Library Guides: RELIGION: Subject Guide: Get Started

Getting Started

In this Guide, you'll find:

Reference Sources to help you find general and background information
Databases and journals to help you Find Articles
Information on ebooks, streaming media, and searching the catalog to help you Find Books & Media
Online and print resources for Biblical Studies
Resources and search tips for studying various Religions, including
- Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, and more
- Religion in the United States

Key Resources

Quick links to best bets

Gale OneFile: Religion & Philosophy
A comprehensive collection of periodical content covering topics across a wide range of philosophies and religions. Updated daily, this resource supports a broad range of topics from theological approaches to social issues.
JSTOR
JSTOR provides access to more than 12 million academic journal articles, books, and primary sources in 75 disciplines, and is especially strong in the humanities and social sciences. JSTOR's coverage often goes back to the first volume and issue of many journals, but it may not have the most recent issues.

Find Background Information

Reference sources - great for getting started

Reference sources can be a great starting point for research. Reference sources typically provide definitions, give topic overviews, and explain theories. They can also point to additional readings and scholarship. Examples of reference sources include: dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks, guidebooks, manuals, and textbooks.

Dictionaries

The Dictionary of Religions
Call Number: REF 200.3 P376
The Oxford Dictionary of World Religions
Call Number: REF 200.3 Ox2
The Harper Collins Dictionary of Religion
Call Number: REF 200.3 H234
Global Dictionary of Theology
Call Number: ebook
A theological dictionary that embraces and explores a full range of global expressions of theology.
Cambridge Dictionary of Christian Theology
Call Number: ebook
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.

Encyclopedias

Encyclopedia of Philosophers on Religion
Call Number: ebook
This encyclopedia presents the religious affiliations and beliefs of prominent philosophers, in A-Z entries. Biographical information is given about each with a special focus on his or her religious upbringing, practice, and beliefs (or lack thereof).
Sacramentum Mundi: An Encyclopedia of Theology
Call Number: REF 203 Sa14
6 volumes.
Encyclopedia of Religion
Call Number: ebook and REF 203. En1 1987
A standard reference in the field. Presents a cross-cultural approach that emphasizes religion's role within everyday life and as a unique experience from culture to culture.
Religions of the World
Call Number: REF 200.3 R279

Encyclopedia Mythica
Encyclopedia Mythica is an internet encyclopedia on mythology, folklore, and religion. Everything from Aaron to Zygius, with thousands of articles in between.

Selected Reference Books

Encyclopedia of Religious Rites, Rituals, and Festivals
Call Number: REF 203.8 En19
Encyclopedia of Science and Religion
Call Number: REF 201.65 En19
2 volumes.
Religious Holidays and Calendars
Call Number: ebook
A comprehensive, authoritative source of information about the calendars and holidays of the world's religions.
Dictionary of Gods and Goddesses
Call Number: REF 202.1103 J765d