What I like about The Encyclopedia of Christianity, pub. Eerdmans

[Solly]

I wrote this review on the product page earlier today. In light of the ongoing sale this week, I thought some forum members may be curious about this product.

 

In the age of the internet, one may well wonder if a traditionally produced encyclopedia is justified. After all, Wikipedia is often thorough and is constantly updated; it is a wonderful resource. Why would one ever wish to purchase a tool designed for paper? Because, for some, it meets the Goldilocks principle.

 

The Encyclopedia of Christianity will probably be undersized for scholars needing monographs and journal articles for cutting edge information in their specialized fields, and it will probably be uncomfortable for many without some prior experience or taste for academic writing. For specialists seeking information in an area outside their own field, for students in earlier stages of their studies, and for individuals that are just as curious as George of the children’s books, this encyclopedia may be just right.

 

The articles are well written by scholars who know their subject well. This deep understanding is combined with a keen sense of how much detail is needed to provide the information for general understanding without skipping a necessary part of the story or overwhelming the reader with excessive detail. The included bibliographies will lead the seriously curious to other high quality resources. Since articles are written by a variety of individuals, the writing style will vary from one article to another, but the editors have kept control of the project and the writing is more level than one may expect. The encyclopedia has a definite tone that, for me, was just right.

 

With tagging and hyperlinking, the Accordance version is much more useful than the paper version, and is certainly something to have on a mobile device. After all, one never knows when a bout of curiosity will strike. Indeed, for me, an individual looking at a wide variety of topics in Christianity and other religions through non-specialist eyes, The Encyclopedia of Christianity published by Eerdmans is well justified because it fits me—just right.

 

—Joseph

[JohnABarnett]

Good review, Solly.

[ukfraser]

Hi solly, thanks! How about a couple of screenshots here on things that have hit you between the eyes?

[Solly]

I will try a few Fraser. The first one shows the search categories and the entry for Brethren.

 

This shows the end of the Brethren entry with author indicated and the bibliography for the article. Notice that the bibliography includes a Doctoral Dissertation from Fuller. I need to see if my son can get that one for me.

 

The Amish show up in very interesting places. I really like the wordsmithing of the last paragraph in the screenshot.

 

There was not much present  on Common Worship, but the BCP had its own entry.

 

I am writing a series of lessons on Church history, so I was interested in what was included concerning the first seven councils. This screen shows how they are identified, dated, and the major issue addressed. This topic was leaner than I anticipated, and the hyperlink at the end of Nicaea I did not show much in the Instant Details.

 

As I think a bit more about the Councils entry, it does serve the function I identified in my review—I must remember that I have been doing a great deal of study on the first seven councils for a number of years now. This would have been quite useful on my first encounter with the councils.

Edited August 15, 2018 by Solly

[ukfraser]

Many, many Thanks. These give a good feel for the amount of detail, style of article and range of topics from the index.

 

Im also looking at the early churches and using

A new eusebius and creeds councils and controversies by stenson and frend by spck. Very much paragraphs from other documents so reference rather than reading though good progress through timeline but not held together by text.

 

The making of the creeds and nicea tochalcedon by frances young on scm. Very readable but later councils

 

The way to nicea and nicene faith by john behr on svs (orthodox). Very well researched and detailed but organised by individual so you dont get the timeline of the discussions so takes more work but worth the effort. Plus paper based!!!!!! ;o(

Edited August 15, 2018 by ukfraser

[ukfraser]

 

I am writing a series of lessons on Church history, so I was interested in what was included concerning the first seven councils. This screen shows how they are identified, dated, and the major issue addressed. This topic was leaner than I anticipated, and the hyperlink at the end of Nicaea I did not show much in the Instant Details.

Downy's atlas of the reformation is on sale currently. I was in town today and spent time with the sister product, atlas of christian history and im really looking forward for this to pop out of the accordance pipeline as it really provides a great overview for the early church (not much text but fab maps!!!).

[Solly]

Thanks for the information, Fraser. I wii be on the lookout for the titles you have mentioned.

 

—Joseph

[R. Mansfield]

Downy's atlas of the reformation is on sale currently. I was in town today and spent time with the sister product, atlas of christian history and im really looking forward for this to pop out of the accordance pipeline as it really provides a great overview for the early church (not much text but fab maps!!!).

 

Great news! The Atlas of Christian History, mentioned above, is now available for Accordance!

[lesterchua]

Thank you @solly for the great review and screenshots.

 

The only thing that vex me is now you have instilled in me an almost overriding desire to purchase this immediately!

Edited April 27, 2019 by lesterchua