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GNRS 506/GSPH 506 - Spiritual Concept Analysis in Healthcare: Using (Mostly) Online Resources for the Revised Bible/Church History and/or Theological Journal Literature Approaches

Provides research assistance for the Bible and Church History sections of the concept study. Guide originally created by M. Spomer. 3d. rev. ed. 11.20, S. Ralston, with content by S. Jung, contributions by L. Leahy. Rev. 6.2024 SR

Introductory Information and Instruction

This guide presents curated resources and instruction in steps suitable to meet recent approaches used for the concept study analysis for the Bible/theology section. Use or skip a step and its resources' content to meet inclusion (or exclusion) for your professor's particular requirements. There is a lot of information on this research guide: skim for an overview and then make use of the information, guidance, instruction, and featured databases and other resources here to help you find your specialized research material and to help in your understanding of it.

1. Thinking About Meaning and Concepts: Oxford English Dictionary (OED)

This exercise will help you to begin to think conceptually as you look at words used for your concept in the history of the English language.  You will also begin to record -- or discard -- synonyms for the word you selected when you thought about and chose your concept.  You will also note different meanings, nuances and usage in a semantic field or fields where your concept dwells and you will begin to focus on the meaning/meanings you are considering in your mind for your study.

Next go to the Bible Verses/Word Study Step 2 (and following steps) below or to the Theological Journal Literature Step 2 on the bottom right -- as appropriate to meet the approach and requirements for the assignment set by your professor.

2. Find Bible Verses (Biblical Texts) and Hebrew and Greek Words for your Concept: STEP Bible

As of 2021: SOME SECTIONS/FACULTY DO NOT USE THIS STEP/THESE RESOURCES BUT MOVE TO "NEW" STEP 2 IN THE NEXT BOX BELOW -- OTHERS SKIP THIS STEP 2 AND MOVE TO STEP 3, FF.   THEN SEE THE "WHAT'S NEXT" BOX THAT MOVES YOU INTO HEALTHCARE LITERATURE.

Do NOT use BibleGateway for this.  STEP Bible can be used to find scripture verses which contain specific Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) words conveying the meaning(s) of your chosen concept, thereby accomplishing both research needs (see How to Use STEP Bible PDF above).

*NEW Step 2 for Alternate Approach: Finding Biblical/Theological Literature

For some sections/faculty in Nursing and in Public Health, ATLA database is the main designated resource to be used for the Bible/Theology part of your concept study (after the Step 1 - OED work), ie to "search the theological literature" (Nursing) or "search for theological journal articles" (Public Health).  JSTOR and Christian Periodical Index can sometimes be useful as well. 

The Public Health course also sometimes suggests to search for books: Consult the online catalog: https://apu.on.worldcat.org/advancedsearch?queryString=&databaseList=638  Here are general directions on how to search topically for books and/or eBooks in the catalog:  https://apu.libguides.com/c.php?g=1012442&p=7333426

PROCEED TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING STEPS OR JUMP TO "WHAT'S NEXT"  IN THE BOTTOM RIGHT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SPECIFICATIONS OF YOUR PROFESSOR'S REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ASSIGNMENT.

 

3. Find Primary Texts: Loeb Classical Library, Past Masters and Select Other Resources (See First Handout Below for Orientation and Other Resources)

CHECK YOUR SYLLABUS AND/OR ASK YOUR PROFESSOR WHICH TIME PERIODS FROM THE SHELLEY TEXTBOOK AND HOW MANY AUTHORS/WORKS ARE REQUIRED FOR YOUR CLASS'S ASSIGNMENT.

4. Secondary Sources for Scholarly Overviews on Biblical Concepts and Topics including and beyond your specific words: Bible Dictionaries

As of 2021: SOME SECTIONS/FACULTY DO NOT USE THIS STEP/THESE RESOURCES

We've recommended using the IVP Old Testament and New Testament dictionaries for this assignment.  Ebook copies can be found in the OT/Hebrew Bible  Dictionaries and NT Dictionaries boxes via the link below (they have the black covers).  Alternatively, the highly regarded Anchor Bible Dictionary is also now available online here;  it covers the complete Bible, providing access to comprehensive entries on topics in one resource.

5. Secondary Sources for Scholarship on the Meaning and Analysis of Biblical Texts: Commentaries

As of 2021: SOME SECTIONS/FACULTY DO NOT USE THIS STEP/THESE RESOURCES

This link is to an index to pages devoted to available ebooks for each book of the Bible (and Apocrypha).  Most useful for this assignment on those pages, you will find boxes presenting ebook and/or print commentaries, including some specialized "particular lens" one-volume commentaries.  If you have identified a verse where your  concept is conveyed by a Hebrew or Greek word that resonates with you, you can consult a discussion ("comments") on that verse in a Bible commentary to aid your understanding.  Remember that there are different kinds of commentaries: historical-critical (very scholarly), theological (these can also be critical or application in type), application, teaching/preaching and some have a particular theological perspective among those categories.  Some have a "specialized lens" such as feminist, African or other non-Western approach.  Feel free to contact us for recommendations. 

Additional Resources and Guides

More information on searching for ebooks by author to locate and access primary texts by that author (and use the Search Within function for your concept) is provided in the Class Handout in box 3 on this page.  This can often be a good resource option for writers/theologians not in Loeb, Past Masters or CCEL.

Resources for Faith Traditions

WHAT'S NEXT FOR MOST VERSIONS OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

As of 2021: THE NEXT STEP IS RESEARCHING YOUR CONCEPT IN NURSING/HEALTHCARE LITERATURE (Health Sciences Guide for the concept study is attached in top box on this guide).

Get Help From a Theological Librarian

The librarians at the Stamps Theological Library aim to monitor this Stamps chat service a minimum of 30 hours per week (Monday - Friday; see our research help hours for details).  If we are not available via chat, you will see a link to submit your question to us so that we can follow up with you via email.