Bible, Theology & Ministry

Before You Search

1. Identify keywords in your topic.
2. Choose the best database.
3. Use 1-2 words per search box.
4. Combine "keyword phrases" with AND.
5. Use limiters as needed (dates, scholarly (peer reviewed).
6. Evaluate your results by reading abstracts.
7. Look at subject terms assigned to a good article to focus search.
8. No full text? Use Journal Finder on Journals tab.
9. The Cite button will help with footnotes.

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   Database Tutorial 

Searching The Catalog

To help you with your search, consider these search options listed in the drop down menu:

• Keyword. This the default search option. Type in any words you want and click search. Ex.: homeless, Holocaust, pollution
• Author. Enter author's name: last name, first name. Ex. Patterson, James
• Title. Select this option when you have the title. Ex. 7 habits of highly effective people
• Subject. Enter one or two words that describes your topic. Ex. gun control or euthanasia
• Series. Enter the name of a series of books. Ex. Opposing Viewpoints or World Biblical Commentary
• Periodical Title.  Click here to find an article in a journal or periodical.

Library of Congress Classification

• BL - BX Religion 
• PA  - Greek language
• PJ - Hebrew language 

Scholarly vs. Popular Periodicals

Video Created by the Vanderbilt University Peabody Library

Picking Your Topic IS Research!

Video created by NCSU

Research Process

1. Choose your topic & isolate potential keywords. Use synonyms.
2. Use your textbook & reference sources.
3. Determine what types of sources are needed & begin searching.
4. Evaluate the quality, quantity & relevance of your sources.
5. Be sure to cite any ideas you have used that are not your own.
6. Assess your results & refine as needed.

Searching For Biblical Topics

Searching for Bible books as subjects in the library catalog is unique with any subject searches starting with Bible.

Ex. Old Testament is listed as Bible. Old Testament

Ex. Matthew is listed as Bible. New Testament. Matthew

Searching for Romans as keyword or subject results in the historical people of Rome.

Bible. New Testament. Romans is the subject listing for the Bible book.

Video created by the University of Arkansas Libraries.

Academic vs. Lay Commentaries 

Academic commentaries focus on the detailed aspects of a passage such as context, literary meaning, translations, sources, etc. Their general approach is critical with attentive to detail. They may or may not be theological or include practical comments for application in life (devotional).

Lay commentaries are similar but are not as critical. Their focus is on how to apply a particular passage for spiritual formation. They emphasize application and personal impact. 

See the attached chart for specific examples.