Christian encyclopedia

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Christian encyclopedia
A comprehensive guide to Christian knowledge, biblical studies, theology, history and faith

A Christian encyclopedia is a specialized encyclopedia or reference work devoted to the study and explanation of Christianity, the Bible, Christian theology, Church history, Christian traditions, religious practices, institutions, people and the worldwide Christian community.

Christian encyclopedias help readers understand the teachings of Jesus Christ, explore the development of Christian thought, examine the history of the Church, and discover the relationship between Christian faith and human society.

Featured example: WikiChristian.org — a free, collaborative Christian encyclopedia, Bible resource and community.

Christian encyclopedia — at a glance
Field Description
Subject Christianity and related religious, historical, cultural and academic disciplines
Major areas Biblical studies, Theology, Church history, Christian ethics, Christian worship, Christian missions, Christian denominations
Primary sources The Bible, historical Christian writings, Church Fathers, Christian creeds, theological literature and historical documents
Formats Printed volumes, specialist dictionaries, online encyclopedias, digital reference libraries and collaborative wiki projects
Intended readers Students, theologians, pastors, teachers, historians, researchers, Christians and the general public
Online example WikiChristian — wikichristian.org

Definition

A Christian encyclopedia is an organized collection of articles explaining subjects associated with the Christian religion. It may be written from a particular Christian theological perspective or may adopt a comparative, historical or academic approach to Christianity.

Unlike a general encyclopedia, which covers many fields of human knowledge, a Christian encyclopedia concentrates on subjects such as:

Some Christian encyclopedias are designed primarily for academic study, while others emphasize Christian teaching, discipleship, ministry and practical Christian living.

Purpose and importance

Christian encyclopedias preserve, organize and communicate knowledge about Christianity.

They serve several important purposes.

Biblical education

A Christian encyclopedia provides explanations of biblical people, places, events, themes, institutions and theological concepts.

Readers studying Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles or the Epistles may consult an encyclopedia to understand historical background, geography, culture and theological interpretation.

An encyclopedia may also explain topics such as biblical inspiration, biblical canon, biblical prophecy, covenant, redemption and resurrection.

Theological understanding

Christian encyclopedias introduce readers to theological disciplines such as:

These subjects explore Christian teachings concerning God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, salvation, the Church and the ultimate destiny of humanity.

Historical preservation

Christian encyclopedias document the history of Christianity from the Early Church to the present.

They help preserve information about Christian leaders, theologians, missionaries, religious movements, institutions, historical controversies and major developments in Christian thought.

Christian discipleship and ministry

Christian reference works can support Bible study, Sunday school, Christian education, Christian discipleship, preaching and pastoral ministry.

They provide background material for teachers, students, pastors and individuals seeking to understand Christian beliefs and practices.

Interdenominational understanding

Because Christianity includes diverse traditions, Christian encyclopedias can help readers understand the similarities and differences among Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism and other Christian movements.

A well-developed encyclopedia identifies the particular traditions associated with theological interpretations rather than assuming that every Christian community holds identical beliefs.

History of Christian encyclopedias

The development of Christian encyclopedias is closely associated with the history of biblical interpretation, theological scholarship, religious education and the preservation of written knowledge.

Early Christianity

In the centuries following the ministry of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the early Christian communities, Christian teachers produced writings explaining Scripture, doctrine, worship and religious life.

Important early Christian authors included:

Although their writings were not modern encyclopedias, they contributed to the foundations of organized Christian knowledge.

Medieval Christian scholarship

During the Middle Ages, Christian monasteries, cathedral schools and universities preserved manuscripts and developed extensive systems of theological and philosophical learning.

Scholars sought to organize knowledge concerning Scripture, theology, philosophy, ethics and the natural world.

Important figures included:

  • Isidore of Seville, whose Etymologiae was an influential early medieval encyclopedia.
  • Bede, whose writings contributed to Christian historical and biblical scholarship.
  • Peter Lombard, whose Sentences became a major theological textbook.
  • Thomas Aquinas, whose Summa Theologiae systematically organized many topics in Christian theology.

These works influenced later Christian reference literature and theological education.

Reformation and early modern period

The Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century encouraged new approaches to biblical study, theological writing and the dissemination of religious literature.

