Historical Dictionary of the Reformed Churches: (Historical Dictionaries of Religions, Philosophies, and Movements Series)

As its name implies, the Reformed tradition grew out of the 16th century Protestant Reformation. The Reformed churches consider themselves to be the Catholic Church reformed. The movement originated in the reform efforts of Huldrych Zwingli (1484-1531) of Zurich and John Calvin (1509-1564) of Geneva. Although the Reformed movement was dependent upon many Protestant leaders, it was Calvin's tireless work as a writer, preacher, teacher, and social and ecclesiastical reformer that provided a substantial body of literature and an ethos from which the Reformed tradition grew. Today, the Reformed churches are a multicultural, multiethnic, and multinational phenomenon. The second edition of the Historical Dictionary of the Reformed Churches contains information on the major personalities, events, facts, movements, and beliefs of the Reformed churches. This is done through a list of acronyms and abbreviations, a chronology, an introductory essay, appendixes, a bibliography, and over 800 cross-referenced dictionary entries on leaders, personalities, events, facts, movements, and beliefs of the Reformed churches.

About the Author :
Robert Benedetto is director of the Flora Lamson Hewlett Library, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California. He was previously director of special collections at Princeton Theological Seminary and associate librarian at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. Donald K. McKim is Academic and Reference Editor for Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, Kentucky. He was previously academic dean and professor of theology at Memphis Theological Seminary and professor of theology at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.

Review :
The authors are to be congratulated for producing an extremely valuable work...this book belongs on the desk of everyone who wants a ready reference to the history and diversities of the Reformed tradition. The strength of this work is its compact depth and worldwide perspective...highly recommended for academic collections. The topical bibliography, which runs more than 150 pages, is one of the strongest features of the book. The listings include very current material as well as historic titles, with many geographic locations among the subject divisions. Academic and large public libraries with an interest in this topic should seriously consider purchase. This dictionary is a fine resource for any library with a collection in theology and Christian history. A welcome example of a second edition that is definitely worth having. It will find a ready audience among all who have a scholarly interest in the Reformed tradition.... Recommended. A welcome addition to the religious reference section of the academic library...rich in interesting topics... This is an excellent guide to the key events, figures, denominations, movements, and individuals connected to Reformed churches and theology.