Students enrolled in undergraduate theology and religious studies courses are frequently confronted with the daunting task of mastering new and unfamiliar terminology. While some textbooks include glossaries to aid the introductory student, many educators assign classroom texts that assume students' prior knowledge of key terms. Having ready access to a wide variety of definitions in a single, compact volume is especially important in our multicultural and religiously plural world.
Spanning the gamut from "Aaron" to "Zwingli," this dictionary includes nearly 3,000 entries written by about sixty authors, all of whom are specialists in their various theological and religious disciplines. The editors have designed the dictionary especially to aid the introductory-level student with instant access to definitions of terms likely to be encountered in—but not to substitute for—classroom presentations or reading assignments.
Designed as a supplement for student coursework, An Introductory Dictionary of Theology and Religious Studies is also a useful resource for catechesis or religious education, for those pursuing interfaith or interreligious dialogue, and for those whose duties require communication with persons from diverse religious traditions.
2008 Catholic Press Association Award Winner!
Orlando O. Espin, James B. Nickoloff
Orlando O. Espín is Professor of Systematic Theology at the University of San Diego, where he also directs the Center for the Study of Latino/a Catholicism.
While the dictionary is intended for students, its value goes beyond the classroom. Professors and librarians will find it a useful tool in a personal reference collection. Even parish libraries and catechesis classes will find it valuable. . . . Theology and Religious Studies have long been kept separate as two distinct academic disciplines, but this work acknowledges a relationship between the two fields. In a sense, this dictionary attempts to bridge the gap between the two, providing theologians with historical context and background, and giving religious studies students a deeper understanding of theological concepts.Theological Librarianship This is a project that has long been needed and will be well-received . . . Catholic Books Review With well over two thousand entries, this major dictionary serves a distinct niche: to offer basic definitions of key terms, figures, and events in the study of Christian theology and world religions. . . . it is highly recommended for college students taking religious studies courses, and an absolute must for college and university libraries.Religious Studies Review With over 3,000 alphabetically arranged entries written by more than 60 authors, this single-volume work is ambitious in scope. . . . the work does an admirable job of covering topics outside the scope of Catholic theology and practice.Choice [T]his is an easy to use, non-technical work with entries on practically every topic one can think of in the area of theology and religious studies. Entries are short and to the point, accurate, and they are followed by a good number of cross-references for more background or depth.Catholic Library World [T]his dictionary delivers on its promise: it is an introductory teaching tool. At the same time, it is scholarly and trustworthy.Catholic Books Review For undergraduate students this is a very valuable volume published at a reasonable price.Worship Outstanding for the range of topics covered and the quality of essays and brief entries, this is a splendid reference tool! The volume will be useful to students of literature and history as well as religion and theology. Notable for wide-ranging coverage by experts who are also experienced teachers, the entries are commendably clear and helpfully cross-referenced. Students should be encouraged to look here first for accurate information on Mary Daly, the Dalai Lama, the dar al-Salam, and Pope Damasus I, to mention some representative topics. This book is a 'must' for every reference collection and humanities professor's office!Anne E. Patrick, William H. Laird Professor of Religion and the Liberal Arts, Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota