The Encyclopedia of Christianity

The Encyclopedia of Christianity is a comprehensive five-volume reference work covering Christian theology, denominations, history, and practice. The text represents a collaborative effort between multiple scholars and institutions across different Christian traditions. The encyclopedia contains over 1,700 articles examining topics from biblical interpretation to modern church movements, with entries on key figures, concepts, and developments throughout Christianity's history. Each volume maintains consistent scholarly standards while incorporating perspectives from various Christian traditions and geographical regions. The work bridges European and North American scholarship through its joint publication by Eerdmans and Brill, featuring contributions from an international team of experts. The entries range from concise definitions to extensive treatments of major theological and historical subjects. This encyclopedia stands as a reflection of Christianity's global scope and theological diversity, while maintaining academic rigor in its treatment of complex religious and historical matters. The work serves both as a snapshot of contemporary Christian understanding and a record of the faith's historical development.

Readers note this encyclopedia's comprehensive scope and rigorous scholarship across Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. Multiple reviewers highlighted its detailed coverage of modern theological developments and global Christianity. Likes: - Quality English translations of German scholarship - Extensive bibliographies after each entry - Coverage of non-Western Christian movements - Clear writing style accessible to non-academics Dislikes: - High price point for complete 5-volume set - Some entries lack depth on American religious movements - Occasional outdated statistics in older volumes - Index could be more detailed Reviews: Amazon: 4.7/5 (12 reviews) - "Remarkable breadth without sacrificing scholarly depth" - Theology professor - "Worth the investment for serious students of Christianity" - Seminary librarian No Goodreads ratings available, but the encyclopedia appears frequently in academic library catalogs and religious studies syllabi worldwide. Several reviewers specifically recommended Volume 3 (J-O) for its strong entries on liturgy and missions.

The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church by F. L. Cross. This reference work contains entries on theology, church history, denominations, and key Christian figures from ancient times to the present.

The Oxford Handbook of Systematic Theology by John Webster, Kathryn Tanner, Iain Torrance. This comprehensive volume examines core Christian doctrines, theological methods, and contemporary theological issues through contributions from leading scholars.

The Cambridge Dictionary of Christianity by Daniel Patte. This reference covers Christian beliefs, practices, and traditions across global contexts and historical periods.

The Blackwell Companion to Christian Theology by Gareth Jones. This work presents systematic theological topics through multiple perspectives, including historical development and contemporary interpretation.

The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology by Alan Richardson, John Bowden. This reference provides definitions and explanations of theological terms, concepts, and movements in Christian thought.

🔹 The Encyclopedia of Christianity spans 5 volumes and was published over 8 years (1999-2008), representing one of the most comprehensive modern reference works on Christianity in English. 🔹 The work is actually a translation and adaptation of the German Evangelisches Kirchenlexikon, with significant updates and new content added specifically for English-speaking audiences. 🔹 Geoffrey William Bromiley, one of the editors, was also the translator of Karl Barth's monumental Church Dogmatics and Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, making him one of the most influential theological translators of the 20th century. 🔹 The encyclopedia includes contributions from over 450 scholars from around the world, representing various Christian traditions and denominations to provide balanced perspectives. 🔹 Unlike many religious encyclopedias, this work includes extensive statistical data and social science research alongside traditional theological and historical content, making it valuable for both religious and secular studies.