The expansion of printing made Bibles, commentaries, catechisms, theological dictionaries and other religious reference works increasingly accessible.

Prominent reformers and theologians included:

Catholic, Protestant and other Christian traditions subsequently developed their own collections of theological and historical reference literature.

Modern printed Christian encyclopedias

During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, publishers produced increasingly specialized encyclopedias devoted to Christianity.

Important examples include:

Reference work Description
The Catholic Encyclopedia A major English-language Catholic reference work published in the early twentieth century, covering theology, Church history, biblical studies and subjects related to Catholic life.
Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge A Protestant-oriented reference work containing articles on biblical, theological, historical and religious subjects.
Encyclopedia of Christianity A multi-volume scholarly reference work addressing Christian history, doctrine, institutions and global Christianity.
Encyclopedia of Early Christianity A specialist reference work focusing on the history, literature, people and theological development of early Christianity.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia A biblical reference work covering Scripture, archaeology, biblical languages, geography and related disciplines.

Such works have contributed to Christian scholarship, theological education and the preservation of religious history.

Digital Christian encyclopedias

The development of the Internet has transformed the way Christian information is published, maintained and accessed.

Online Christian encyclopedias allow readers to explore interconnected subjects without relying exclusively on printed reference volumes.

Advantages of online reference works

Digital Christian encyclopedias may provide:

  • Accessibility: Articles can be accessed across geographical boundaries.
  • Searchability: Readers can locate information using keywords, article titles and internal search tools.
  • Hyperlinked learning: Related subjects can be connected through hyperlinks.
  • Continuous updating: Articles can be revised as scholarship and editorial needs develop.
  • Multimedia: Articles may include photographs, maps, historical illustrations, audio and video.
  • Multilingual resources: Digital platforms may provide biblical and theological resources in multiple languages.
  • Collaborative authorship: Qualified and interested contributors can develop content within a shared publishing system.
  • Cross-referencing: Individual biblical passages, people, locations and theological concepts can be linked together.

Collaborative wiki encyclopedias

A wiki is a website that supports collaborative editing through a web-based publishing system.

Some Christian encyclopedias use wiki technology to organize large collections of Christian reference articles and related resources.

A wiki-based Christian encyclopedia can connect articles concerning biblical books, historical events, Christian leaders, religious practices and theological doctrines.

MediaWiki, the software used by Wikipedia and numerous specialist encyclopedia projects, supports article histories, internal links, categories, templates, discussion pages and collaborative editing.

WikiChristian.org: An example of a Christian encyclopedia

WikiChristian.org
A free Christian encyclopedia, Bible resource and community

WikiChristian is a collaborative online Christian encyclopedia dedicated to making information about Christianity, the Bible, Jesus Christ, Christian theology and Church history freely accessible.

The project brings together reference articles, biblical resources, historical material and opportunities for community participation.

Explore: Christianity • Bible • Jesus Christ • Christian theology • Church history • Christian worship

About WikiChristian

WikiChristian is a free online Christian encyclopedia and reference resource hosted at www.wikichristian.org.

The website combines encyclopedia articles, biblical reference materials and community-developed content.

Its purpose is to help people explore Christian beliefs, study the Bible, learn about Christian history and share knowledge relating to the Christian faith.

WikiChristian uses the MediaWiki platform, allowing content to be connected through internal links, subject categories and other features commonly associated with collaborative encyclopedias.

The website describes itself as a Christian encyclopedia, Bible resource and community.

History of WikiChristian

WikiChristian was established in 2004 as an online project dedicated to Christian knowledge and collaborative religious reference writing.

The project developed articles concerning Christianity and incorporated biblical texts and related resources.

According to WikiChristian's historical account, a major organizational effort beginning in 2008 included the addition of Bible content in multiple languages and translations.

The project also encountered challenges involving spam and vandalism during subsequent years, resulting in restrictions on editing and periods of reduced activity.

Efforts to revive and maintain the encyclopedia included initiatives undertaken in 2015 and later development work.

For additional historical information, see About WikiChristian.

Scope of WikiChristian

WikiChristian covers a wide range of subjects relevant to Christianity.

Its principal areas include:

The Bible

WikiChristian provides access to information about the Old Testament, New Testament, individual biblical books, biblical characters and related themes.

