Getting Started
There are many handbooks, dictionaries, and encyclopedias that provide basic information for Religion. If you are not clear about your topic, these reference sources provide definitions and introductory information about the subject. You can also browse them to brainstorm for more ideas. Other, more specialized resources are available in the Reference Room.
Encyclopedia of Religion, 2nd ed.
Ref BL31 .E46 1986
Ref BL31 .E46 2005
The first edition, edited by Mircea Eliade and published in 1986, is a classic text in the study of Religion and features broad essays with substantial detail and bibliographies. The second edition (the online version) is completely revised with substantial additional content.
Oxford Dictionary of World Religions
Stacks BL31 .O84 1997
Brief entries on concepts, deities, people, places; many entries have references for further reading. Topic index.
Oxford Reference Online: Religion & Philosophy
A collection of reference books accessible online.
Religions of the World
Ref BL80.3 .R45 2002
"Comprehensive encyclopedia of beliefs and practices of contemporary religions."