Oxford University Press, 1982.
Especially useful for making population predictions.
Bercot, David W., ed. A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs.
Peabody, Mass.: Hendrickson Pub., c1998.
Arranged alphabetically, this work provides quotations from the Early Church Fathers on over seven hundred subjects. Cross references and listings of the Ante-Nicene Fathers are also included.
Bunson, Matthew. Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Catholic
History. Huntington, Ind.: Our Sunday Visitor, c1995.
This readable source provides theological and historical information on the significant figures, events, movements, and documents of the Church. Coverage begins with Pentecost and continues through the papacy of John Paul II. The articles do not include bibliographies.
Cabrol, Fernand. Dictionnaire d'Archeologie Chretienne et de
Liturgie. Paris: Letouzey and Ane, 1907-
Includes articles on institutions, manners and customs of primitive Christianity, the architecture, art, iconography, symbols, epigraphy, paleography and numismatics.
Collinge, William J. Historical Dictionary of Catholicism.
Lanham, Md.: Scarecrow Press, 1997.
Coppa, Frank J., ed.
Encyclopedia of the Vatican and the Papacy. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 1999.Ref BX955.2 .E53
The focus of this work is the "historical, political, social, cultural, and religious role of the Vatican and the papacy in the modern world" (preface). Entries of varying lengths are included for all popes, as well as entries describing all aspects of the Vatican and its organization. The Vatican's position on world events and issues are provided in a number of entries for topics such as "World War II and the Papacy", "Euthanasia and the Papacy", etc.
Di Berardino, Angelo, ed. Encyclopedia of the Early Church,
trans. Adrian Walford. New York: Oxford University Press, 1992. 2 volumes.
This work covers archaeological, philosophical, historical and geographical aspects of patristic scholarship. Biographical information for individuals associated with the early church as well as coverage of Christianity and early philosophy are also included. The bibliography has been updated for this translation.
Dictionnaire d'Histoire et de Geographie Ecclesiastiques. Paris:
Letouzey et Ane, 1912.
Covers all subjects in the history of the Roman Catholic Church from the beginnings of Christianity. Biographical articles and bibliographies are included.
Ferguson, Everett, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Early Christianity.
2nd ed. New York: Garland, 1997. 2 volumes.
Covers the period including the life of Christ through A.D. 600 and provides information on persons, places, beliefs, practices, etc., in early Christianity. This work is intended for a broad audience from the general reader to the specialist.
Glazier, Michael, and Thomas J. Shelly, eds. The Encyclopedia of
American Catholic History Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 1997
Billed as the first encyclopedia of its kind, this work provides a general overview of the history of Catholicism in the United States. Entries are included for significant individuals, organizations, and movements within the Church, in addition to articles on the Catholic Church in all fifty states. A series of articles arranged by date provides coverage of American Catholicism from 1492 through 1995. Separate articles are included for major topics in U.S. history or church history, such as: "Vietnam War & American Catholics" or "Vatican Council II & American Catholics." Additionally, special attention is given to ethnic and immigrant groups. All articles are signed and include references or cross references.
Hillerbrand, Hans J., ed. in chief. The Oxford Encyclopedia of the
Reformation. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996.
Jedin, Hubert, and John Dolan, eds. Handbook of Church History.
New York: Herder, 1965-1981.
This 10 volume set provides scholarly coverage of church history. Additionally this work provides an introduction to the literature and sources in this area.
Kelly, J. D. N. The Oxford Dictionary of Popes. Oxford; New
York: Oxford University Press, 1986.
Kelly, Joseph F. The Concise Dictionary of Early Christianity. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, c1992.
BR95 .K395 Ref 270.03 K29c
McManners, John, ed. The Oxford Illustrated History of Christianity.
Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1990.
Melton, J. Gordon, ed. Encyclopedia of American Religions: Religious
Creeds. Detroit: Gale Research, 1988.
Includes the texts of 450 creeds, confessions, and statements of faith. Summaries of doctrines of religious and spiritual groups in the United States and Canada are provided.
Reid, Daniel G., et al., eds. Dictionary of Christianity in America.
Downers Grove, Ill.: Intervarsity Press, 1990.
Provides concise information on the history of Christianity in the United States covering topics such as significant individuals, events, organizations and ideas of various religions.
Dogma
Attwater, Donald. Dictionary of Mary. NY: Kenedy,
1956.