Readers can explore the background and interpretation of biblical passages and discover connections between different parts of Scripture.

Relevant subjects include:

Christian beliefs and doctrines

The encyclopedia explains important Christian theological concepts, including:

These topics form part of the broader study of Christian theology.

Church history

WikiChristian provides a framework for examining the historical development of Christianity.

Subjects include:

Christian denominations

The encyclopedia includes information about Christian traditions and denominations.

These include:

Articles can explain the historical origins, doctrines, leadership structures and worship practices associated with these traditions.

Christian living and ministry

WikiChristian also connects theological knowledge with Christian life and ministry.

Subjects include:

Bible resources

A significant feature of WikiChristian is its integration of encyclopedia content with biblical reference material.

The platform's historical development included efforts to make biblical texts available in multiple languages and translations.

The connection between Bible passages and encyclopedia articles allows readers to move between Scripture and explanations of related concepts.

For example, someone studying John 3 may also explore Nicodemus, New birth, Kingdom of God, Faith, Salvation and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Similarly, a reader studying Genesis 22 may explore Abraham, Isaac, Covenant, Sacrifice and Biblical typology.

Such interconnected resources can support Bible study, teaching and theological research.

Editorial approach

WikiChristian's editorial documentation describes several kinds of material:

  1. Information articles: Encyclopedic introductions and explanations of Christian topics.
  2. Index pages: Navigational pages connecting related subjects.
  3. Sermons, essays and opinion articles: Interpretive, devotional or perspective-based content.
  4. Original texts: Source material, including biblical texts and historical Christian writings.

The project does not adopt exactly the same neutral-point-of-view model as Wikipedia and identifies itself with a biblical Christian worldview.

Its informational value is strengthened when articles clearly distinguish established historical facts, biblical texts, theological interpretations and denominational viewpoints.

For details, see WikiChristian:Page Layout and WikiChristian:About.

WikiChristian and Christian education

WikiChristian can be used as an introductory reference source for:

  • Individuals beginning to study Christianity.
  • Bible study groups and Sunday school classes.
  • Students studying Christian theology or Church history.
  • Pastors preparing sermons and educational materials.
  • Missionaries and Christian educators.
  • Researchers exploring biblical and historical subjects.
  • Readers seeking information about Christian traditions and practices.

As with other collaboratively edited encyclopedias, important historical, textual and theological claims should be verified through primary sources and reputable scholarly publications.

Community participation

Collaborative publishing enables contributors to help improve and expand Christian reference material.

Depending on current editing permissions and site policies, participation may include:

  • Improving the accuracy and readability of existing articles.
  • Adding relevant biblical and historical references.
  • Creating new articles on Christian topics.
  • Correcting grammar, formatting and broken links.
  • Adding useful internal links between related subjects.
  • Organizing content through categories and navigation templates.
  • Identifying information that needs clarification or additional sourcing.
  • Discussing proposed improvements with other contributors.

Readers interested in contributing should consult WikiChristian:About, WikiChristian:Page Layout and the site's current editorial guidance.

Accessing WikiChristian

The encyclopedia is freely accessible through its official website.

Resource Link
WikiChristian homepage WikiChristian.org
About the project WikiChristian:About
Christianity Christianity
Bible Bible
Christian doctrine Doctrine and debates
Church history Church history
Editorial guidance WikiChristian:Page Layout
Recent edits Special:RecentChanges
Categories Special:Categories
All pages Special:AllPages

Major subjects in a Christian encyclopedia

A comprehensive Christian encyclopedia includes interconnected disciplines, each contributing to the understanding of Christianity.

Biblical studies

Biblical studies examines the literature, languages, historical setting, composition and interpretation of Scripture.

Its major branches include:

Christian theology

Christian theology concerns the study of Christian teachings about God and the relationship between God, humanity and creation.

Theological discipline Main subject
Theology proper The nature, attributes and works of God
Christology The person, nature and work of Jesus Christ
Pneumatology The person and work of the Holy Spirit
Soteriology Salvation, grace, faith, justification and redemption
Ecclesiology The nature, mission and organization of the Church
Eschatology Last things, resurrection, judgment and the fulfillment of God's purposes
Christian anthropology Humanity, human nature and the image of God
Hamartiology Sin and its theological consequences
Bibliology The nature, authority, inspiration and interpretation of Scripture
Apologetics The explanation and defense of Christian beliefs

Church history

Church history examines the people, movements, institutions and events associated with the historical development of Christianity.

