This research guide highlights just a few of our exteensive collection of reference materials for the world's religions. Please consult the reference staff for detailed guidance on your research topic.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: SUBJECT ENCYCLOPEDIAS

Many of these classic titles are available online and in recent editions. To find additional encyclopedias and reference sources, search Reference Universe or contact the reference staff.

Major Encyclopedias of Religions

Encyclopedia of Religion. Lindsay Jones, editor in chief. 2nd ed. 15 volumes. Detroit: Macmillan, 2005.
(online; print version (15 volumes) in Olin Reference BL 31 .E57 2005 +)

"A standard work treating theoretical (doctrines, myths, theologies, ethics), practical (cults, sacraments, meditations), and sociological (religious groups, ecclesiastical forms) aspects of religion; includes extensive coverage of non-Western religions. The second edition contains about two-thirds of the articles from the first edition (retained or revised) and 600 new articles. Signed articles, many quite substantial, by an international group of contributors conclude with extensive bibliographies. Many composite entries treat two or more related topics. This [2nd] edition includes 14 "visual essays" on such topics as sacred time, which are scattered out of sequence throughout the volumes. An alphabetical list of entries appears in v. 1. Vol. 15 provides a synoptic outline of contents, an extensive general index, and a group of 21 articles received too late to be included in the main set." [Guide to Reference]

Brill’s New Pauly: Encyclopaedia of the Ancient World. Robert E. Buswell, Jr., editor in chief. Leiden: Brill, 2007- .
(online; print version (first 4 volumes) in Olin 604-605, DE 5 .P33213 2006 +)

An excellent source on the religions and cultures of the ancient world. The online version includes the recent volumes on the classical tradition. "'Originally published in German as Der Neue Pauly. Enzyklopädie der Antike. In Verbindung mit Hubert Cancik und Helmuth Schneider herausgegeben von Manfred Landfester.'—Title Page, Verso... Wide coverage of the classical (Greco-Roman) world and its interactions with other cultures in antiquity and the early Middle Ages. Alphabetically arranged. Includes extensive bibliographical references. Plans of sites and maps are included with the texts of articles." [Guide to Reference]

Encyclopedia of Buddhism. Robert E. Buswell, Jr., editor in chief. New York: Macmillan, 2004.
(online; print version (2 volumes) in Kroch Asia Reference BQ 128 .E62 2004 +)

"Over 400 signed articles with bibliographies cover history, doctrines, texts, persons, schools, and practices. A number of entries extend to contemporary Buddhism and its influence in the West. Also includes coverage of Buddhist art. Synoptic outline of entries. Numerous black-and-white illustrations; some maps and color plates. Appendix includes timelines of Buddhist history in India, Southeast Asia, China, Japan and Korea, and Tibet and the Himalayas. Users should refer to the index, as coverage of many individuals and topics is found within larger articles. Most comprehensive general reference work on Buddhism in English. " [Guide to Reference]

Encyclopaedia of Islam. H.A.R. Jones, editor. 2nd ed. Leiden: Brill, 2004-2005.
(online; print version in Olin 602, DS 37 .E56 1954 +)

"Standard work, with over 15,000 signed articles covering the entire Islamic world, past and present. Entries include biography, history, geography, religion, institutions, manners and customs, tribes, industries, science, and terminology. The new edition places greater emphasis on social and economic topics. Geographical entries include towns, the larger political divisions of the Ottoman Empire, and other countries in which Islam is a major religion. Entries include bibliographies. Numerous cross-references. The on-line edition includes v. 1–12 of the new edition plus all new material from the 3rd ed. (2007–) as it becomes available." [Guide to Reference]

For a more approachable work at the undergraduate level, see Encyclopedia of Islam in the United States, 2 volumes, Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2007, (Olin Reference BP 67 .U6 E53 2007 +).