Ref BT599 .A9
Graef, Hilda. Mary: A History of Doctrine and Devotion. New
York: Sheed and Ward, 1963-1965.
This 2 volume set covers Marian Doctrine.
Volume 1: From the beginnings to the eve of the Reformation.
Volume 2: From the Reformation to the present day.
O'Carroll, Michael. Corpus Christi: an Encyclopedia of the Eucharist.
Wilmington, Del.: Michael Glazier, 1988.
An encyclopedia of Catholic teaching on the Eucharist containing over 200 articles on eucharistic history, theology, practices, and the eucharistic doctrine of Protestant theologians. Strong emphasis on patristics, medieval, modern and post-Vatican II theology.
O'Carroll, Michael. Theotokos: A Theological Encyclopedia of the
Virgin Mary. Wilmington, Del.: Michael Glazier, 1982.
Includes names, doctrines, devotions, and biblical and patristical references to Marian theology. There are many articles on theologians and outlines of their writings about Mary are provided. There is a bibliography for each article.
O'Carroll, Michael. Trinitas: A Theological Encyclopedia of the Holy
Trinity, Wilmington, Del.: Michael Glazier, 1987.
Includes the dominant themes and references to the most influential writers. Bibliographies are included.
O'Carroll, Michael. Veni Creator Spiritus: A Theological
Encyclopedia of the Holy Spirit, Collegeville, Minn.: Michael Glazier,
1990.
Follows the format of Fr. O'Carroll's three other theological encyclopedias. Contains over 150 articles on all aspects of the theology of the Holy Spirit with strong emphasis given to writers from the patristic age to Vatican II.
O'Carroll, Michael. Verbum Caro: An Encyclopedia on Jesus, the
Christ. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 1992.
This work, the fourth theological encyclopedia compiled by Father O'Carroll, contains over 150 articles on the Church's teaching concerning Jesus Christ. Strong emphasis is placed on writers from the patristic age to Vatican II.
O'Donnell, Christopher. Ecclesia: A Theological Encyclopedia of the
Church. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 1996.
An encyclopedia of over 400 articles on the nature, functions and structure of the Church. People, movements, ideas, and issues are covered from the early church through contemporary times with an emphasis on the Church Fathers, the councils of the Church, contemporary theologians and the post-Vatican II Church.
Rousseau, John J., and Rami Arav. Jesus and His World: An
Archaeological and Cultural Dictionary. Minneapolis: Fortress Press,
c1995.
"...locations, artifacts, and customs relevant to Jesus are treated alphabetically in the light of archaeology." (p. xiii). Each entry includes scripture references, general and archeological information, implications for Jesus research, and a bibliography.
Liturgy
Day, Peter D. The Liturgical Dictionary of Eastern Christianity.
Collegeville, Minn. : Liturgical Press, 1993.
Intended as a basic reference guide to Eastern Christian liturgical terms. The quick reference guide refers users from the English language term to the Eastern Rite term listed in the main body of the dictionary. Several useful tables compare terms for liturgical books, vestments, language, and sacraments, etc.
Fink, Peter E., ed. New Dictionary of Sacramental Worship.
Collegeville, Minn.: Michael Glazier, 1990.
Entries focus on liturgical questions and matters as well as address the impact of Vatican II on the liturgy.
Lang, Jovian P. Dictionary of the Liturgy, New York: Catholic
Book Publishing, 1989.
This dictionary of the liturgy in English includes both pre & post Vatican II terms and concepts in addition to popular prayer texts, liturgical themes, histories of feast days, and explanations of all liturgical rites, etc...
McManus, Fredrick R., ed. Thirty Years of Liturgical Renewal:
Statements of the Bishops' Committee on the Liturgy. Washington, D.C.:
National Conference of Catholic Bishops, c1987.
Provides the historical context for some thirty documents of the American Bishops.
Smolarski, Dennis C. Liturgical Literacy: from anamnesis to worship.
New York: Paulist Press, c1990.
This book includes a list of 650 "old, new, popular and scholarly terms" (Chapter 1) relating to liturgy with a separate section of definitions.
Becker, Lawrence C., ed. Encyclopedia of Ethics. New York:
Garland Publishing, 1992. 2 volumes.
This 2 volume set includes 435 signed articles "on topics in meta-ethics, ethical theory, perennial moral problems, and political, social, and legal theory" (introduction). Biographical information is also included. Bibliographical references accompany each article.
