Research Guides: Religion and Philosophy Subject Guide: Background Info & Books

Reference sources

Finding background information

When you are new to a topic, library-subscribed reference sources can help you define key terms and gain a general understanding. These are similar to Wikipedia, except that they are more authoritative. You can use such sources in your assignments with confidence.

Here are some reference sources that are relevant to Religion and Philosophy:

Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Credo Reference is a digital collection of general reference resources (encyclopedias, dictionaries, and handbooks etc.). You may search this collection in its entirety, limit your search to a group of works on a given topic (e.g. religion or philosophy), or even limit your search to one specific reference resource.
Dates covered:: Various
Concurrent users: Unlimited
Provider: Credo
Full text: Yes

Credo Reference Topic Page - Religion

Credo Reference Topic Page - Philosophy

Cambridge Companions Online This link opens in a new window
Theme-based collections of works in the Cambridge Companions series. This platform allows cross-searching of 572 reference titles. Collections include: Music; Philosophy, Religion, and Culture; Literature and Classics.
Dates covered: 1991 - Current
Concurrent users: Unlimited
Provider: Cambridge University Press
Full-text: Yes

More Library-subscribed reference works

Books

The Library has hundreds of thousands of books, both online and in print. They range from introductory texts to in-depth scholarly studies of specialized topics. Search our vast collection with OneSearch.

Access OneSearch

Tips for using OneSearch to find books:

Filter your results so that only books appear in the results list
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Detailed Guide to OneSearch

Recommended books

Here are some highlights from the Library's book collection relevant to Religion and Philosophy:

Dictionary of Philosophy of Religion by Charles Taliaferro (Editor); Elsa J. Marty
Call Number: R 210.3 D561 2010
ISBN: 9781441111975
Publication Date: 2010
This book covers world religions and sources from east and west. It is an indispensable resource for students and scholars
Encyclopedia of Religion
Call Number: R 200.3 En197 2005
ISBN: 0028657330
Publication Date: 2005
This set of encyclopedia presents a cross-cultural approach that emphasizes religion's role within everyday life and as a unique experience from culture to culture.
Making sense : a student's guide to research and writing ; religious studies by Margot Northey; Joel N. Lohr; Bradford A. Anderson
Call Number: 200.71141 N815M 2015
ISBN: 9780199010349
Publication Date: 2015
This book outlines general principles of style, grammar, and punctuation while also covering issues such as how to conduct academic research in religious studies, how to read religious texts, how to write essays and short assignments, how to document sources, and how to give an oral presentation.