Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 44:2 (Fall 1982)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

WTJ 44:2 (Fall 1982) p. 366

Book Reviews

Robert J. Kepple: Reference Works for Theological Research: An Annotated Selective Bibliographical Guide. 2nd ed. Washington, D.C.: University Press of America, Inc., 1981. 283. $12.95.

It is a privilege to warmly commend this volume by my colleague in the Montgomery Library at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Bob Kepple has produced a book which will serve the theological community well. The work is a virtual vade mecum of basic tools of the trade. As such, it should contribute greatly to reducing patron resistance, intimidation, and hesitation about library use. Many of us have experienced the frustration of knowing what we want, but having no idea where to find it in the library or even where to begin. Kepple has helped us overcome that dilemma by providing a guide to theological materials which moves from the general to the specific.

Part one of this volume covers general reference and general theological reference works. There are eighteen chapters on bibliographical guides, general encyclopedias, religious encyclopedias, bibliographies of bibliographies, dissertation guides, book review indexes, periodical indexes, and more. The student looking for broad, general coverage of a topic will begin with works in this area.

Part two is more specific. Works in particular subject areas of theological research are listed. Here are twenty-one chapters on biblical studies (OT and NT), church history (ancient, medieval, reformation, American), systematic theology, ethics, apologetics, practical theology, counseling, missions, Christian education, worship, church music, and preaching.

Kepple provides more than a list—his is an annotated guide. Each entry is followed by a brief, yet pointed, description of the contents. Hence, the user is enabled to make a judgment about the suitableness of a particular tool. Finally, the entire corpus of entries is scrupulously indexed by author and title.

Teachers and students of theology will find this an essential tool. The time spent in using Kepple’s volume—in combination with what I denominate the “doubting Thomas” approach to the library, i.e. touch and see—will

WTJ 44:2 (Fall 1982) p. 367

produce a familiarity as well as an expertise in the use of these tools. Pastors as well will find shortcuts to sermon preparation and pastoral concerns in this volume.

There is one omitted item which I have found very useful: Historical Biographical Dictionaries Master Index for American Figures by Barbara McNeil and Miranda C. Herbert (Gale Research Company). This volume is a master index to biographical sketches of American personalities compiled from 34 dictio...