Childress, James F., and John Macquarrie, eds. The Westminster
Dictionary of Christian Ethics. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1986.
Includes information on the following subject areas: basic ethical concepts; biblical ethics; theological ethics including concepts such as conscience, natural law, grace and sin, as well as major ethical systems such as Augustinian ethics; philosophical traditions in ethics; major non-Christian religious traditions and ethics; psychological, sociological and political concepts; ethical problems such as war, abortion and unemployment. Bibliographical references are provided.
Dywer, Judith A., ed. New Dictionary of Catholic Social Thought.
Collegeville, Minn. : Liturgical Press, 1994.
Includes over 250 articles focusing on the Catholic Church and its social teachings. Articles discussing the major social documents are included as well as general articles on topics such as preferential option for the poor, labor and capital in Catholic social thought, peace, war, and justice in the world.
Reich, Warren Thomas, ed. in chief. Encyclopedia of Bioethics,
rev. ed. New York: Macmillan Library Reference USA; Simon & Schuster
Macmillan, c1995.
This edition thoroughly updates the original. Useful for contemporary bioethical issues as Catholic viewpoints are indicated. Extensive bibliographies are provided.
Roberti, Francesco, comp., Pietro Palazzini, ed. Dictionary of Moral
Theology. trans. Henry H. Yannone. Westminster, Md.: Newman Press,
1962.
Singer, Peter, ed. A Companion to Ethics. Oxford; Cambridge,
Mass.: Blackwell Reference, 1993.
This work is made up of forty seven essays arranged under five broad headings: The Roots (origins of ethics), The Great Ethical Traditions, Western Philosophical Ethics: A Short History, How Ought I to Live?, and Applications (including environmental, business, political, and social and medical ethics). The focus is on Western ethical thought. Includes bibliographies.
Pastoral Theology
Campbell, Alastair V., ed. Dictionary of Pastoral Care. New
York: Crossroad, 1987.
This work is inter-denominational and includes articles which represent the broad theoretical background as well as topics relevant to practice. The main focus is on the essentials of counseling and all aspects of helping and caring.
Willimon, William H., and Richard Lischer, eds. Concise Encyclopedia
of Preaching. Louisville, Ky: Westminster/John Knox Press, c1995.
This one volume work covers the topic of preaching with signed articles of 1-2 pages in length. Articles are of three types: historical, critical, and theological; practical; or biographical. Bibliographical references are included for most entries.
Spiritual Theology
Downey, Michael, ed. The New Dictionary of Catholic Spirituality.
Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 1993.
This volume in English is the companion to The Dictionary of Theology (BR 95 .R313) and The New Dictionary of Sacramental Worship (Ref BV173 .N85 and Ref 264.02 F499n). Its focus is on Catholic spirituality since the second Vatican Council particularly the council's impact on spirituality. The articles vary in length with primary articles on topics such as Church, Faith, Feminist Spirituality, Grace, Hope, Prayer and Sacraments. Cross references and bibliographies are included.
Viller, Marcel, et al. Dictionnaire de Spiritualite Ascetique et
Mystique, Doctrine et Histoire. Paris: Beauchesne, 1932-, 15 volumes
and the set is still incomplete.
This set is the most comprehensive reference work in this field. It includes discussions of the origins of concepts in spiritual theology as well as their development. References to sources are included. Lives, written works, doctrines, mystical experiences and influences of the masters of the spiritual life are covered as well as some minor figures. Each country is treated and individual schools of spirituality are covered.
Wakefield, Gordon S., ed. The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Spirituality. Philadelphia: Westminster, 1983.
Ref BV4488 .W47 Ref 247.03 W532d
Includes spirituality of every school and denomination throughout Christian history. There are articles on spiritual theologians. Articles include bibliographical references.
Directories and Statistical information
Annuario Pontificio
, Roma: Typografia Poliglotta Vaticana, 1912-Ref BX845 .A75 Also in bound periodicals downstairs.
This official yearbook of the Church provides statistical and historical information about the popes, cardinals, patriarchs, bishops, religious orders, the Curia and Vatican diplomats. Descriptive and statistical information is provided for each diocese, archdiocese and titular see. A directory of clergy with the rank of monsignor or higher is included, as well as a necrology.
Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae/Statistical Yearbook of the Church.
Roma: Typis Polyglottis Vaticanis, 1
Contains statistical data on the life and activities of the Catholic Church.
Barrett, David B., ed. World Christian Encyclopedia: A Comparative
Study of Churches and Religions in the Modern World. Oxford: Oxford
University Press, 1982.
Includes religious statistical information for countries of the world. Especially interesting are the projections for Church membership and numbers of clergy for the years 1990 and 2000.
Bradley, Martin B., et al. Churches and Church Membership in the
United States 1990 : An enumeration by Region, State and County based on
data reported for 133 church groupings. Atlanta, Ga. : Glenmary
Research Center, 1992.
Arrangement is first by region, and then by state. Each state is broken down into counties. Charts are arranged by denomination, providing information including the number of churches, number of communicants, confirmed, full members, and total number of adherents to the faith.
The Catholic Almanac. Huntington, Ind.: Our Sunday Visitor 1969-
This yearly publication contains concise information on current affairs, biography, the government of the church, worship, texts of current documents, lists of Catholic publishers, newspapers and periodicals.
Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, Georgetown University. CARA
Catholic Ministry Formation Directory. Washington, D.C.: CARA, 1997-
Mead, Frank S. Handbook of Denominations in the United States,
10th ed. revised by Samuel S. Hill. Nashville: Abingdon, c1990
The Official Catholic Directory. New York: P.L. Kennedy, 1886-
This yearly publication provides statistical information about the Catholic Church in America. Included are the names and addresses of every priest, Catholic church, and institution in American and some other North American countries.
Teachings of the Catholic Church
The following titles are representative of reference books which detail the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Carlen, Claudia. Papal Pronouncements. Ann Arbor: Pierian Press,
c1990
Carlen, Claudia. The Papal Encyclicals. Wilmington, NC.: McGrath
Publishing, 1981. 5 volumes with index.
The Catechetical Documents: A Parish Resource. Chicago: Liturgy
Training Publications, 1996.
Catechism of the Catholic Church. Washington, D.C.: United States
Catholic Conference, 1994.
The English translation of the universal catechism of the Catholic Church is divided into four parts: The Profession of Faith, The Celebration of the Christian Mystery, Life in Christ, and Christian Prayer.
See:
Ref BX1959.3 .E5 C38 for the 2nd edition of the Catechism which includes a glossary and analytical index.The Spanish version, Catecismo de la Iglesia Catolica, may be found at
BX1959.3 .E5 C38.The Church Teaches: Documents of the Church in English Translation.
St. Louis : Herder Book Co., 1955.
The Companion to The Catechism of the Catholic Church. San
Francisco, Calif.: Ignatius Press, c1994.
This work provides access in English to the many texts and documents referred to in The Catechism of the Catholic Church. The arrangement of this work follows that of the Catechism.
Conciliorum Oecumenicorum Decreta. Bologna: Herder, 1962.
Contains the decrees of the 20 ecumenical councils prior to Vatican II. The decrees are arranged in chronological order and are written in Latin. Indexes to scripture, canon law, sources, names, and subjects are provided. There is an English translation entitled: Disciplinary Decrees of the General Councils, BX825 .A5 1937.
Denzinger, Heinrich Joseph Dominck. Enchiridion Symbolorum
Definitionum et Declarationum de Rebus Fidei et Morum. Quod Premum
edit Henricus Denzinger et quod funditus retractavit, auxit no notulis,
ornavit Adollfus Schonmetzer Barcinone. Herder, 1973.
A handbook of the sources and texts of important Catholic dogmatic and moral teachings. The work will cite specific passages from the scriptures, Fathers of the Church, and conciliar and papal documents on which the doctrines are based
Denzinger, Heinrich Joseph Dominick. The Sources of Catholic Dogma.
trans. Roy J. Defarrari from the thirteenth edition of Denzinger's Enchiridion
Symbolorum. St. Louis. Herder, 1957.
This is a translation of the work by Denzinger.
Ellis, John Tracy. Documents of American Catholic History.
Wilmington, Del.: Glazier, 1987.
Volume 1 1493-1865
Volume 2 1866-1966
Volume 3 1867-1986
Flannery, Austin. Vatican Council II: The Conciliar and Post
Conciliar Documents. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 1975.
Flannery, Austin. Vatican Council II: More Post Conciliar Documents.
Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1982.
The Liturgy Documents: A Parish Resource. Chicago: Liturgy Training
Publications, 3rd ed., 1991.
Contains the most basic post-Vatican II documents on the liturgy.
Miller, J. Michael, ed. The Encyclicals of John Paul II.
Huntington, Ind.: Our Sunday Visitor, 1996.
This work collects twelve encyclicals of John Paul II beginning with the 1979 document, Redemptor Hominis and ending with the 1995 document, Ut Unum Sint. Each encyclical includes an introduction written by the editor and ends with a selected bibliography. An introductory chapter discussing papal encyclicals in terms of their history, audience, type, structure and style, authority, and impact on the Church is also included.
National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Pastoral Letters of the
United States Catholic Bishops.
This four volume set covers the period from 1792-1983.
Neuner, J., and J Dupuis. The Christian Faith in the Doctrinal
Documents of the Catholic Church, 6th rev. and enlarged ed. New York :
Alba House, c1996.
This work has been updated to include more Vatican II and post-conciliar documents.
Official Catholic Teachings. Wilmington, N.C.: Consortium Books,
1980-.
Paths to Peace: A Contribution: Documents of the Holy See to the
International Community. New York, 1987.
Shaw, Russell B. Our Sunday Visitor’s Encyclopedia of Catholic
Doctrine. Huntington, Ind.: Our Sunday Visitor Pub., c 1997.
Intended for the serious Catholic reader, this work provides readable articles covering Catholic doctrine, especially in light of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. All articles are signed and include cross references and suggestions for further reading.
Tanner, Norman P., ed. Decrees of the Ecumenical Councils.
Washington, D.C.: Georgetown University Press, 1990. 2 vols.
Contains the original text with English translation of all the decrees of the 21 councils from Nicaea to Vatican II. A brief introduction and bibliography is provided for each council. The original text is that of the 1973 edition of Conciliorum Oecumenicorum Decreta.
Serials
The following are journals and serial publications which contain documents, speeches and teachings of the church. They are indexed in the Catholic Periodical and Literature Index. They are housed in the library's journal collection.
Acta Apostolicae Sedis Commentarius Officiale. 1909-
Contains documents and speeches of the popes, acts and decisions of
congregations and curial bodies and decrees of recent councils in their
official versions. The language is Latin or the language in which the
speech was given. An index is provided.
Act Sanctae Sedis 1865-1908 Preceded Acta Apostolicae Sedis.
Catholic International. 1990-
The new English language edition of "Documentation Catholique"
began publication October, 1990. A semi-monthly publication dedicated to
presenting key church texts from Rome, Bishops' Conferences, and churches
throughout the world. In 1993, frequency changed to monthly.
L'Osservatore Romano
Contains almost all papal documents and speeches as well as church
documents from all over the world. It also reprints curial documents.
Issues from 1968-82 and 1990-2000 are available through the library’s
network of databases. Older issues are on microfilm in basement of
Theology Library.
Origins, National Catholic Documentary Service
Reprints ecclesiastical documents of the United States, as well as
papal and other Roman documents. This weekly, loose-leaf publication
includes quarterly author and subject indexes which are annually
cumulated.
The Pope Speaks. The Church Documents Quarterly. 1954-
Contains selected papal documents in English. There is a continuing
bibliography of all papal documents for the preceding quarter. It is
called the T.P.S. log and is arranged chronologically by date of
publication and gives reference to the original text and translations.
Annual indexes are included.
Biographical Sources
These works represent some of the biographical sources in the library. Check in the library's automated catalog for biographies of individuals and examine encyclopedias and general biographical works for information about persons important to today's Catholic Church and in church history.
Anderson, Gerald H., ed. Biographical Dictionary of Christian
Missions. New York: Macmillan Reference, 1998.
Bowden, Henry, ed. Dictionary of American Religious Biography.
Westport: Greenwood Press, 1977.
A denominational affiliation index, a subject index and a geographic index of birthplace are provided.
Delaney, John J., and James Edward Tobin. Dictionary of Catholic
Biography. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1961.
Includes outstanding Catholics from the time of the apostles to present day. No living figures are included. Listings of the saints as patrons, as patrons of places and symbols in art are included. A chronological chart of popes and world leaders is provided.
Kelly, J.N.D. The Oxford Dictionary of Popes. Oxford: Oxford
University Press, 1986.
