Background Reading
Background reading is an essential starting point to any research project. The purpose of background reading is to get an overview of your topic, and to begin to become acquainted with the key terms, names, and events associated with your topic.
Find and read an article in a subject-specific reference book or eReference database. The Berntsen Library collects reference books in both print and online formats. (*Note: Reference books are considered tertiary sources and are not typically referred to or cited in research papers.)
Use the eReference databases listed below to find background articles about your topic.
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Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Credo reference delivers full-text entries as well as images, audio files and videos.
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CQ Researcher This link opens in a new windowCQ Researcher provides in-depth coverage of current issues. The reports are written by experienced journalists, footnoted and professionally fact-checked.
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Points of View Reference Center This link opens in a new window
Pro vs. con essays that present multiple sides of current or controversial issues. Plus magazine and newspaper articles, primary sources, and more related to those issues.
Reference Resources
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Dictionary of Mission Theology
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Call Number: REF 266.007 D561ISBN: 9780830824533Publication Date: 2007 -
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Introducing World Missions
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Call Number: REF 266 M813 2015ISBN: 9780801049200Publication Date: 2015 -
Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics
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Call Number: REF 239.03 G277ISBN: 0801021510Publication Date: 1999See article on "'Heathen', Salvation of" on page 303. See also, "Revelation, General" on page 670.
Biblical Commentaries
If you'd like to know how to use biblical commentaries, look in the guide linked below.
Systematic Theologies
If you are looking for systematic theologies, look in the guide linked below.