Customer Reviews

Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms

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

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.

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.

The Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms is a must for theology students and clergy. Donald McKim gives brief and informative definitions of many widely-used theological terms employed across many faiths. Accompanying many words are brief etymologies (VERY brief in most cases) which help the student to see behind the meanings of some of the words. This book is not bulky and can fit into a briefcase or backpack no problem. It is the best theological dictionary I've purchased yet. Honestly, I use mine every day, and sometimes even read it for pleasure.

The only real complaint I have about the book is that it contains mostly Christian terminologies. Perhaps this may be good for those of the Christian faith, but for those studying a broad range of religions, this book may not help too much (the assumption here is that "theology" is much more than just Christianity). All in all, it is a great addition to your library and I recommend it.

Theologian Charles Hodge noted: "Original sin is the only rational solution of the undeniable fact of the deep, universal and early manifested sinfulness of men in all ages, of every class, and in every part of the world." And thus we need God's word and His saving grace to rightly understand our world. And to assist the believer in learning God's word, one needs to understand scriptural doctrines and truths. Moreover in "Westminister Dictionary Of Theological Terms" the reader finds the proper definition of numerous biblical terms as well as doctrinal expressions employed by Christian scholars. Large yet not massive (310 pages), this excellent resource contains over 5000 Theological topics, subjects, and terms.

Within this outstanding book one finds terms and definitions from:

- the Bible
- church history
- the field of ethics
- pastoral ministry
- systematic theology
- biblical theology
- and a host of necessary and useful terms.

McKim (professor Memphis Theological Seminary) offers etymologies of numerous essential vocabulary words (Hebrew, Greek, Latin). Words and doctrines such as exegesis, justification, imputation, salvation, and countless others are furnished in this easy-to-read volume. The writing is so clear, powerful, and simple it almost makes for a devotional read. It may not be that, but it is a potent and very useful tool for the devout believer, seminary student, or minister; a superb single-volume source that provides the student straightforward access to scores of theological definitions. Also makes for a fine Home School resource.
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I have a few theological dictionaries. None of them are complete. This dictionary fills in gaps the others do not cover.

Anyone who needs a brief and quick understanding for their studies in Theology this is a must buy...I use other Dictionaries that do not cover Liberation period as well as this book does...lets face it you can not change History...
Even though I do not agree with all of what theologians are trying to say, people still need to be understood for what they believe.

From "a capella" to "epistemology" from "implicit faith" to "Zwinglianism," this is an excellent resource for learning theological terms or brushing up on those which have grown foggy in the mind over time. Great for pastors, reverends, priests, seminarians and lay ministers of all sorts.

This book is a MUST have. Your mind will be blown off your Head when you learn of the contents of this book. All I have to say regarding The Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms is Three words : " A MUST HAVE "!

This is a slim volume but it is unexpectedly thorough for Christian readers whose theological study is grounded in the Reformed tradition. It's been a terribly handy resource for me to get a handle on commonly thrown about theological terms as well as references to sects and heresies for which one not only ought to be watchful but ought to be able to give a name to.

On reading an article by a leading Reformed theologian(Dr. Michael Horton), for example, I encountered this paragraph:
"Like Luther, Calvin challenged the identification of the Good News as "a new law" and Christ as a new Moses. However, he introduced (with Melancthon's help)
some critical nuances. While Luther disagreed sharply with Aquinas' characterization of the gospel as a "new law," he often perpetuates the tendency to treat
law and gospel as equivalent to Old and New Testaments. The Anabaptists pushed this further toward a Marcionite antithesis. In Calvin's treatment, there is
much greater nuance."

I looked up: Melancthon, Anabaptists, Marciontite. Here's the entry for "Marcionism/Marcionites":
"The teachings of Marcion (d. c. 160), which featured a sharp distinction between the 'God of wrath' of the Old Testament and the 'God of love' of the New Testament
and the view that Christ never became flesh. In Marcionism, Christianity replaces Judaism. Its canon was Luke's Gospel and ten Pauline letters."

The dictionary gave me just enough of an explanation to make heads or tails of the use of other such terms as well. I heartily recommend it for those who desire more than a passing knowledge of theology and less than a doctoral degree in divininty.