General & Miscellaneous Theology, Religion - Reference, Doctrine - Roman Catholic

A Concise Dictionary of Theology

Name: A Concise Dictionary of Theology
Author: Gerald O'Collins
ISBN: 9780809139293

by Gerald O'Collins, Edward G. Farrugia

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Overview

A Concise Dictionary of Theology is the most up-to-date work of its kind. It will be useful to students, educators and others who require a convenient reference for theological terms. The present work reflects contemporary biblical, liturgical and historical awareness. Although written by Roman Catholics, it is sensitive to ecumenical issues. This comprehensive dictionary offers clear explanations of more than 1000 words and phrases dating from early Christianity to topics as current as 'liberation theology.'

Synopsis

Library Journal

Compiled by two Jesuit theologians, this dictionary defines more than 1200 theological terms with entries ranging in size from single sentences to 500-word essays. Construing ``theology'' very broadly, the authors include biblical, catechetical, ethical, historical, liturgical, and philosophical terms. Though some are taken from Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, and non-Christian traditions, the dictionary is primarily for students of Roman Catholicism. The entries are thoroughly cross-referenced and, with relatively few lapses, lucidly defined. The authors do not aim for originality, and most of the terms they have chosen can be found in one or more of the standard dictionaries and encyclopedias of Catholicism. There are no bibliographies or biographical entries. Still, this convenient, up-to-date compendium of terms will be a valued desk companion for anyone confronting texts laced with the argot of Catholic theology. Recommended.-- Steve Gowler, Wofford Coll., Spartanburg, S.C.

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Editorials

Library Journal

This second edition of the favorably reviewed 1990 work of the same title (LJ 5/1/91) remains much the same, with only the addition of some 50 new entries, corrections, expansions, and an index of names. The approximately 1200 alphabetically arranged theological terms and phrases span the entire course of Christian history. Individual entries are concise, balanced, and clearly written and range in length from a single sentence to a full-page essay on selected topics. Although the work is ecumenical in perspective, Roman Catholicism and theological developments in biblical, catechetical, ethical, historical, liturgical, and philosophical studies since Vatican II receive the major focus. Regretfully, this second edition fails to add bibliographies; however, Jesuit theologians O'Collins and Farrugia skillfully refer to biblical and ecclesiastical documents, providing the reader with a more complete discussion. Cross-references abound, and though there are no biographical entries, this is a useful resource for students and others seeking basic theological information. Libraries already owning the first edition, however, need not replace.--John-Leonard Berg, Univ. of Wisconsin, Platteville Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\

Library Journal

Booknews

Defines and explains key words and phrases used in contemporary theology, encompassing biblical, catechetical, ethical, historical, liturgical, and philosophical terms that theological students are likely to encounter. This revised edition adds 50 new entries, an index of names, a stronger emphasis on ecumenical issues and Eastern Christianity, and updated explanations reflecting research since 1990. O'Collins teaches theology at the Gregorian University, Rome. Farrugia teaches dogmatic theology and Eastern patrology at the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)