Encyclopaedia Judaica. Fred Skolnik, editor-in-chief. 2nd ed. Detroit: Macmillan in association with Keter Publishing House, 2007.
(online; print version (22 volumes) in Olin Reference DS 102.8 .E496 2007 +)

"The definitive reference work for Judaic studies. Includes about 22,000 entries on people, places, events, topics, concepts, and texts. More than 2,600 entries are new to this edition; over half of the remainder were substantially revised. Note that this edition of the EJ includes an entire volume providing extensive coverage for the state of Israel and expanded coverage of women; it is also a rich resource on the Holocaust. Entries range from a paragraph to very substantial essays; all include bibliographies. Every volume includes a list of abbreviations and a glossary.... Some items found in the earlier edition [16 volumes, copies shelved in Olin 602 and in the Olin stacks, DS102.8 .E558 ++] have been omitted, so it is sometimes worth consulting both editions. " [Guide to Reference]

Encyclopedia of African Religion. Molefi K. Asante and Ama Mazama, editors. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE, 2009.
(online only)

"Asante ... elevates the African religious experience above its common Western identification with primitive or tribal religions found in much broader works. Featuring nearly 500 entries ranging in length from a few paragraphs to several pages, this epic work illuminates the depth of African religious diversity through essays on topics such as circumcision, ontology, oral traditions, vodou, and zin.... Numerous titles focusing on particular beliefs in Africa exist, including Marcel Griaule's Conversations with Ogotemmeli, but this one presents an unparallelled exploration of a multitude of cultures and experiences. It is both a gateway to deeper exploration and a penetrating resource on its own. This is bound to become the definitive scholarly resource on African religions." [Choice review, 01 April 2009]

New Catholic Encyclopedia. 2nd ed. plus 2009 supplement. Washington: Catholic University of America, 2003.
(online; print version (15 volumes) in Olin Reference BX 841 .N532 2003 +)

"The second edition of this standard reference work updates some of the articles contained in the first edition and its supplements to reflect current canon law and recent scholarship yet includes many articles from the former edition verbatim. New entries have been added, particularly on such topics as gender and reproduction, and many of the 3,000 photos, maps, and other illustrations are new. Emphasis is on the Catholic Church in North America and the English-speaking world, but scope is international. Biographies of living persons are excluded, with the exception of Pope John Paul II. Articles are signed and include short bibliographies. Brief subject overview articles and cross-references lead to related articles. Vol. 15 is an index. To make space for new entries, many articles from the earlier edition were cut, and libraries may wish to keep the first edition [Olin Stacks BX 841 .N532 +, 17 volumes] and its supplements. Those with historical interests are well advised to also consult the original Catholic encyclopedia [Olin Stacks BX 841 .C36, 15 volumes] as well. " [Guide to Reference] The 2009 supplement is available only online.

Selected Encyclopedias on Specific Topics

The Coptic Encyclopedia. Ed. Aziz S. Atiya. 8 volumes. New York: Macmillan, 1991.
(Olin Reference BX 130.5 .C66x 1991 +)

"Provides a wealth of information on early Christian history; saints and other important Coptic church figures; art and architecture; and archaeology of the lands currently called Egypt, Nubia/Sudan, and Ethiopia. An international group of scholars contributed 2,800 signed articles, ranging in length from a brief paragraph to several pages and including cross-references, bibliographies, and many illustrations. More than 400 entries are devoted to monasteries. Vol. 8 consists of an appendix of articles on the current knowledge of the origins of the Coptic language and its dialects, 12 maps, and the index." [Guide to Reference]

Encyclopedia of Islam in the United States. Ed. Jocelyn Cesari. 2 volumes. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 2007
(Olin Reference BP 67 .U6 E53 2007 +)

Sponsored by the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Harvard. Volume 1 is an A to Z sequence of articles on Islamic culture, religion, and people in the contemporary U.S. Articles cover major events, organizations, religious practices, and gender and family issues, and end with timely bibliographies. Volume 2 reproduces primary documents on these issues.

Encyclopedia of Monasticism. Ed. William M. Johnston and Claire Renkin. 2 volumes. Chicago: Fitzroy Dearborn, 2000.
(Olin Reference BL 631 .E63x 2000 +)

"Offers 625 signed articles with bibliographies, written by an international group of scholars, on all aspects of monastic life in Eastern Christianity, Western Christianity, and Buddhism.... Well illustrated with photographs and diagrams in color and black and white." [Guide to Reference]

Encyclopedia of Protestantism. Ed. Hans Hillerbrand. 4 volumes. New York: Routledge, 2004.
(Olin Reference BX 4811.3 .E53x 2003 +)

"Covers the history and theology of Protestantism, which Hillerbrand essentially defines as any Christian denomination not Roman Catholic or Orthodox, thus including some that many (including themselves) would not define as such. Over 1,000 signed articles include denominations, people, places, events, texts, doctrines, and topics. Entries range from a column to several pages; each has a short bibliography. Alphabetization is problematic, with some headings inverted and others not; readers will need to use the thematic list of entries or the index to be sure of finding relevant articles...." [Guide to Reference]

Encyclopedia of Women and Religion in North America. Ed. Rosemary Skinner Keller and Rosemary Radford Ruether. 3 volumes. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 2006.
(Olin Reference BL 458 .E539 2006 +)

Extensive articles on women's experiences with a wide variety of religions represented in North America--African traditions, Catholicism, Protestanism, Orthodox, Judaism, Asian religions, and new religious movements. Covers ordination, social reform, women-centered theology, religious education and other contemporary issues. Substantial bibliographies.