Important topics include:

Christian worship and spirituality

Christian spirituality concerns Christian prayer, worship, devotion and spiritual formation.

Major subjects include:

Christian people and biographies

Biographical articles form an important part of Christian encyclopedias.

They document the lives and contributions of biblical figures, theologians, reformers, missionaries, ministers, educators and other influential Christians.

Examples include:

Biographical articles should distinguish historical evidence from traditional narratives and theological interpretation.

Christianity and culture

Christian encyclopedias also examine the interaction between Christianity and human culture.

Related subjects include:

Christian encyclopedia versus Bible dictionary

A Bible dictionary and a Christian encyclopedia are related but distinct reference works.

Feature Christian encyclopedia Bible dictionary
Primary focus Christianity in its theological, historical, cultural and religious dimensions Terms, people, places, events and concepts associated with the Bible
Scope Broad coverage of Christianity Primarily biblical subjects
Church history Often extensive Usually limited to relevant background
Denominations Commonly included Usually not a central subject
Theology May include extensive doctrinal articles Focuses mainly on biblical terms and concepts
Christian biographies Biblical and post-biblical figures Primarily biblical figures
Example WikiChristian Bible dictionary

The boundaries between these types of reference works may overlap, particularly in large online reference projects.

Christian encyclopedia versus secular encyclopedia

A Christian encyclopedia differs from a general-purpose encyclopedia primarily in its subject focus and, in some cases, its theological perspective.

A general encyclopedia such as Wikipedia aims to cover a broad range of human knowledge.

A Christian encyclopedia concentrates on Christianity and may provide greater depth concerning biblical passages, theological controversies, Christian traditions and religious history.

Some Christian encyclopedias are confessional, explicitly presenting a particular understanding of the Christian faith.

Others adopt academic or comparative approaches designed to describe multiple theological perspectives.

Both approaches can contribute to useful reference literature when sources, interpretations and editorial perspectives are clearly identified.

Editorial standards and reliability

The usefulness of a Christian encyclopedia depends on the quality, accuracy and transparency of its articles.

Good editorial practices include the following.

Biblical accuracy

Articles explaining Scripture should identify relevant biblical passages and distinguish between the biblical text and subsequent interpretation.

For example, discussions of Justification may explain differences between Protestant and Catholic theology rather than presenting a disputed interpretation as universally accepted.

Reliable references

Articles should use appropriate sources, including:

  • The Bible, with the translation identified where necessary.
  • Primary historical documents.
  • Academic biblical commentaries.
  • Scholarly books and journal articles.
  • Reputable historical reference works.
  • Official doctrinal statements of Christian denominations.
  • Historical Christian writings and recognized critical editions.

Denominational transparency

When discussing disputed theological subjects, articles should identify the relevant Christian traditions.

Topics such as Baptism, Eucharist, Predestination, Apostolic succession and Spiritual gifts have been understood differently across Christian history.

Explaining these differences helps readers understand Christianity more accurately.

Respectful presentation

Christian encyclopedia articles should communicate respectfully when describing theological disagreements and other religious traditions.

Scholarly descriptions should distinguish between what a religious group teaches and what its critics believe.

Copyright and licensing

Collaborative Christian encyclopedias should respect copyright, attribution requirements and applicable licensing conditions.

Biblical translations, photographs, theological writings and other reference materials may have different copyright statuses.

Materials should be reproduced only when their licensing or legal status permits the intended use.

Continuous improvement

Online reference works benefit from regular review to:

  • Update outdated information.
  • Correct factual errors.
  • Improve citations and biblical references.
  • Repair broken links.
  • Expand incomplete articles.
  • Improve accessibility and readability.
  • Identify unsupported claims.
  • Clarify historical and denominational context.

Using Christian encyclopedias for Bible study

Christian encyclopedias are particularly useful when studying passages that contain unfamiliar historical or theological references.

A practical approach is to read the biblical passage first, identify important words or concepts, consult related encyclopedia entries, and compare the explanations with Scripture and reputable biblical scholarship.

