Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms [Paperback]

Donald K. McKim (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1996

This unique volume briefly identifies nearly six thousand theological terms. Its concise definitions capture a broad range of theological disciplines: biblical studies; church history; ethics; feminist theology; liberation theology; ministry; philosophy; Protestant, Reformed, and Roman Catholic theologies; and more. No other single volume provides such easy access to so many theological definitions. Both the novice and the theologically experienced reader will find the Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms to be of immense value.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Nearly 6,000 terms from disciplines such as the Bible, church history, ethics, ministry, spirituality, theology, and worship are defined here by McKim, a professor at Memphis Theological Seminary. He describes his work as not deep but broad in its coverage. Definitions are usually just two or three sentences long. He provides etymologies for many words, usually from Hebrew, Greek, or Latin. Many entries make reference to the Bible, noting book, chapter, and verse. Pronunciation would have been helpful for some words (e.g., exegesis, hermeneutics). Although published by the Presbyterian Church, this dictionary can be used by members of other Protestant denominations and Roman Catholics. McKim notes when a word is used only in a specific tradition or if faiths differ in their use of a term. For example, in sacrament, he notes that the Roman Catholic Church recognizes seven sacraments and Protestants, two. Definitions are accessible to lay Christians.

There are many specialized dictionaries of theological terms, such as the Dictionary of Feminist Theologies [RBB Ag 96] and the Westminster Dictionary of Christian Ethics (1986), but this new work will be especially useful in academic and public libraries that need a general dictionary with broad coverage. Sandy Whiteley --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Westminister Dictionary Of Theological Terms is a comprehensive volume which includes nearly 6,000 theological terms. Its brief and concise definitions capture a broad range of theological and related disciplines: biblical studies, church history, ethics, feminist theology, liberation theology, ministry, philosophy, social sciences, spirituality, worship, Protestant, Reformed, and kRoman Catholic theologies, and more. No other single voluem provides such easy access to so many theological definitions. Both the novice student and the theologically literatre reader will find the Westminister Dictionary Of Theological Terms to be of immense benefit in their studies, sermons, and writings. -- Midwest Book Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press; 1 edition (November 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0664255116
• ISBN-13: 978-0664255114
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #69,668 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #54 in Books > Education & Reference > Encyclopedias > Religion

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have book for the theological student, March 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms (Paperback)

I have found this book indispensable for my seminary education. It is clear and concise.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A seminary student's best friend, October 15, 2004

By 

Daniel M. Hixon (mostly Louisiana) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms (Paperback)

This book is one of the most valuable tools for my time in seminary. It is small enough to carry everywhere, but very broad, it seems as though every topic in the realm of Christianity is touched upon (who knew that Mardi Gras was also known as 'Pancake Tuesday' and 'Shrove Tuesday' - I didn't and I am from Louisiana!) Most of the definitions and descriptions are short and to the point and very helpful. This is a great one volume reference work that will be more useful to you than some multi-volume desk sets will be! This is a must-have for anyone interested in studying theology at any level.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a must-have for a first year seminary student!, October 20, 2000

By 

M HEIL (ST LOUIS, MO USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms (Paperback)

Upon entering seminary,(after an 18 year absence from academia)finding this book was a God-send! The pages of the book are now dog-eared from carrying it everywhere. I have recommended it to several other students.