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 click on the Eagle Chat to chat with a librarian during open hours.
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 find more options, simply click on the "Ebooks" tab on the home page search box and type "Theological Dictionary" to see all of our holdings.
- Evangelical Dictionary of Theology byCall Number: EBookISBN: 9780801039461Publication Date: 2017-11-07
- The Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms, Second Edition byISBN: 9780664259761Publication Date: 2014-04-21
- New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis Set byISBN: 0310276195Publication Date: 2014-11-11
- The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible and Theology byISBN: 9780199858699Publication Date: 2015-04-01
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 find more options, simply click on the "Books" or "Ebooks" tab on the home page search box and type "Bible Dictionary" to see all of our holdings.
- Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words byCall Number: EbookISBN: 9780310859703Publication Date: 2009-12-15
- The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Bible and Theology byISBN: 9780199858699Publication Date: 2015-04-01
- New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology and Exegesis Set byISBN: 0310276195Publication Date: 2014-11-11
- A Concordance to the Greek Testament byISBN: 9780567010216Publication Date: 1978-06-01This 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.
- Collins Greek-English DictionaryISBN: 978000722427Publication Date: 2011Find English meanings to Greek words.
- 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 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: 2011-08-27
- Ultimate 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: 2019-05-31
Handbooks on Theology and other Topics
- Multicultural Ministry Handbook byCall Number: EbookISBN: 9780830838448Publication Date: 2010-07-29
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 find more options, simply click on the "Ebooks" tab on the home page search box and type "Handbook and theology" to see all of our different kinds of handbooks available.
- Oxford Handbooks OnlineISBN: 9780190273576