Example: Studying John 3

A reader examining John 3 may benefit from articles on:

These connected topics provide a broader context for understanding the passage.

Example: Studying the Old Testament

Someone studying Genesis may consult articles about:

Christian interpretations of the Old Testament frequently examine how passages relate to Jesus Christ and the New Testament.

Such connections should be identified as theological interpretations when they are debated among scholars or Christian traditions.

The future of Christian encyclopedias

Digital technologies offer opportunities to expand the accessibility and usefulness of Christian reference material.

Potential developments include:

Multilingual Christian education

Online encyclopedias can make Christian educational resources available in languages beyond English, supporting readers in different geographical and cultural settings.

Improved biblical cross-referencing

Digital reference systems can connect biblical passages with people, places, theological subjects and historical commentaries.

Educational multimedia

Maps, illustrations, timelines, audio recordings and videos may help explain historical events, biblical geography and theological concepts.

Collaborative scholarship

Online platforms can facilitate contributions from historians, biblical scholars, theologians, clergy, educators and knowledgeable laypeople.

Digital preservation

Christian encyclopedias can support the preservation of historical religious texts, public-domain works and reference literature.

Responsible use of artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence may assist with searching, indexing, translation, organization and preliminary drafting.

However, AI-generated theological and historical information requires human review, accurate citations and verification against reliable sources.

The role of WikiChristian

As a free Christian encyclopedia and Bible resource, WikiChristian illustrates how collaborative digital publishing can support Christian education and access to religious knowledge.

Its integration of theological articles, biblical resources and related reference topics provides a foundation for the continued development of an interconnected Christian knowledge library.

The project's long-term usefulness depends on the quality of its content, the participation of knowledgeable contributors, effective editorial oversight and ongoing technical maintenance.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Christian encyclopedia?

A Christian encyclopedia is a reference work providing organized information about Christianity, including the Bible, Christian theology, Church history, denominations, religious practices and Christian culture.

What is the difference between a Christian encyclopedia and a Bible encyclopedia?

A Bible encyclopedia focuses primarily on biblical subjects, whereas a Christian encyclopedia generally covers a broader range of topics, including Church history, theological developments, Christian denominations and contemporary Christian life.

Is WikiChristian a Christian encyclopedia?

Yes. WikiChristian.org describes itself as a free Christian encyclopedia, Bible resource and community. Its content includes Christianity-related articles and biblical reference material.

Is WikiChristian free to use?

WikiChristian provides free public access to its encyclopedia and biblical resources. Reuse or republication of individual materials remains subject to applicable copyright and licensing conditions.

Can anyone contribute to WikiChristian?

WikiChristian has a tradition of collaborative contribution. However, editing permissions and participation requirements are governed by its current site policies. Interested contributors should review WikiChristian:About and the applicable editorial instructions.

Are all Christian encyclopedias written from the same theological perspective?

No. Christian encyclopedias may reflect Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, evangelical, ecumenical or academic approaches to Christianity.

Readers should consider each work's editorial perspective and the sources used to support its articles.

Can a Christian encyclopedia replace the Bible?

No. A Christian encyclopedia is a secondary reference resource that helps explain historical, linguistic and theological background. It does not replace the biblical text itself.

See also

Christian reference works

Christian theology and history

Christian education and publishing

References


Further reading

  • Cross, F. L., and E. A. Livingstone, editors. The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. Oxford University Press.
  • McGrath, Alister E. Christian Theology: An Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell.
  • The Encyclopedia of Christianity. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company and Brill.
  • The Catholic Encyclopedia. Robert Appleton Company, 1907–1912.
  • The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Eerdmans.
  • The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge. Funk and Wagnalls.

External links

About WikiChristian

WikiChristian is a collaborative Christian encyclopedia and ministry resource. Readers can explore articles about the Bible, Jesus Christ, Christianity, Christian theology, Christian history, Christian denominations, Christian ministry, and Christian music.

Safe-mode notice: Editing is temporarily limited to approved contributors while WikiChristian addresses spam and account abuse. You may create an account, confirm your email address, and review how to become an editor or administrator. For assistance, contact the WikiChristian administrators.

Sister project: WikiMD Health Encyclopedia

WikiChristian is supported by its contributors, donors, and sponsors. See Sponsors and disclosures.

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