Religion and.... (Cross-disciplinary Encyclopedias)

Encyclopedia of Politics and Religion. 2nd ed. 2 volumes. Washington: CQ Press, 2007.
(Olin Reference BL 65.P7 E53 2007)

Encyclopedia of Religion and Society. Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press, 1998.
(Olin Reference BL 60 .E53x 1998 +)

Encyclopedia of Religion and War. New York: Routledge, 2004.
(Olin Reference BL 80.3 .E53 2004 +)

Encyclopedia of Science and Religion. 2nd ed. New York: Macmillan, 2003.
(online; print version (2 volumes), Olin Reference BL 240.3 .E53 2003 +)

Dictionaries: Scarecrow's Historical Dictionaries series.

Scarecrow Press has published an extended series of one-volume historical dictionaries of religions. To browse the list search for Search for "History Dictionary of" and the name of the religion in the Library Catalog. For the newer editions search for, "A to Z of" as a phrase in Guided Keyword AND the name of the religion. Example:

The A to Z of Shinto. Bruce M. Sullivan, editor. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 2001.
(Asia Reference BL 1105 .S847x 2001)

Rev. ed. of the Historical Dictionary of Hinduism [Asia Reference BL 1105 .S85x 1997]. Covers events, individuals, texts, sects, and concepts of this varied complex of beliefs and practices. A chronology and an introduction provide broader context for individual entries. While entries have been updated, this work lacks the substantial bibliography of its earlier manifestation. [Guide to Reference]

You can also browse the Historical Dictionaries list by searching "Historical Dictionaries of Religions Philosophies and Movements" as a title.

Statistics

The ARDA Association of Religion Data Archives. University Park, PA: Pennsylvania State University, Department of Sociology, 2002– .
(online only)

"This collection began as the American Religious Data Archive; the name changed to reflect inclusion of data from around the world, although U.S. data predominate. ARDA provides statistical datasets on churches and church membership, religious professionals, and religious groups. These include graphs, maps, etc., with U.S. data at the county, metro area, state, and national levels. Summary profiles are provided for virtually every nation. Also offers numerous survey and poll results, such as the 2006 General Social Survey and the National Congregational Study. Quicklists (statistical data) and Quickstats (survey results) link to summary data on topics of broad interest. Keyword searching of all data files, as well as numerous browsing options, are provided. The site also offers a free online newsletter that contains information about new features and data sets. The first source to check for statistical and survey data. " [Guide to Reference]

World Christian Encyclopedia: A Comparative Survey of Churches and Religions in the Modern World . David B. Barrett, George T. Kurian, Todd M. Johnson. 2nd ed. 2 volumes. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.
(Olin Reference BR 95 .W92 2001 ++)

"A topical and comparative encyclopedia of many aspects of Christianity offering country-by-country surveys, numerous statistical tables, chronologies, and directory information. The authors and their international network of collaborators, contributors, and local editors have organized and interpreted vast amounts of information from surveys compiled by churches worldwide. Includes atlas, dictionary, bibliography, indexes." [Guide to Reference] NB: Statistics on non-Christian religions included.

Atlases

Atlas of the World’s Religions. Ninian Smart and Frederick W. [i.e. M.] Denny, editors. 2nd ed. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007.
(Olin Reference G 1046 .E4 A7 2007 ++).

"Text, images, and timelines accompany maps to provide a historical and geographic overview of the religions of the world. After "Religion today" shows the current geographic distribution of religions, successive chapters provide historical overview followed by treatment of the major religions and their traditions: Hinduism, Buddhism, East Asian traditions, Pacific religions, the Ancient Near East and Europe, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, African religions, and indigenous religions. Includes glossary, bibliography, and index. " [Guide to Reference; 1999 ed.]

You can find materials in all formats owned by the Cornell University Library in the Cornell Library Classic Catalog. This includes books, journals, magazines, newspapers, videotapes, audiotapes, music CDs, CD-ROMs, DVDs, manuscripts, microfilm, microfiche--in short, anything the library owns.

