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University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

Religion: Reference on Specific Religions

Reference for Specific Religions

This page includes reference books (in print and online) at Nash Library that cover specific religions and denominations. The online titles link to their online editions, while the print titles link to their catalog records. The collection reflects the unique history of Chickasha, Oklahoma and Oklahoma College for Women, with greatest coverage of the religions historically practiced in these areas. However, the library strives to collect books that cover a wide range of religious subjects. 

References sources are useful for getting a general overview of a topic. They do not formulate new ideas or interpretations; rather, they summarize existing knowledge and scholarly research, and their entries often include citations to the sources used to compile them. A reference source is generally not something you will use as a cited source in a research paper. However, it can be a good starting point for your research on a topic because you can gain a background understanding of current knowledge and theory about that subject, and the citations can lead you to good secondary sources and related works.

American Indian Religions

Online

Print

Christianity

Online

Print

Hinduism

Islam

Online

Print

Judism

Ancient Religions & Mythology Around the World

Online

Print

Wikipedia

In almost all cases, Wikipedia is not acceptable as a source in academic research. Anyone can add or revise Wikipedia content, and that content may be incorrect, incomplete, or biased. The only people overseeing the quality of the content are other Wikipedia users.

In contrast, the reference sources here are by academic publishing companies, and the entries have been written and edited by experts.

Wikipedia can be useful for getting a quick overview of a well-studied, non-controversial topic. Then, with that background established, you can proceed to scholarly sources. Be wary of articles on obscure or controversial topics, as they are more likely to be biased or to be the work of a limited number of people. 

Religion and Point of View

Religion can be a controversial topic, and people hold a wide variety of viewpoints. It can be difficult, even for reference book writers, to be totally objective.

Check the "About the Author" section of a book and see what the author's background is and whether he or she practices any particular religion. As you read, think about what point of view the author seems to have. 

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