Christian education takes place in Sunday schools of small country churches and in the classrooms of major universities. This encyclopedia effectively covers both types and so much more besides. It accomplishes this by casting a wide net that reveals a preference for quantity of A–Z entries over depth in the case of most entries. The average length of an article is hardly more than one full page, which is only occasionally problematic. Articles for Catechism and Jesus Christ, for example, are limited to a single page each, which is surprisingly light. There are rare exceptions, such as the nine-page treatment of Christian education in the ancient world. Entries focus heavily on people and places. Personalities with at least some influence in the field include people like Augustine, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John Calvin, and Thomas Merton (as well as many lesser-knowns). The geographical coverage highlights seemingly every meaningful region in the world: Australia, Belgium, Chile, Germany, Uganda, and approximately 100 others. More than 25 denominational groups are profiled as well, including Assemblies of God, Lutheran, and Mennonite groups. Many of the groups covered predate the 'denominational era,' such as the ancient schools of Alexandria, Caesarea, Ephesus, and Rome. And speaking of schools, more than 60 universities and seminaries receive special attention. True researchers in the field will appreciate the encyclopedia’s scope extending well past people and places. The content and message of Christian education is dealt with systematically (e.g., Atonement, Baptism, Holiness, Ethics). Methodology is explored in a variety of ways, too, covering mentoring, different learning styles, pedagogy, and small groups. Demographic entries include numerous aspects of working with children, adolescents, and families. Accompanying each article are approximately five references for further study. In sum, this specialty set has no serious rivals in the reference realm, and it is highly recommended for academic and religious collections.

Booklist, Starred Review

The arrangement of the 1,200 entries is alphabetical, but an appendix provides 19 introductory essays and a list of relevant entries for each. . . .A list of the credentials of the 400 contributors is also provided. . . .Recommended...for evangelical ministers and seminaries of public libraries that have a demand for evangelical literature.

Library Journal

It is most unusual for a reference work to contain five forewords, and even more striking when each is written by a prominent figure in the field of Christian education. Another distinctive feature is the work's nearly two-dozen ‘Lead-in Introductions,’ which stand separately from the A-Z arrangement of encyclopedia articles. Comprising approximately 1,200 entries written by 400 authors from 75 countries, the content can be accessed either alphabetically or by broad subject. The introductions permit readers to approach the content thematically, but their inclusion towards the end of the third volume makes it less likely that they will be discovered by students or used as extensively as intended. Alphabetical entries vary in length; all conclude with a short references and resources list. The scope of topics covered is global, ecumenical, and immense; the roster of contributors is equally impressive. It is striking that biographical entries include figures as diverse as philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein and entrepreneur John Wanamaker, and perhaps a bit surprising that organizations as prominent as the YMCA and YWCA warrant an entry shorter than ‘Metaphors for Learning.’ But since two primary functions of an encyclopedia are to offer quick reference and provide a springboard to further research, the eclectic range of topics covered more than compensates for such small inconsistencies. There are three appendixes: ‘World Statistics on Christian Populations,’ ‘World Listing of Christian Universities by Continent,’ and a list of entries by contributing author. Among the encyclopedia's objectives is to foster ‘further research on Christian education at all levels by providing a flagship resource,’ and the breadth and caliber of the work go a long way toward achieving just that. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All libraries. All levels.

Choice Reviews

Contributions of teachers and teaching are explored in all their multi-colored facets impacting curriculum, canons, literacy, training, outcomes, and standards. . . .The exclusive chronicling of Christian education with its universal and singular import is an unprecedented addition to pansophic knowledge. Questioning an encyclopedic endeavor such as the Encyclopedia of Christian Education will be answered as soon as its pages are opened.

Christian Education Journal

Libraries that serve students of the Christian faith, whether in the context of a seminary, undergraduate institution, or public library, are well advised to purchase a copy of the landmark, three-volume Encyclopedia of Christian Education. . . .I found the set a treasure, from the front matter described above to the A-Z entries, the 17-page bibliography, and the appendixes with statistics on the global Christian community, its populations, and universities. . . .Highly recommended.

American Reference Books Annual

Summing up this impressive work, the sentiment 'horses for courses' must spring to mind: for the library, for the study or research programme, self-consciously embedded within the Christian tradition, it has a lot to offer; for a library or institution where English-language teaching dominates, and where an understanding of and sympathy with Christian (and American Christian) values and practices are present, again it is a useful purchase. On the other hand, as a reference work, probably as much because of its field as the treatment of the field, it opens up and reveals a number of interesting critical questions that are bound to impact on acquisition decisions. In any event, a reference work for the specialist and theological library and more for the student and teacher and researcher than for any member of a Christian church community.

Reference Reviews