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.
A good place to begin your background reading is to find and read an article in a subject-specific reference book.
If you'd like to know how to use biblical commentaries, look in the guide linked below.
If you are looking for systematic theologies, look in the guide linked below.