A Concise Dictionary of Theology

Written by Gerald O’Collins and Edward G. Farrugia Reviewed By Tony Lane

Here for once we have a dictionary of theology that really is a dictionary (the place to look up the meaning of a word) rather than an encyclopedia (the place to find lengthy articles on topics). There are over a thousand entries, at the rate of more than four a page. These are primarily theological, but also included are ‘some biblical, catechetical, ethical, historical, liturgical and philosophical terms that theological students will come across sooner or later’ (p. 1). People are not included, but there are plenty of ‘isms’—Augustinianism, Lutheranism, Pelagianism, Thomism, etc. The twenty-one ecumenical councils accepted by the Roman Catholic Church are all included, as are one or two others. There are extensive references to four sources: the Bible, the Enchiridion of Denzinger & Schönmetzer (a collection of doctrinal documents from the whole history of the Roman Catholic Church), the documents of the Second Vatican Council and the 1983 Code of Canon Law.

The authors are both Jesuits and a small minority of the entries are specifically Roman Catholic. But the dictionary is genuinely ecumenical in scope, covering a wide range of Protestant (and Eastern Orthodox) denominations, movements (e.g. Pietism) and doctrines (e.g. sola scriptura, imputation). These are all treated in a sympathetic fashion. While the authors are not evangelical, there is little in the volume with which an evangelical would disagree.

Many of the entries are standard theological terms, such as mercy, merit, messiah or ministry. There are also many more obscure terms, such as Neo-Palamism or nomocanon. These are succinctly explained. There are full cross references which are very helpful for those seeking further information and which also make it harder to put the volume down!

For whom will this volume be useful? It will be an invaluable tool for the student when encountering unfamiliar terms. The student who is uncertain of the identity of the Ebionites, Edessa, the Encratites or Epiclesis will quickly find a brief explanation. Even those who are more advanced will find it useful for filling the gaps that remain in their knowledge.


Tony Lane

London School of Theology