Melton, J. Gordon. Religious Leaders of America. Detroit: Gale Group, c1991.
Ref BL72 .M458
A biographical guide to more than 1,000 individuals who have shaped American religious life since 1865. Includes living leaders as well as historical figures. A very comprehensive collection including leaders of Christian and non-Christian denominations, African American, Native American, and women religious leaders as well as poets, artists, songwriters and others who have left their mark on American religion. Basic bibliographical information is included at the end of each entry.
Who's Who in Religion. Fourth Edition. Wilmette, Ill.: Marquis
Who's Who, 1992.
Brief biographical information on more than 16,000 prominent men and women from around the world.
Saints
Attwater, Donald. The Avenel Dictionary of Saints. New York:
Avenel Books, 1965..
Butler's Lives of the Saints
. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1991.Ref 922.22 B985Lr
Holweck, F. G., ed. A Biographical Dictionary of the Saints with a
General Introduction on Hagiology. St. Louis: Herder, 1924.
Geographical Sources
Freitag, Anton, et al. 20th Century Atlas of the Christian World.
New York: Hawthorne, 1963.
This atlas provides illustrations, maps, and text dealing with the spread of Christianity throughout the world from the Catholic viewpoint.
van der Meer, Fredrik, and Christine Mohrmann. Atlas of the Early
Christian World. London ; New York: Thomas Nelson, 1958.
This general interest atlas includes maps, text, and photographs of places, monuments, and artifacts which illustrate the Christian world from A.D. 30 to A.D. 600.
Abstracts and Indexes
The following indexes and abstracts provide access to information in journals, multi-author works, and in some cases, monographs.
Catholic Periodical and Literature Index. Haverford, Pa.: Catholic Library Association
Available over library computer network.CPLI is an author/subject index to 135 Catholic periodicals, and an author/title/subject bibliography of books by Catholics or books of interest to Catholics. It is also the major source for locating the text of Church documents: papal, conciliar, synodal, and diocesan.
The Catholic Periodical Index. (1930-1966) merged with the Guide to Catholic Literature in 1968 to form the Catholic Periodical and Literature Index.
Religion Indexes Chicago: American Theological Association
Available online. Click here.The major American index to theological periodicals. Continues Index to Religious Periodicals (1949-1976).
Religious and Theological Abstracts. Meyerstown, Pa.
Available online. Click here.Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses. "Elenchus Bibliographicus"
Louvain: Universite Catholique.
Theology Library, Periodicals
Because of its exceptional value and the fact that it is often used as
an index, this bibliography has been included with indexes. The
"Elenchus Bibliographicus" is issued annually as part of the
journal and is the most extensive bibliography of theology. It is
especially useful for its coverage of systematic theology. Books,
festschriften, conference proceedings and dissertations as well as 500
theological journals are indexed. Entries are arranged in a classified
subject system and an author index is provided.
Abstracts and indexes for specific theological topics are also available. Those especially useful for scripture are:
New Testament Abstracts
Available over library computer network.Old Testament Abstracts
Available over library computer network.Elenchus of Biblica
BS1171.2 .E63 from 1988-
This set may be considered a bibliography but is included in this list as it is especially important and comprehensive.
In addition, articles which may relate to theological topics will be indexed in:
Humanities Index
Available online. Click here.Philosopher's Index
Available online. Click here.Bibliographies
The following bibliographies will list publications in all areas of theology. They are usually arranged by subject and accompanied by title and author index. Search the automated catalog for bibliographies for specific topics, for example LITURGY -- CATHOLIC CHURCH -- BIBLIOGRAPHY.
Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses. "Elenchus
Bibliographicus". Louvain: Universite Catholique, 1970-.
Each year one edition is devoted to a bibliography of theological books and journal articles. It is international, extensive and indispensable. The table of contents identifies the topics covered: General Works, History of Religion, Old and New Testament Scripture, Fundamental Theology, Dogmatic Theology, Sacramental Theology, Moral Theology, Ascetical and Mystical Theology, and Canon Law. An author index and an index to historic figures related to theology are included.
Elenchus Bibliographicus Biblicus. Rome: Pontificio
Instituto Biblico, 1988- Annual.
An international classified bibliography of books and articles on scriptural topics. Most comprehensive bibliography in its field and indispensable for biblical research.