You can search by author, title, subject heading, call number, or journal title. You can also search by keyword--any combination of words in the author, title, subject, contents, and notes fields.

The catalog also allows you to recall or put a hold on items that are currently checked out by other library users and request them using Borrow Direct and Interlibrary Loan. Clicking on the Requests button and logging in allows you to see what you have checked out; you can also renew your books from this page.

For more information about using the catalog, click on the Help button on the classic catalog home page.

These resources can also be found by searching Databases Names in the Library web site.

ATLA Religion Database. 1949- .

"The combined online avatar of Religion Index One, Religion Index Two, and Index to Book Reviews in Religion, this is the most important general index for religious studies. The database covers articles, essays in collections, and book reviews in English, French, and German. Coverage extends from 1949 on; there is currently a project to expand retrospective coverage. While its scope is global and includes virtually all religious traditions, coverage is strongest for Christianity, particularly the Protestant versions. The database should be supplemented by Catholic Periodical and Literature Index, for Catholicism, and by Old Testament Abstracts and New Testament Abstracts for biblical studies." [Guide to Reference]

Bibliography of Asian Studies. 1971- .

The best database for finding articles on Asian religions: Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Zoroastrianism, and Shinto. "For 1971–91, the online BAS contains the full data of the printed version of the Bibliography of Asian Studies, which includes citations to Western language periodical articles, monographs, chapters in edited volumes, conference proceedings, anthologies, and Festschriften. Monographs published since 1992 are not included. Doctoral dissertations and master's theses are seldom included. Keyword searching is available and is generally the most powerful way to search BAS online. Entries can also be accessed by author, subject, country, and journal title. To assist searchers, the subject classification in the BAS is available online...." [Guide to Reference]

Indexing before 1971: The BAS began as an annual bibliography, the Bulletin of Far Eastern Bibliography (Kroch Asia Reference Z 3001 .B93), in 1936. In 1941, the scope extended to Southeast Asia, and in 1955, to South Asia. G.K. Hall published the Cumulative Bibliography of Asian Studies, 1941–65 (Kroch Asia Reference Z 3001 .A833) and 1966–70 (Kroch Asia Reference Z 3001 .A833 1972), organized by subject, with author indexes.

Index Islamicus. 1906- .

"Produced by an editorial team based at the London School of Oriental and African Studies, this database covers European-language books, articles, conference proceedings, and reviews of works dealing with all facets of Islam and the Islamic world. Coverage begins with 1906; the database is updated quarterly." [Guide to Reference]

Indexing before 1906: Wolfgang Behn's Index Islamicus 1665-1905: A Bibliography of Articles on Islamic Subjects in Periodicals and Other Collective Publications (Olin Reference Z 7835 .M6 P35) "provides retrospective coverage back to 1665 that is not available through the online Index Islamicus. Behn lists over 21,000 articles from journals, conference proceedings, and collected works in a variety of European languages." [Guide to Reference]

RAMBI: Index of Articles on Jewish Studies = Reshimat ma’amarim be-mada’e ha-Yahadut. 1966- .

"Also known by the acronym RAMBI, this database attempts to cover all important articles relevant to Judaic studies. Based on the collections of the Jewish National and University Library, it includes materials published around the world in Hebrew, Yiddish, and European languages since 1966. Search options include author, title, subject, and keyword. Searching in Hebrew or Latin characters only returns articles in those alphabets; it is necessary to search both ways for full retrieval. It is also possible to browse by author or subject.Includes the full contents of the print version of this work, Reshimat ma'amarim be-mada'e ha-Yahadut, which ceased publication in 2001." [Guide to Reference]

Religious and Theological Abstracts. 1958- .

"Indexes and abstracts about 340 journals from around the world, primarily Christian but also some Jewish titles and a small number of titles from other religious traditions. A full list of titles is available on the website. Coverage is coextensive with the print version, also called Religious and Theological Abstracts, extending back to 1958 (Olin Z 7753 .R38). Search options include author, title, scripture citation, and keyword. Updated quarterly." [Guide to Reference]

Links to online style guides and citation management software.

A note about RefWorks

RefWorks is a web-based program that allows you to easily collect, manage, and organize bibliographic references by interfacing with databases. RefWorks also interfaces directly with Word, making it easy to import references and incorporate them into your writing, properly formatted according to the style of your choice. For more information and to sign up for an account: http://www.refworks.cornell.edu .

Reference Desk Phone Directory

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