New Catholic Encyclopedia

The New Catholic Encyclopedia (NCE) stands as a comprehensive reference work documenting Roman Catholic history, beliefs, and practices. Published initially in 1967 by McGraw-Hill in collaboration with the Catholic University of America, it represents a modern successor to the original Catholic Encyclopedia of 1907-1914. The encyclopedia spans multiple volumes and encompasses entries on Catholic doctrine, religious figures, church history, and theological concepts. The first edition included broader topics in science, education, and liberal arts, while the 2002 second edition focused more specifically on Catholic-related content. This authoritative reference work serves scholars, educators, journalists, and general readers seeking accurate information about Catholicism. The publication has received recognition for its scholarly merit, with the 2002 edition earning a place among Library Journal's "Best Reference Sources" for 2003. The NCE reflects the Catholic Church's evolving self-understanding and its engagement with modern scholarship, positioning itself as a bridge between traditional Catholic knowledge and contemporary academic standards.

Readers consider the New Catholic Encyclopedia an authoritative reference work for Catholic theology, history, and practice. The 15-volume set sees frequent use in academic libraries and religious institutions. Readers value: - Comprehensive coverage of Catholic topics - Clear citations and bibliographies - Academic rigor in articles - Inclusion of non-Catholic perspectives - Regular updates through supplemental volumes Common criticisms: - High cost limits accessibility ($1,200+ for complete set) - Some articles lack depth on contemporary issues - Navigation between volumes can be cumbersome - Print format becomes outdated between editions Reviews: Amazon: 4.5/5 (12 reviews) - "Standard reference work for Catholic studies" - Librarian review - "Articles maintain scholarly tone while remaining readable" - Seminary student WorldCat: 4/5 (8 reviews) - Multiple reviewers note its usefulness for research but suggest supplementing with online sources for current topics Most readers recommend accessing through libraries rather than purchasing individually due to cost.

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The Catholic Encyclopedia by Charles Herbermann. This reference work focuses on Catholic doctrine, history, and practices with detailed articles written by Catholic scholars and clergy.

The HarperCollins Encyclopedia of Catholicism by Richard McBrien. The single-volume reference provides entries on Catholic theology, liturgy, church history, saints, and contemporary issues.

The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology by Alan Richardson, John Bowden. This reference work presents theological concepts, movements, and terminology from multiple Christian traditions and historical periods.

🔹 The encyclopedia took seven years to complete, involving a team of scholars working collaboratively at a time when such extensive academic coordination was logistically challenging. 🔹 When compared to similar religious references of its era, it uniquely expanded beyond theological topics to include scientific and cultural subjects, making it one of the first comprehensive Catholic resources to bridge religion and modern academia. 🔹 The 2002 edition marked a significant shift in focus, strategically narrowing its scope to Catholic-specific topics while previous versions maintained broader coverage of general knowledge. 🔹 This reference work has continued to evolve through digital supplements and updates, adapting to remain relevant in the internet age while maintaining its scholarly authority. 🔹 Each article undergoes rigorous peer review by multiple scholars before publication, following a tradition established by the Catholic University of America to ensure accuracy and depth in religious scholarship.