Abstract
Since its first publication in 1957 under the editorship of F.L. Cross, The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church has established itself as one of the standard and most convenient reference tools to various texts, topics, and theological perspectives in relation to Christianity. This fourth edition breaks new ground both in terms of format and contents. The first feature that will strike readers in comparison to earlier editions is the fact that the Dictionary is now arranged over two volumes, and furthermore the dimensions of each volume have increased making these books hefty not just intellectually but also physically. The cover images also mark a shift in emphasis. The cover of volume one is adorned with an eighth century image of Christ and Abbot Mena from Bawit in Egypt, while the image on the cover of volume two is that of the Xi’an Stele from the Tang Dynasty of China. These images intentionally signal the shift in this fourth edition to a more global perspective towards the Christian Church. This is a welcome move, and reflects the focus of the work that makes it new and fresh for a new generation of scholars, practitioners, and wider groups of readers.
Obviously it is impossible to summarise the contents of the more than six thousand five hundred entries. It is most helpful to draw attention to the various changes. Many entries have been removed (thus making it advisable to retain earlier editions). In their stead, apart from more global perspectives, a greater focus is given to liturgical theology as well as ‘questions of moral, pastoral, and political theology’ (p. vi). Furthermore, entries on significant figures are limited to the dead (with the exception of popes), thus allowing for the assessment of whole life’s work and impact. There is a wide coverage of entries and this of necessity leads to a certain brevity. To have done anything else would have resulted in an unwieldy work where two volume might have been transformed into twenty. The editorial decisions of Andrew Louth can be seen to be balanced and judicious throughout. The main disappointed, one beyond editorial control, is the price. At just shy of £200 this will be a work that is primarily purchased by university libraries and not individuals. Maybe these large volumes might appear in a paperback form at some point (although the predecessor editions did not). So it may be the case that due to price this work will not reach those for whom it would bring maximum benefit. That matter aside, this is an erudite work that facilitates easy and reliable reference to an immense breadth of knowledge and scholarship.